Page 26 of Embraced in Ink

Marcus swallowed hard and tried to put words to the image running through his head, the sight that was literally right in front of him.

That bastard Colin had his arms around Bristol, his hand threaded through her hair, the other right on her ass.

He’d had his lips on hers as if he had a right to do it. As if he possessed her.

And all Marcus wanted to do was hit somebody for letting that happen.

And because of that feeling, and the rage simmering inside of him, threatening to blow, he held himself back.

Just because he didn’t like Colin, didn’t mean he had to automatically throw a punch. He had never actually gotten into a fight in his life, and though he wasn’t a pacifist, he was damn close sometimes.

Right then, though? All out the fucking window.

Colin and Bristol had a history, he should understand that. It shouldn’t enrage him like this.

And he was still figuring out what emotions he felt when it came to his best friend, now fiancée. He shouldn’t let all of this jealousy and rage fill him.

Only if he were honest with himself, he had always felt a little jealous when it came to Colin. Because Colin understood Bristol in ways that Marcus never would. Colin had been with her in ways that Marcus never had been.

In ways that Marcus had never allowed himself to think about.

It didn’t matter anymore. Bristol was his fiancée, and he’d be damned if he let Colin take advantage or act like he had a right to be here.

To help Marcus along that path, he knew Bristol hated him, too. That thought warmed him more than any form of jealousy ever could.

“Marcus,” Bristol gasped as she pulled away from Colin.

Marcus didn’t fail to notice that she had to tug a bit harder than she should have to get out of Colin’s hold.

“Bristol. I figured now might be a good time to talk. That okay?” A pause. “Colin.”

See? His voice was pleasant. He wasn’t ready to cut someone. Colin lifted his chin. “Marcus, I didn’t realize you’d be by.”

Why the hell did Colin need to know anything about what Marcus and Bristol were doing? Asshole. From the way Bristol’s eyes narrowed, her thoughts were running along the same lines as his. Good. This fucker needed to leave. Now.

And if he could never kiss Bristol again, that would be fucking fantastic.

“Bristol and I had a few things to talk about. I didn’t even know you were in the country.”

Bristol’s gaze shot back and forth between them, and Marcus did his best not to act like the possessive asshole Colin always came across as.

Because even though Marcus might have a claim, he also wasn’t a territorial Neanderthal. At least, that’s what he told himself. However, given how Colin’s hand was still on Bristol’s hip? Well, maybe some of those feelings were starting to come to the surface.

Bristol snorted. “Apparently, he’s here because he wants to practice or talk about a tour or something.” She rolled her eyes as she came forward, Colin’s arm outstretched as if he felt bereft without her touch.

Marcus had an inkling how that particular emotion felt.

“Well, you know a tour would be wonderful for us, darling.”

Marcus’s brows rose. As far as he understood it, Bristol was done touring with Colin as much as she could. The breakup had ended poorly, and Marcus knew she hated the bastard. However, the asshole had just had his lips on hers.

Maybe hedidneed to hit something.

“I have my own tour coming up. And my own album. I’m a little too busy for anything like that.” She let out a breath, then turned. “Hey,” she said, leaning into Marcus. He reached out and held her close for a deep hug. They always hugged like this, even before the engagement. Now that they’d taken their next step toward that promise they’d made so long ago, things felt different.

Not that he knew how to deal with that.

“Well, just know that our agents are ready for this. And you know what’s best for your career.”