Page 27 of Embraced in Ink

Marcus hated the bastard.

“Yes, I know exactly what’s good for my career. Anyway, I have to get back to practice. So, what’s up, Marcus?”

Marcus didn’t like the feeling that he was being pushed out, too, but Bristol’s hand was still around his waist, her fingers in his belt loops. Maybe he wasn’t being pushed out as much as he thought.

Hell, he hated games. And Colin was all about games. Marcus and Bristol? Not so much. They were honest with each other. Well, as honest as they could be, considering that Marcus hadn’t let himself think about the feelings that he could have for Bristol. Now, they popped into his mind constantly.

He had a right to touch her. Like she had a right to touch him.

Because they were fucking engaged. He still couldn’t quite comprehend it, but it was happening. There was no going back now. And, honestly, he didn’t want to.

“We have a few things to talk about, so I thought I’d stop by,” Marcus said, his voice casual.

“Oh? Do tell.”

Marcus seriously hated that British accent.

“Colin, stop being an asshole,” Bristol said, and Marcus held back a smile. Because he liked the fact that she stood up for herself. He didn’t need to step in for her. And she’d probably kick his ass if he tried. He’d be there if she needed him, though. Like always.

“Asshole? I only want to know. Curious, after all.”

Bristol looked up at Marcus and smiled sweetly.

He wasn’t sure he liked that expression.

“Colin, my fiancé and I have a few plans to go over. After all, being newly engaged means we have to get a bunch of schedules and details down. But you understand, don’t you? You seem to love details.”

Marcus’s shoulders went back, even as he suppressed a flinch at the wordfiancé. Not that he was afraid of the word, it was more that he was surprised.

Colin’s gaze went straight to Bristol’s hand, and Marcus didn’t bother suppressing the wince this time. But he already had that taken care of. At least, he would if his plans went right. Not that he had a real plan when it came to him and Bristol, but he was working on it. Or he hoped so.

“Fiancé? I thought he was just a little friend.”

Marcus took a step forward before he even realized what he was doing, his hands clenched at his sides.

Bristol had her hand on his chest in the next instant, putting her body between them. He didn’t like that. Oh, he might like the touch, but not the fact that she stood in the line of fire.

“Okay, that’s enough. I know you like to be a little sly asshole because you think it gets you all the cookies, but shut up. Marcus is my fiancé and my friend. You acting like a dick isn’t going to change that.”

Yes, there were many reasons he loved his best friend, and this was only one of them.

“Fine, fine. No need to act all uppity. Congratulations are in order, I guess. I suppose the champagne will be on me the next time we meet.”

“Don’t count on that being anytime soon,” Marcus said, the words gritted through his teeth.

“Touché, I suppose, Mr. Fiancé. Anyway, congratulations. I will be off. I’m sure our agents will be in talks soon. I can’t wait to hear more about our tour.”

“It’s not happening, Colin.”

“Aw, you just never know. Now, ta-ta.”

He reached out as if to hug Bristol, but she pushed herself closer to Marcus.

Marcus glared at the other man, raising a single eyebrow, and Colin shrugged before walking out of the house.

Marcus quickly shut the door behind him and put both palms on the wood, trying to catch his breath. He closed his eyes, breathed in through his nose and out through his mouth.

He hated the guy, always had. Ever since that birthday party when he had first met the jackass. The one that had changed everything for Marcus. When he’d been so afraid to lose his best friend that he’d made a deal with her that he’d never thought would come to fruition. Because why would she want to marry him? He was a librarian in a big city but didn’t tend to leave the area. Bristol got to see the world. And she had seen most of it with Colin.