Fight For Me by Claudia Burgoa

Chapter Twenty

Luna

I’m flushed,still trying to get myself together when my brother says, “Luna, what a surprise.”

Tiago looks from Harrison to me a couple of times before stepping between us, pushing Harrison, and shooting him a murderous glance. “Everhart, you’re too close to my little sister.”

I want to tell him no, that Harrison is too far away, that I can see my desire reflected in his blue eyes, and all I want is his body against mine. Wisely, I stay silent.

“Close? I didn’t know we had set parameters on how many inches of space we needed between us,” Harrison says, breaking the stare.

“How close do you want me, big guy?” Harrison asks, stepping too close to my brother and serving him with an unapologetic grin. “I need the ground rules, so I remember that the next time I have to carry your useless body across the battlefield.”

Harrison angles his head, our eyes meet. “Do you have any restrictions I should know about, Luna?” He says my name slowly with a smile plastered on his face. “Ten thick inches, maybe?”

I can feel myself blushing when he casually drops the size of his length, and I can’t help but grin at the annoyed growl I hear coming from my brother. I'm between a rock and a hard place. I shake my head, rolling my eyes in amusement at my brother’s obvious annoyance. These two are amusing together. I’ve never seen my brother so worked up and he’s only been here for a few minutes.

“We have rules, Everhart,” Tiago reminds him. Harrison just rolls his eyes.

“What’s with your family and all these fucking rules, T?” He walks toward the kitchen. We follow behind. He opens the refrigerator, takes out a couple of beers, and hands one to my brother. Twisting the cap off, he takes a couple of swigs. His gaze never moves from me.

“I swear, I’ve never seen this tight ass side of you, T.” He says, finally looking away from me to challenge my brother.

“Rules? Are you trying to make a pass on my sister that she has to set you straight?” My brother looks at me, his voice demanding.

Divert, Luna. Divert this conversation.

However, I can’t divert. My body is still sizzling. Every cell of my body is waiting for more. If I don’t find release soon, I might combust. I can’t stop thinking about his hands. His mouth. Him. My cheeks heat up when I picture our mouths exploring our bodies. Those hands…I press my thighs together when I picture the heel of his palm pressing hard against my clit, as his calloused fingers pump inside me, hard…

“Are you okay, Luna? You look a little flushed, should we go inside? I can adjust the air conditioner.”

I wave away my hand. “I’m fine. Water, do you have any water?”

Harrison nods, opening the cupboard, getting a glass and filling it. Once he hands me a glass of water I drink it all without a pause.

“Are you getting sick?” My brother rubs his brow, studying me.

“I didn’t know you were in town. We could’ve done something,” I say to Tiago, trying to change the subject. I place the glass in the sink. Then, I turn around and draw my eyebrows together in an effort to fake annoyance, but I know it’s not working. All I can think about is Harrison and that kiss.

His mouth.

My brother raises an eyebrow, shooting a glance at Harrison who just shrugs one shoulder. “You’re shitty at taking care of her. I’m not sure if I should head back to Seattle.”

“How’s Kevin?” Harrison leans his hip against the counter. He smirks at my brother, changing the conversation.

Who is Kevin?

“I was thinking about visiting him soon.”—the smirk widens into a mischievous grin that makes Tiago’s angry glare go away—“to get a tattoo.”

A tattoo? I jump into that subject. “I want a tattoo too,” I say, unable to hide the excitement. This is perfect, I was hoping that I could do it soon. “Are they good?”

Harrison nods.

“They’re the best,” Tiago confirms.

“Can I come with you? I’ve chosen these quotes from Mom’s journals that will go great right around here.” I touch under my right breast.

Tiago’s hand raises, his finger points at me. “Are you reading that shit again?” He sighs loudly. “Dad is right, isn’t he? You’re here looking for trouble.”

“Mom’s journals aren’t shit. And I’m looking for justice, not trouble.” I cross my arms, tilting my chin in Tiago’s direction. “I’m doing it the smart way. Harrison is helping me.”

“What the fuck, Everhart?” Tiago turns to Harrison, clearly pissed—again.

“Thank you, beautiful,” Harrison mutters, tilting his head toward the railing. Maybe afraid my brother is going to push him off the building. “Being close to you reminds me how precious and short life can be.”

Harrison touches his index finger as he begins to count. “First, you tried to kill me.”

“You broke into my place,” I remind him, clenching my teeth.

“That doesn’t erase the near-death experience.” His attention goes back to his fingers. “Then, you threaten me for calling you babe.”

“Because I hate that term.” I poke his chest twice. “So, don’t call me babe.”

“Duly noted,” he acknowledges, scribbling something in the air. “And now you throw me under the fucking bus.”

He tosses his hands up in the air. “Your family is lethal, T. I’ve almost died a few times because of you, and now your little sister is pushing me on the train tracks.”

Harrison shoots me a stern look. “What’s next? Are you going to tell him about all the times I’ve kissed you senseless? I guess I’m lucky that he can’t outrun me.” And then he takes off from the kitchen at a dead sprint.

“I told you not to touch her. You’re going to regret being born, Everhart,” Tiago yells, charging after him.

I grab his shirt. “Stop, Santiago Federico Santillan-Cordero, or you’ll be the one who is sorry.”

Harrison stares at him and shakes his head. “It’s like I don’t know you, big guy. That’s a long-ass name.”

“Is everything okay?” Scott steps into the kitchen, Hazel right behind him.

“This isn’t a good time, Hazel,” Harrison protests as she pulls him with her.

“Don’t be such a baby. I’m sure I can protect you against any spider you might’ve found in the kitchen.” Hazel halts when she sees me. “Oh good, a strong woman is here to protect you. See? There’s nothing to fear.”

“What are you doing here?” Harrison asks when he’s finally released from her hold.

“I’m helping you,” Hazel responds. “We didn’t go through your schedule for the upcoming week. I scored us an invite for a gala on Saturday night. That’s a great place for Luna to meet and greet. I tried to call you, but neither one of you answered your phone. Since Scott has to pack a bag, we came hoping to catch some action.” She ends the fast talk with an innocent grin, one the turns a little predatory as she finally spots Tiago.

“Ooh, no one told me that Tiago is in the house.” Hazel walks into my brother’s arms. “How are you?”

“I’m doing well, Little Hazel,” Tiago greets her. He turns soon after to shake hands with Scott, but his eyes never leave Hazel. “I see you’re taking care of my sister, thank you.”

“Of course. Anything for you, T,” Hazel sends a flirty smile his way.

I stare at them, surprised by their camaraderie and unable to ignore the pang of jealousy in my chest. There are clearly a lot of people who love Tiago and are loved by him in return, and it makes me sad to realize how much distance has kept me from meeting these people and loving them too.

“Haze, would you mind giving me a hand so we can leave sooner?” Scott requests, his jaw tightening.

“Yeah, give me a second, Scotty.” Hazel turns her attention to us with a professional grin. “I like what you two are doing.”

“Hunt and Willow bought the entire thing. I didn’t correct them, and that’s how we’re going to keep it.” She claps. “For the upcoming days, I suggest you continue working on convincing everyone that you’re a new couple and that this relationship is going strong. Walk around New York, shop, have some ice cream while strolling around Central Park. You need to share lots of PDA. Small touches and casual kisses too. I emailed you a list of suggestions for where to go during the week.”

“No kissing,” Tiago growls. “Or dating. They aren’t a couple.”

Hazel glares at him. “You better not ruin this, Tiago. I spent a few hours planning this, and your part is to keep that big brother attitude hidden.”

“Just a few hours?” Harrison questions, grabbing my hand.

“Yes, I—fine, maybe it was several hours pulling together something credible. I know what I’m doing.” She turns her attention to Tiago. “Say hi to everyone in Seattle.”

She smiles, kisses his cheek, and dances out of the kitchen.

“She’s vicious.” Tiago frowns at her.

“Especially if she’s hungry or you try to tamper with her plans. I’m just not sure what her plan is.” Harrison shakes his head.

Harrison pulls out his phone and starts scrolling on it. “We have a packed week.” He frowns at the screen. “Pedicures? We are not doing couple’s pedicures.”

“But that sounds just perfect.” My brother smirks. “I’ll book it for you, Everhart.”

I massage my temple, trying to rid myself of the headache this list instantly gave me. “Dance lessons?”

“When is my next mission?” Harrison says with forced casualty. “I’ll take saving Tiago’s ass over opera.”

“Can I join?” I would beg him to take me with him if it’s necessary. “I’d rather slit someone’s throat than—” I wave my phone for emphasis—“whatever this is. She’s crazy.”

“We’re leaving,” Hazel calls from the door, almost making me jump. “Don’t worry, everything has been scheduled and paid. Don’t flake on me, Harrison. This is your time to shine.”

I stare at the closed door, almost scared about what’s going to happen next week. I’m not a tomboy but this schedule isn’t me. Juggling my attraction to Harrison and our activities is going to be close to a three-ring circus. Am I ready for it?