Page 96 of Legacy

The bite in his tone had my shoulders relaxing marginally. Mostly because I’d been expecting it far earlier. The fact that Rune and Atlas had been so calm at the game had worried me. But perhaps they’d only acted that way because they had at least some self-control and hadn’t wanted to make a damn scene. But now, the only witness would be me.

“I don’t defile your sister.” I cursed as Rune’s eyes narrowed. “To defile her brings on a whole other set of connotations and does nothing but harm Felicity. She’s not some piece of property. She’s not on this fucking pedestal that is untouched and an object. She’s Felicity. She makes her own choices. And for some reason, she chose me. But the secrets? You’re welcome to beat the shit out of me for that.”

My best friend pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “I’d ask if you have a beer, but you always have beer.” He held up his hand before I could make it into the kitchen. “But we’re heading out to the axe-throwing place that just opened up on the north end of town, and frankly, I probably shouldn’t be drinking before throwing axes while I’m next to you.”

“I’m glad that you thought ahead.” I groaned and leaned against the counter, the weight of reality settling in. “I’m sorry for keeping it a secret.”

“Should I ask why you did?” Rune ran his hands through his hair, his tattoos bulging over his muscles.

“I’m not good enough for her. We both know that.”

“I think that’s bullshit.”

My eyes widened. “What?”

“I think it’s bullshit. I think my best friend deserves the world. So does my sister. Do I think it’s fucking weird? Yes. But that’s because I don’t want my sister to be with anyone. I want her to be virginal and in a nunnery.”

I snorted. “I think I said something similar about Briar when she met Gabriel.”

“And look at her. All married and a mom and seeing the world. Are you that protective of Teagan?”

“Yes. That’s why I know I’m no good for your sister.”

“Just don’t hurt her. I’m not going to ask what your intentions are or what you want. Because I know you guys aren’t that far into your relationship. But just be careful. She deserves the world, Callum.

“I know she does. Which is why I don’t know what she sees in me.”

“I don’t know either, with your dirty ass.”

“I washed my ass, thank you very much.”

“How about hairy ass then?” Rune said with a roll of his eyes.

“That’s what waxing is for.” I winked. “I just use your waxer. As long as they have enough wax after getting through with you.”

“Asshole.”

“I’m sure you wax that as well.”

We burst out laughing, feeling a little normal for the first time in weeks.

“I’m sorry I lied. And kept it secret. But this small town, man. You know I don’t date. You know I don’t deal with whatever gossip this town wants.”

“So you decided to break that rule and date my sister. You are dating, right? This isn’t just, well, I don’t even want to say the words.”

“I’m falling for her. And that scares me so fucking much.”

“Well, hell.” Rune pinched the bridge of his nose. “Did you tell her about Georgia?”

“I did. But for the life of me, I thought she knew about Georgia.”

“You don’t talk about her at all. I’m pretty sure most of the town doesn’t even remember you were married, Callum.”

“Well, I’m sure they’re going to dig that up and want to talk more about it once everybody figures out that I’m, well, with Felicity.”

“Well, you’re going to have to deal with the consequences. Because you know this town is not going to withhold judgment. It’s what they do. They judge everything.”

“As long as they don’t fucking hurt Felicity.”