Page 51 of Adrian

William’s body flinches. He’s heard of their company. Who hasn’t? It’s a household term. He just didn’t know who the Gallants were because they’ve successfully stepped out of society to live their lives freely.

Aaric chuckles sardonically. “I think he’s heard of us.”

I hope to fuck William doesn’t leave here and do something that might ruin the haven Adrian and his brothers have built for themselves. He could do something stupid out of spite and make our family’s life hell.

As that scenario forms in my head, I wince. I want to strangle William. And I don’t like the look on his face as it slowly changes from shock to a smirk. He backs up, shaking a finger at me. “This isn’t over, Blair. I suggest you think about your actions and reconsider. No one gives up one of the most lucrative companies on Earth because of a good fuck. Come to your senses, or there will be consequences.”

Adrian moves me to the side and leans forward. “Are you threatening my wife, asshole?”

William smirks. He’s trying to look tough, but he’s shaking, and there’s sweat forming on his brow. He cocks his head to one side, glaring at Adrian. “You won’t win this fight. I don’t know what the fuck you think you’re doing, messing with the Snyders, but you should cut your losses now. Blair doesn’t belong in your world. The sooner you see reason, the better.”

Andrew closes ranks with the rest of the Gallants. “Now you’re threatening my brother?” He continues forward until he’s inches from William. “Get in your fucking rental car and get off our property. Do not come back. If any of you step foot on Gallant Mountain again, I’ll have the sheriff throw your asses in jail. Do I make myself clear?”

“You think you own the fucking sheriff?” William retorts.

Aaron joins in next, “Oh, you’re a piece of work, Sanford. An idiot, too. This is a small town. We stick together. Go home to your piles of money and cut your losses. Find someone else willing to sell their soul to the devil. It won’t be my sister-in-law.”

My breath hitches. These men have my back. All of them. They’re livid. No one has ever stood up for me before. I’ve never had a tribe. Now I do. I just hope they aren’t sorry they are supporting me. I suspect William will report some warped version of our exchange to my parents. It won’t be pretty.

This merger is important to him. Obviously, he’s driven by money. I’ve been wandering through life like a zombie, letting people boss me around. I’m done now. I’m the boss of me.

Except in the bedroom. Then I’ll gladly turn that power over to my husband because it turns out I love his form of bossiness when it comes to fucking me until I can’t catch my breath.

Suddenly, Asher is behind William, and he clears his throat. I’m not surprised. The man is stealthy. Nothing gets by him. And he, more than any of the Gallants, will not tolerate a threat to his family.

I’m his family. I’m close to crying, and I don’t want William to see me break down. It has nothing to do with him or my decision. It’s because I’m overwhelmed by the love and support from people who were strangers just a few days ago.

Asher growls. “Get in your fucking car and get gone, Sanford. The sheriff will be here any minute. I don’t think you want to still be on our property threatening our family when he arrives.”

William spins around. “Fuck you.”

All six brothers surround him, moving closer.

William glares at me. “This isn’t over.”

“Oh, but it is,” I say, keeping my head high and my tears at bay.

Finally, he hops into his SUV, tires squealing out of the clearing, heading back toward the main road to town.

I slump against my husband, and the dam breaks.

Eighteen

Adrian

* * *

I’m so fucking proud of my wife. She held her head high and stood up to Sanford without once letting him see her sweat. I’m also not surprised that she collapsed against me the moment he left. He was cruel and probably caused her to panic inside.

I pull her into my embrace and hold her tight while she cries. Everyone else nods toward me and disperses. They understand. And bless them all for having my back.

After sweeping Blair into my arms, I carry her back to our house and sequester us from everyone. I sit on the sectional, keeping her on my lap and pulling her head against my shoulder. “I’m so fucking proud of you,” I say, kissing her temple.

She’s no longer sobbing, but she’s still sniffling.

I lift the corner of my flannel to wipe her face. Her cheeks are red, and her eyes are swollen when she looks at me. “I’m so sorry.”

I flinch. “What on Earth are you sorry about, baby?”