Free Claiming Honor (Bad Boys of River City Book 3) by Elle Wylder Page B

what I'm thinking. Well, the possessiveness at least. It's not like I've hidden it or tried to tame it. I could try but it would be a lie and we both know it. Shaking her head, she laughs.
    "If you want closer than this then I need calamari and shrimp and fried pickles." I do not get the fried pickles thing but a lot of people like them. Apparently, she does, too. "And maybe a salad and some fries," she adds. "Oh! And hushpuppies."
    Apparently my woman is hungry. I've only shared a few meals with her and she's been under a lot of stress. I haven’t seen this appetite yet. I'm looking forward to watching her enjoy dinner. Maybe a bottle of wine. Thankfully, the house is in a great location and there are several good restaurants in walking distance. I know one that has everything she wants. We'll have to actually go and put our name on a wait list because they don't take reservations, but it's worth it. I stand and go to her.
    "I know just the place," I say.
    She backs up a little, her lips lifting in a small smile. "Well, let's go. I'm starving."
    Honor
     
    It's typical beach kitsch, which I love. Lots of dark wood, wide open windows, and a big deck. We have a large party so we have to wait for a table outside. No big deal. Lake, Ryder, and Mercy hit the bar and bring us all a drink. After a day in the sun, I'm sticking with water for now.
    "Honor. I can't believe Mark let you off long enough you got to leave town."
    It's a great evening, warm and breezy, so I'm not happy when I hear that familiar voice behind me. Neil Cusack. So much for my mini-vacation. I turn around to give him a very fake smile. I don't know what's up with him and Mark, but I damned sure don't want to get in the middle of it.
    "I don’t work weekends," I say.
    He cocks an eyebrow and then smiles in a way I'm sure he thinks is charming. A lot of people are probably fooled by it. He is a very attractive man. Short blond hair, dark blue eyes, and an athletic build. He looks like he just stepped off the cover of a fashion magazine. I appreciate fashion so I can't help but notice. And by all accounts, he's wicked smart. But so is Mark and he isn't a complete jerk like Neil.
    "I thought you were his right hand man. Or woman, as it were."
    What this hell is this about? Before I can question it Hunter is wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me back. It's subtle, but I can tell Neil notices. His eyes narrow a little and his brows furrow a second before he can smooth it over.
    "You okay, baby?" Hunter asks.
    I can't help but smile up at him. I may not always like his methods but he's always looking out for me. He makes me feel safe and protected.
    "I'm fine," I answer, ignoring Neil, hoping he'll go away. Thankfully, he takes the hint.
    "Who was that guy?" Hunter asks, but he doesn’t sound very curious.
    "Neil Cusack. A rival of Mark's."
    That gets his attention and he arches an eyebrow, encouraging me to explain further. I don’t. For one, I wouldn’t know what to say and for another, I don’t talk about Mark's work.
    "I thought he was a computer programmer? Does he specialize in something?"
    I narrow my eyes. "Why are you so curious?"
    He scowls. "Why wouldn’t I be?" he asks softly. He moves his hand and lightly squeezes the nape of my neck. The contact, so possessive, so alpha, makes me shiver. "I already told you that I want to know everything about you, that includes your employer. Besides, how do I know you're safe working with him with no information?"
    "I don’t know much about what he does actually. He designs security systems but it might as well be Greek to me."
    His fingers stroke the side of my neck. "And that Cusack guy is a rival?"
    "I always assumed so. I don’t know their history but they definitely don’t like each other."
    I want to drop this subject. Thankfully, the hostess announces our table is ready. Dinner is incredible. I'm not sure if the food is really that good or if I've finally relaxed enough to eat without feeling