Free The Fighter's Stubborn Lover (The Burton Brothers Series Book 2) by Leslie North Page A

it.”
    Avery crossed her arms. “And how do I do that when he won’t hang around long enough for me to say two words? Or when you send him off to run all over these mountains?”
    Mason grinned. “You could go running with him.”
    “And have him leave me in his dust? Or leave me so breathless I can’t talk. Thanks, but I’ll pass.”
    Mason held up his hands. “Okay, okay. When he gets back I promise I’ll be a voice of calm—I’ll referee you two. Will that work?”
    Dropping her arms, Avery let out a breath. “I guess maybe I looked like I was going to punch him.”
    “Oh, that he could deal with. I think it’s your tears he’s worried about. He said as much this morning.”
    Cheeks hot, she stared at him. “What else did he say? You didn’t tell him…I mean, you didn’t say we…”
    Mason shook his head. “Relax. I’m not looking for a fight with your brother. And we still haven’t settled anything between us.”
    Avery lifted her chin. “Yes, we did.”
    He shook his head. “No, we did not. There’s more going on here than a one-night stand. But I’m not going to argue about that on an empty stomach. Breakfast is waiting in the lodge—and that means coffee, too.” He tucked her arm into his and started walking.
    With no choice but to hurry to keep up with him, Avery glared at Mason. “Are you always this imposing, or are you just this way after a run?”
    Glancing at her, he shook his head. “Angel, you have no idea yet just how bossy I can be. I’m used to whipping fighters into shape, remember.”
    “Meaning a little ol’ girl like me should be no problem?”
    He shook his head. “Meaning those fighters were training for me being able to take you on. Now how about a truce until we get some food in us. Then you and I can have a chat, and you can take on your brother, and smack him up aside of the head if you need to get him to listen. And if you have any energy left I’ll see if I can think of some better ways for you to spend it.”
    Avery pulled her hair back with one hand. “In your dreams. Told you—one time deal.”
    “Yes, you did tell me. And I’m telling you that you have no idea yet what happens when I set my mind on something. And there is nothing…” He paused and grinned at her. “Well, almost nothing that I like better than a good fight.”

Chapter Thirteen
    When Mason finally got Dustin to sit down in his cabin, Avery took one glance at Dustin’s face and knew he wasn’t going to listen. He sat with his mouth tight and his hands on his knees. He looked as if he was going to face his execution. Mason made coffee and pulled out the pecan pie and cut everyone a slice. Dustin left his on the plate on the coffee table and Avery picked at the pecans on hers.
    Wetting her lips, she said, “Dustin, could you at least try to understand my point of view?”
    “What point is that?” Dustin leaned forward. “The one where you think I’m just like Edward? Well, I’m not. I’m not heading underground, and you haven’t even watched me train or practice. I’m good. Really good! So why do you keep thinking I’m going to get pounded? You don’t even know if I can fight.”
    “That’s just the point, isn’t it? We don’t know—we never know about the future. But fighting—you’re just putting yourself in danger, aren’t you?”
    “Hold on. Time out.” Mason glanced from Avery to Dustin. “Let’s keep this to how each of you feels. Dustin you start. Have you explained to your sister why you want to fight? What it means to you?”
    Dustin nodded and threw himself back in his chair. “Oh, you mean like everything? I’ve tried. She doesn’t seem to care.”
    Avery’s eyes stung. “Now you’re fighting dirty. I’m here because I do care.”
    “Well, I wish you’d care less, then!” Dustin’s mouth pulled into an even more stubborn line.
    Mason stepped between them, his pie on his plate and his fork hovering in the air. “Okay, Time out again. Avery,