Free Redeemed Complete: A Military Stepbrother Romance by Lucy Snow

trying to make out who had interrupted him. I saw the opportunity and tried to push him away, get out from under him, and get to safety, both from him and whoever it was that was getting in his way. Not that I wasn’t immediately grateful for the help, but I didn’t know this new guy either and after what was happening now I wasn’t taking any chances. “I said, this doesn’t concern you. The lady and I were just having a disagreement. It’s been resolved. Now move along.”

    Steve didn’t let me get away, though, so our disagreement was definitely not resolved. As I resisted and pushed against him, he tightened his grip and I fell back against the smooth and cold exterior of his pickup truck. I managed to find the words right then. “Let me go, Steve!” I rasped in pain. “I want to go home.”

    “Let her go.” The voice had darkened in tone, if that was even possible.. “Last time I warn you.”

    “Oh yeah? And then what happens?” Steve sneered. Clearly he was not used to people trying to intimidate him. I’m guessing most of the time it was the other way around, and Steve usually got his way.  

    He definitely could be charming, as I’d found out, but now I saw that it had only been a facade - just barely underneath the surface, Steve was a manipulator who got his way through force. I didn’t know how such a terrible person could be wrapped up in such a nice package, but I didn’t have time to figure that out, I just needed to get away.

    “You may not walk away from this,” the voice said, stepping forward. The low curtain of light illuminating his shoes on up as he moved closer to us. I felt Steve’s muscles tense against me as the man came into view, the light slowly revealing him.  

    The new man was strong, definitely in shape, and dressed like he’d come from a fancy party. The dark cut of his suit hugged his muscles and looked fashionable at the same time. He stopped just before the light would let us see his head.

    “I said, let her go.”

    “And I said, stay out of it. What part of that didn’t you understand, fella?” Steve’s voice was higher than before. He was definitely getting nervous. I wonder how often anyone in this town stood up to him. Judging by how he sounded, it wasn’t often, if ever. Maybe that’s why he liked staying in Summitville. Must be good to be the big fish in such a small pond; maybe it came with a lot of perks.  

    I wasn’t going to be one of them.

    “I can’t do that.” He stepped forward and Steve and I saw who the new man was. I shrieked, unable to contain my surprise. “Even if you weren’t assaulting my sister.”

    Shit. It was Harrison. My stepbrother.

    “Harrison!” I called out, relieved to see him. “What’re you doing here?” I sputtered, unable to believe what was happening. Not only had this seemingly-nice guy turned on me and pushed things way too far way too quickly, but my evil stepbrother had shown up and was defending me?! Him of all people. I didn’t know what to think, much less what to say.

    Harrison was shaking. I’d seen him angry before, but he was different now. Back then he would rage around the house and the town, and had gotten in trouble for fighting more often than I could count.  

    This new Harrison was trying to keep that inside. I looked at his hands, clenched tight together in fists, so tight I could see his skin turning white. His suit clung to his body like a vice, showing off every twist and movement of his muscles.  

    It was almost erotic.

    “Sister, eh?” I felt Steve relax his grip. I took my chance and shoved him as hard as he could. Steve laughed as he easily absorbed the force of my attack and came in close. “Relax, princess, I’ll get to you in a minute.” My cheeks burned in shame that I couldn’t protect myself better against this loser.

    Then he turned around and faced Harrison. I was free, but I couldn’t move. I had to see what happened next.

    Harrison and Steve stood