Free Man Up Stepbrother by Danielle Sibarium

beautiful you are. And fierce. You are most definitely fierce, with a fire and spirit I've never seen before. At least when you're standing up to me."
    "Except when I saw them together, I crumbled at your feet."
    "You're not giving yourself enough credit. You didn't crumble, you stumbled. Then you switched gears, pulled yourself together, and made it clear you don't want or need him in your life. And hell, was it sexy to watch." Jagger's tone is firm, yet comforting. "In fact, I thought you handled the whole situation with grace and class. I worried when you were in the bathroom with her that it would lead to an all-out catfight, but when you came out, it didn't look like you even flinched."
    "What are you talking about? I was alone in the bathroom."
    "Maybe you were busy in a stall when his baby mama came in and didn't realize she was there."
    I turn in his arms so that I'm facing him and shake my head back and forth.
    "No way. All I did in there was stand at the sink and stare in the mirror, giving myself a pep talk. I would've known if anyone walked through the door."
    "Then where the hell did she disappear to? Because she wasn't at the table when you were in there."
    "You don't think she could've been the one to slash my tires, do you?"
    Jagger rubs his cheek against my hair. "I sincerely hope not. That would mean she's completely unhinged to do that while people were around and anyone could see."
    "I don't put it past that bitch!"
    "I still think it's a hell of a lot more likely that Bailey did it because seeing us together pissed him off."
    "No. It's just not him. Besides, don't you see? I didn't mean that much to him."
    "That's not what I saw at all. And it's his loss, baby, not yours." Jagger rests his chin on top of my head and rubs small circles on my back. "Now close those beautiful eyes and get some rest."
    I snuggle up in the crook of Jagger's neck, taking every bit of warmth and affection he's offering. I breathe him in, losing myself further to the intimacy of the moment. The scent of pine and the outdoors lingers on his skin. It's the first time I've been this physically close to Jagger, and I'm suddenly overcome with the thirst to know everything about him.
    "Were you scared when you were deployed?" I ask.
    His whole body goes rigid next to mine as he sucks in a few long, deep breaths. I don't think he's going to answer me as silence wraps around him like a protective barrier. A ball of anxiety grows in my stomach. Did I say something wrong? Why is it okay for him to ask about my relationship with Bailey but wrong for me to ask about his time served?
    "There were times I was terrified." The deep timbre of his voice slices through the silence.
    My arms tighten around him.
    "But those aren't things we should talk about before bed. I wouldn't want to give you nightmares when I promised sweet dreams."
    I feel him pulling away emotionally, and I don't like how it feels. He's been so different tonight, so warm and engaged. At times it even looked like he wore his emotions on his sleeve. I've never seen him like this before, like someone I can fall in love with, and now he's shutting down right before my eyes.
    I decide not to push him. I like the Jagger I've glimpsed tonight. I want to get to know him better, and I'm afraid if I pursue this, he'll slam the door shut and keep me locked out in the cold.
    "I know better than to argue," I start, letting him know he's off the hook. "I understand how seriously you take your promises. But the thing is, I don't remember you making this one."
    "That's because I'm making it now. I promise from here on out, if you sleep in my arms, I'll chase away the bogeyman and guarantee you'll have sweet dreams."
    "That's a heavy load to carry," I tease.
    "Good thing I'm built like steel. Now close those eyes, I don't want to tell you again."
    I smile and do as he says. I shouldn't enjoy him being a bossy, controlling ass, but I do. Far more than I'd ever admit to him or anyone else. I