Free Torn by Love (Scarred by Love #4) by C. A. Harms

explaining?
     
    I could imagine Riley rolling her eyes as she read my reply.
     
    Riley: Um, no. You’ll find out soon enough. Now leave us alone, it’s girl time.
     
    Yeah, like that was gonna happen. I ended the call and quickly dialed Max’s number, and when he answered I sensed he was feeling agitated too. I figured I would push his buttons a little more. “What’s wrong, Papa Bear, you feeling unloved?”
    His pissed-off growl confirmed my suspicions. “You ready to go get our girls?” he asked.
    “Be there in fifteen,” I said just before hanging up. Max and I were more alike than he and Mason were. In fact, the two of them couldn’t be more opposite.
    He was already outside waiting when I pulled into the space Bree’s car usually occupied. I hadn’t even placed the truck in park before he yanked open the door and climbed inside. “Let’s move,” he barked.
    “Where’s Paisley?” I asked as I backed out.
    “She’s staying with Mom,” he replied. “I have one night with Bree before I’m back at the station for forty-eight hours. I’ve waited long enough. Whether she likes it or not, she’s coming home with me.
    Damn dude was like a junkie going through withdrawal. He was worse off than me.
    “Where are they?” I asked.
    “Strip mall.” He slapped his hand on the dash. “Move,” he grunted.
    I shook my head. Bree was going to let him have it if he didn’t chill the fuck out.
     
    ***
     
    They weren’t hard to find once we pulled up. The whole group of them were gathered outside of some girly-ass store, showing off their purchases to each other.
    Max fled from my truck like a man on a mission. Bree’s eyes widened the moment they locked on the grizzly bear approaching her. He held out his hand in front of her. “Keys, woman.” Bree defiantly cocked her hip, placing her hand on her waist. “Now.” He growled.
    Without breaking eye contact, she reached inside her bag, pulled out her car keys, and slapped them into his hand. They had a silent yet intense stare down before he knelt and threw her over his shoulder.
    “Say good-bye, Bree,” he directed.
    “Kiss my ass, Max,” she shot right back.
    “If you insist, angel, but that ain’t the only spot I plan on kissing. Be prepared to lose the ability to walk by tomorrow. After I’m done with you, I think you’ll need your rest.” He stalked toward her car as Bree kicked her legs in protest.
    I decided to take a more relaxed approach. After watching Max behave like a caveman, I figured it was the best choice.
    I looked at Lily, slowly taking her in from head to toe. Her hair was a little shorter, just touching her shoulders now. The blonde now had caramel highlights, and her makeup was a little darker than usual. She no longer wore the outfit she’d had on earlier. Now a light green dress hugged her body, hitting her at midthigh. Sandals with heels made her a few inches taller, and her legs appeared even longer.
    When my gaze finally reached hers, she smiled shyly.
    “What the hell is wrong with you and Max?” Riley asked.
    “You about done with my girl?”
    My comment earned me some points in the sweet-guy department. Riley’s eyes softened, and Kate smiled from ear to ear.
    “I waited as long as I could. I’m done waiting.” I reached my hand out toward Lily, and she took a step in my direction and locked her fingers with mine. I leaned in and placed a soft kiss against her lips before leading her to the parking lot. I wanted to grab her and pull her to me, but I refrained from doing so. I was still dirty and sweaty from work, so that would have to wait until after I showered.
    “Whatever you do, make sure you shut the front door this time,” Kate yelled after us, and Lily groaned, hanging her head in embarrassment. I guess Logan hadn’t been lying earlier when he said he would text Kate.
    Lily followed me back to my house, not knowing that I had no intentions of allowing her to leave tonight. I stopped at the end of