To Protect the Heart of a Brazen Woman [Brazen Sisters 6] (Siren Publishing Classic) Read Free

bad enough, he’d just kissed her senseless. Bobbie could lay that at her own feet since she’d been the one to kiss him first, but he could have stopped her at any time and they both knew it. Whether or not he was serious or exclusive with Kerri didn’t matter because she wasn’t about to share a man. Not now, not ever, and definitely not Jake. Even if it was the only way she could have him.
    She took the towels off her eyes, no longer caring that her sisters could see her tears. Bobbie tossed the paper towels into the trash.
    “You all knew and no one thought to tell me before I made a fool of myself by kissing him?” She heard the anger and hurt in her voice and knew her sisters did, too.
    “He didn’t tell you,” Jessie and Frankie said in unison.
    “We didn’t want to ruin your trip, and we decided it would be best for Jake to tell you himself when you got home.” Joey’s explanation made sense, but it still sucked.
    “Well, he didn’t.” Not that she thought it would have hurt any more or less coming from him. “I’m leaving. Georgie, will you let everyone know I had to go?”
    “What do you want me to tell them?”
    She could tell them whatever she wanted. “The truth. I’m feeling…betrayed, or not well. Whatever you think is best.”
    “Bobbie, let one of us drive you home.” Joey’s gaze locked with hers and she could see the concern in her eyes.
    “No. I think it would be best if you all stayed here.” And away from her until she didn’t feel like hitting something, but even if she told them that they wouldn’t stay away for long.
    She brushed past them and yanked the door open. Not meeting anyone’s eyes, she crossed the building and walked out the door. Her sisters were right behind her. She just couldn’t deal with them right now. Honestly, for the first time in her life, she wanted to run away not just from her family, but from her whole life.
     
    * * * *
     
    Jake couldn’t believe he’d found the willpower to walk away from her again. Fuck, he practically ran, but it was a close thing. He almost took her in a fucking supply closet. Even though she was the worst form of torture, he was glad she was back. Jake knew she was happy to be back, too, but come tomorrow morning, when she pressed her sisters for why they were angry with him, that would probably change. And it was his fault. Not that he’d done anything wrong.
    He was a single man and could date—not that what he and Kerri had gone on had been a real date—but he could date whoever he wanted. It didn’t matter if the brat had his heart and body wrapped around her little finger. He knew better than to take it any further than they already had.
    Jake was halfway to his truck when his brother and Tyler appeared out of nowhere. “What the fuck do you two want?”
    “You’re leaving?” Tyler managed to make the question sound like an accusation.
    “Yes.” Jake took another step, but Beau stepped in front of him.
    “Did you tell her?” Beau asked, and Jake glared at the pushy bastard.
    “No! This is none of your business. Either of you,” he tossed in Tyler’s direction.
    “Are you willing to tell that to her sisters?” Tyler countered. “They gave you a chance to break it to her. If you don’t do it tonight they will by morning.”
    “It didn’t fucking mean anything. You’re all making too much out of this. I went out with a friend to a function. We didn’t have sex. Hell, I didn’t even kiss her goodnight. I’m single with the right to do whatever I want.”
    “Really? Then why do you look like shit?”
    Well, at least he looked like he felt. “You’re my brother. Aren’t you supposed to be on my side?”
    “Not when you’ve acted like a jackass.”
    “Jake.” Tyler laid his hand on his shoulder, but with a look from Jake he removed it damn quick.
    He knew the guy had a good thirty pounds and four inches on him. Under normal circumstances, Tyler could probably take him, but Jake had built-up