Jonah flushed slightly with embarrassment to see how his hands shook as he undid the chain lock. He was ashamed with himself, but the truth was Vaughan Grey was an intimidating figure, and as much as Jonah wanted to beat the man to a bloody pulp, he wasn’t certain how far he’d get against the older man.
He stepped back, door in hand, and allowed his brother to sail into the condo. He then methodically re-fastened each lock.
“Expecting company are we?” His brother asked tartly.
“You got home alright?” Jonah asked, not just ready to talk about the likely inevitability of an altercation between himself and the man he planned on cuckolding.
“Len.” Answered Nolan shortly. He leaned over sideways to see past Jonah into the open living area. From there he shot his eyes back to his brother. “You sure you know what you’re doing?”
Jonah stiffened, defensive. “You’d rather I left her in the clutches of that pig?”
Nolan pulled a face and stood back up. “You could bring her to her mother’s Jonah, or to a girlfriend’s place.” He said hotly but quietly enough to keep it private. “Has it occurred to you that bringing her here is only going to make things worse for her?”
“She’s safe here.” Jonah said mulishly. ‘Safe with me’ he added silently. Nolan huffed.
“Are you?” His eyebrows were raised.
“I’ll kill the son of a bitch.” Jonah said plainly.
Nolan’s eyes widened and then narrowed sharply. “I don’t doubt you’d like to, you idiot, but I won’t let you get yourself thrown in prison.” He looked like he’d dearly like to smack his brother in the head. “What the fuck are you thinking?”
Jonah’s jaw clenched. “I’m thinking I’m not going to stand by while some monster treats her like that.” He growled.
Nolan ran a hand through his hair and had to turn away. Jonah heard him take three deep breaths before speaking. It was something their father did when he was irate.
“Yeah.” Was all he said. “Yeah.” He turned around, tossed his house keys into the dish alongside his brother’s. His lips were tight. “Yeah.”
He strode past his brother toward the kitchen. In an easy, friendly voice he spoke to their guest. “So we haven’t been formally introduced. I’m Nolan.”
Jonah heard Velvet laugh sweetly. “Velvet.” She responded playfully. “Though I don’t think formal introductions are necessary after you’ve helped clean up my vomit.”
Jonah heard his brother give a surprised chuckle.
“I’d say ‘my pleasure’, but…” The two shared a laugh and Jonah smiled.
He turned to join them. “Maybe we should order food?” He breathed deeply and sighed pleasantly. Let that filthy bastard try and come for Velvet, he thought confidently. At that moment he knew he could take on a whole battalion of Vaughan Greys in her defense.
“What, expired milk, rancid duck-sauce, and three-year-old mustard isn’t good enough for the lady?” Nolan said, playing affronted.
Velvet grinned. “Three year old mustard? That’s a great vintage.”
Nolan grinned. “Well, then, by all means help yourself!” He said with a gallant little hand flourish.
Jonah’s lips broke into a grin too.
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