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I wasn’t going to lie, I was surprised when I saw Hawk at my door.

I don’t know why, but he looked more beautiful than before. Maybe it was because his eyes were crystal clear, the feelings for me evident in them. He wasn’t hiding away, he wasn’t trying to pretend there wasn’t anything between us.

The minute I opened the door, Hawk crossed the threshold and pulled me into a deep kiss. I should have been more concerned about the fact that we were in public, that Max might come back at any time, but the way his lips consumed mine, the way his hand cupped my cheek, softly but also filled with strength.

He tilted my head to the side, sliding his tongue across my bottom lip. I opened for him. His other hand pressed flat against the small of my back, tilting me backwards so he had better access to my mouth. I clutched the back of his head, my fingers tugging at the roots. I heard him grunt and growl in approval.

This was a different sort of kiss, not one that would lead to sex. This was a kiss that staked a claim. This was a kiss that said things were different, that something had changed.

“What was that?” I asked. My voice could barely speak. I was breathless in the best sort of way. I managed to crack my eyes open so I could look at him and saw him staring down at me.

“A kiss,” he said. “I thought you’d be able to discern that.”

“I was,” I said, licking my bottom lip. “I did, I mean. What?” My nostrils pinched as I glanced behind me. “Chicken. I might have burned it. I was never good at cooking. We should…” I threw my thumb behind me. I couldn’t believe I was this discombobulated.

“Eat it?” he guessed. “The chicken?”

“Yes, exactly.”

“Isla,” he began, “I came here to tell you...well, I guess ask you is a better word choice. I…”

“What the hell is this?”

I jumped back from Hawk when I heard my brother’s familiar growl before realizing it was only Max. I turned and scowled at him. “What are you doing here, Max?” I asked.

Max was here by himself, which surprised me because he and Victoria had been attached at the hip since they met, from what I heard. He had an ugly snarl on his face, which never happened.

“Victoria and I are taking a few nights to ourselves to make our wedding night more special,” he explained before shooting me a look. “Also, I live here so I don’t owe you any sort of explanation.” His eyes shifted over to where Hawk stood, still embracing me. I was glad to see that he didn’t pull away, despite Max’s glare. To be honest, I was afraid of Max’s glare right now and it wasn’t even directed at me.

“Well, I’m an adult, so I don’t owe you an explanation either,” I snapped, crossing my arms over my chest and giving him a defiant glare. If I had been younger, I probably would have stomped my foot.

Max furrowed his brow, opening his mouth to retaliate. Before he could, Hawk interjected.

“Actually, Isla,” he said slowly. “I would like to give him an explanation even if we don’t necessarily have to give one.”

I expected him to pull back, to give him some bullshit excuse so he could keep his job. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see him stepping closer to me, his grip tightening.

“Max,” he began, giving me one last squeeze before standing in front of my brother, positioning himself in front of me so all Max could see was him. “Mr. Rogers.”

I snorted. We had all called Max Mr. Rogers behind his back and, when he pissed me off, I would say it to his face.

“I want you to know that I’m crazy about your sister,” he continued. All humor drained from my face as I listened to him, his low voice soft and serious. “And I realize this isn’t exactly what you want to hear. I can only tell you, attempt to reassure you, that I won’t hurt her, and that I will take care of her to the best of my abilities. I also know I am nowhere near financially capable of taking care of her yet, but I plan to work towards that. And more than that, I would stand in front of a moving bus if it meant she would be safe. I understand if you don’t want me working for you because of my relationship with Isla. I’m prepared to lose my job for her, so I can be with her.”

My heart swelled. I stepped towards Hawk and wrapped my arms around his waist, hoping to convey that I appreciated what he had to say.

“Hawk,” Max said, covering the lower half of his face with his hand, deep in thought. “I can’t, I’m sorry but I can’t give you my approval of your relationship with my sister.”

“Max,” I snapped, looking around Hawk’s frame to lock eyes with my brother.

He held up a hand. “No, Isla,” he grumbled. “Can you just let me finish?” He placed his hands on his hips. “I can’t support it because it’s new and you’re my baby sister. But I’m open to it. I know I have to be because it will happen behind my back if I don’t.” Max took a step forward and offered Hawk his hand. “Thanks for being upfront with me.”

“Even though it’s none of your business,” I muttered.

“What was that?” Max asked, dropping Hawk’s hand to look at me.

“I said you better go to the yacht or Bodhi’s place because if you decide to stay, you’re going to hear a lot of sounds coming out of your baby sister you won’t like,” I said.

Hawk turned red and Max made a face.

“I’m leaving,” he snapped. “Hawk, I still expect you to be at work tomorrow, same time.”

“Yes, sir,” he said before turning his blue eyes on me. “Where were we?”

“Burnt chicken and seven more orgasms.”