Lawful: Gia ~ Hunter ~ Julian ~ Jarrod

We’re not the only group on the boat, and the four women who we’ve yet to meet, watch us from the head of the table. As the other three turn back to the food on their plates, I don’t miss the look on the fourth’s face when she looks Jarrod up and down—he of course is oblivious.

When I drop my bag to the floor beside Parker, she whispers, “They’re a pain in the ass and openly eyed, Hunter and Julian, when they went to get some food. Ignore them the best you can.”

I kiss her on the cheek. “I will do.”

Jarrod turns and asks, “Would you like me to go and get you something to eat?”

“I’ll come with you.” I smile and slipping my hand into his, tug him toward the table where I can see the pastries set up.

Jarrod releases his hold on my hand and grabs two plates, passing one to me. “What do you feel like?”

“Croissant and strawberry jelly, I think,” I say, looking over the breakfast selection. “And maybe, one of these pastries.” I choose a small circular Danish with custard filling.

Turning, I smile when I look at Jarrod’s overflowing plate. “You need your strength for later.” I pat his stomach before meeting his heated gaze.

“Later?” He raises a brow while pouring us both a cup of strong coffee.

“Hmm… Later.” I wink, and collecting my cup, make my way back to our friends, knowing that his eyes are on me.

“We should have hired the whole damn boat,” Julian grumbles as I sit beside Parker.

“I agree,” Hunter drawls.

Gia rolls her eyes. “We are more than capable of defending you guys.”

I glance at Jarrod who shakes his head, but then Parker clears her throat. “I’ll fill you in later,” she whispers, her eyes quickly glancing to the women at the opposite end of the table.

“Oh.”

Not long after breakfast, I find myself huddled together with my best friends at the stern. There are large cushions that feel amazing to rest against while the boat sails to our destination. A light breeze feels good against my heated skin and I feel so relaxed while I watch Jarrod leaning over the side, something in the water holding his attention.

He’d stripped down to his swim shorts after we’d eaten, and removed his shirt, and my eyes can’t seem to look away from the fine specimen that belongs to me. I’ve yet to remove my cover-up or my leggings, but I will be doing soon because the sun is starting to get stronger, making the thick air warmer.

My eyes narrow as the woman who keeps eyeing Jarrod finally makes her move and stands next to him with her arms on the railing. Jarrod goes tense but instead of being jealous, I’m furious that someone would make a move on him when it’s obvious that he’s with someone else.

Growling in the back of my throat, I feel Parker and Gia staring at me so I glance in their direction.

“Go and show the bitch who he belongs to,” Gia encourages.

“Strut your stuff, Ivy,” Parker adds. “I’d just hit the woman, but that’s not your style.” She chuckles. “Seriously though, I’d strip and go and show her what you have that she doesn’t.”

I was already on the same page, but their encouragement finds me swiftly rolling from the cushions with snickers from my friends as I end up on my hands and knees before I quickly get to my feet in a huff, glaring at my friends who try to hide their amusement.

Rolling my eyes, I slip my leggings off and then remove my cover-up. “How’d I look?” I turn to my friends who look surprised.

“Stunning…now go… My father’s had enough of her.”

“So have I.”

Shoving my shoulders back, I make my way over to Jarrod. I know that I look good in this bikini and can’t wait for his eyes to be on me. The woman sees me first and moves closer to Jarrod, who takes a step back, placing his hands on his hips.

I smirk, knowing what’s coming as I reach out and place my hand on his back. His head whips around and the relief and then love that I see on his face makes me want to cry with what he makes me feel.

He wraps an arm around my waist, keeping me anchored against him. “Honey, this is Lydia,” he says, and then smiling down at me, his whole face alight with pleasure, he says, “and this is my fiancée, Ivy.” His gaze lingers before he glances at Lydia. “If you’ll excuse us.”

39

Jarrod