Dare to Stay (Dare Nation 4)

Willow’s mouth opened, then shut again.

“Thanks, Austin. We appreciate you coming over,” Braden said, obviously speaking for her because she was too shocked to reply herself.

Austin started for the door and grasped the handle before turning back and glancing at Willow. “Are you okay?” He glanced at her, concern in eyes that were so similar to Braden’s.

Startled by his thoughtfulness, she forced a smile. “I am. I just want what’s best for her.” Which was true. She’d just grown to care about Aurora, and the thought of her leaving was sudden and shocking. “Thanks for asking,” she murmured.

Austin winked. “We take care of our own,” he said, opening the door, walking out, and shutting it again behind him.

“That’s my brother, stealing all the good lines.” Braden’s voice caught her attention, and she turned toward him.

He held out his arms, and she walked into them, drawing on his strength and body heat. She buried her face against him and inhaled his masculine scent.

“You’re upset because he wants to take her back with them, aren’t you?” he asked.

She nodded and took a step back. “I know she hasn’t been with me long, but I care about her and I like having her around.” She bit down on the inside of her cheek. “But if these people really are her family, it would be selfish of me to want her to stay.”

“Hey. The last thing you are is selfish.” Braden brushed his knuckles over her cheek, and she trembled, her nipples tightening at his light touch.

She appreciated his kind words, but there was a hint of honesty in what she’d said. Still, it didn’t matter what Willow wanted. “The truth is Aurora needs this to be real. Once she has the baby, she won’t be able to afford an apartment, daycare, and everything else it takes to live. She keeps avoiding the conversation and I don’t blame her. But if these people are her family? If she comes from money and they want to bring her home?” Willow shrugged. “That’s a win for her.”

He nodded. “Evie will have answers soon and we’ll go from there. Besides, even if she decides to go to New York with them, and we don’t know that’s the case, it’s not like you can’t FaceTime or visit.”

She managed a smile. “I know. It just feels like a loss is coming.”

He grasped her hands just as a knock sounded at the door. Looking annoyed at the interruption, he released her. “Come in!”

The door opened and Cole stepped into the room, his gaze encompassing them both.

“If you two don’t mind, there are patients out there who are more important than your personal lives.”

Braden stiffened and narrowed his gaze. Willow wanted nothing more than to touch him and calm him before things escalated, but anything she did would only make things worse, at least from Cole’s perspective.

When neither of them moved, he eyed them with disdain and annoyance.

“Who needs me?” Braden asked in a tight voice.

“Devon White. And James Slater is waiting on you,” he said to Willow, his gaze lingering on her in an unnerving way.

“Tell Devon I’ll be out in a few minutes.”

Cole’s fingers gripped the door tighter. “And what about Willow?”

From beside him, Willow could feel every muscle in Braden’s body tightening. “She’ll be right there. Now please leave and close the door behind you.”

When Cole didn’t move fast enough, Braden strode over and did it for him, pushing the door back and forcing him out.

She winced, knowing Cole would not take being dismissed well. “I’m not sure that was a good idea. And he’s right. I should get out to my patient.”

Braden turned the lock on the door and walked back to her. “One, I can’t stand that bastard. Two, you don’t answer to him, and three, I sure as shit do not take orders from someone who works for me.” A muscle ticked in his jaw from the tension Cole had created.

She blew out a long breath. “I know. But–” She hesitated, wondering if she should mention his stalkerish behavior or if that would work Braden up even more.

“But what?” He braced his hands on her shoulders and forced her to meet his gaze. “Talk to me.”

She sighed. “It’s probably nothing, but the other night, I walked out to the parking lot by myself, and Cole was there … lurking near my car.”

Braden let out a low growl, his body vibrating. “I’m going to kill him.”

“And that’s why I didn’t tell you when you came over that night. I knew you’d overreact and–”

“You saw what he just did.” He gestured between them and the door. “The way he behaved? I’m not overreacting. And I’ll be walking you to your car,” he said under his breath.

Now wasn’t the time to argue, so she held her objection back. The fact that he cared enough to make sure she was safe carved out another space in her heart. She couldn’t remember the last person who protected her in any meaningful way.