Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers 3)

“What?”

“I need you to handle Mom.”

Her eyes bulge and face twists in dread. “You want me to handle Mom? There’s no way.”

“It’s a tough job, but try to avoid her questions.”

“How can I do that when she’s taking care of our children?”

“Just keep to the basics. I’ll tell her and Dad I’m staying. Your job is to avoid the subject of Poppy until I get back.”

“We’ll do what we can.” Pierce wraps his arm around Darby’s waist. “You won’t be able to keep your secret for long.”

“Poppy’s not a secret. There’s just nothing to discuss yet.”

“Yet,” he reaffirms with a smug smile. “I bet next weekend there will be a lot to discuss.”

“My business.”

Darby giggles, shoving her shoulder into his side. “Okay, we’ll do our best.”

I grin, knowing I’ve given her an impossible job.

“She’s on her way.” Dante strolls over. “Ryanne called after the show.”

“No problem.”

He props against the wall, evidently sticking around. “How long did you extend your stay?”

“Until Thursday.”

“Don’t know what you have planned, but the helicopter tour is cool, there are awesome shows all over the strip, and the new stadium isn’t too far if you’re into that.”

“Not staying in Vegas to sightsee.”

He turns toward me, his eyes stormy, his expression hard. Last night, his protective instincts were obvious, but he had an ease about him. Opposite of the way he’s eyeing me now.

“I think you get Pips is my girl.”

“Picked up on that.”

“Which means I look out for her, all the time.”

“Glad to hear it.”

“Poppy Malone isn’t the dreamer she portrays. She’s one of the smartest and kindest people I’ve ever known. She’s also one of the toughest.”

“You want to get to your point?”

“If you’re looking for a casual hook-up to have fun, move on. She’s not that woman.”

“You don’t know shit about me.”

“I know your type. A big shot executive that comes to Vegas to have a little fun. A gorgeous performer catches your eye, and suddenly you’re buying presents, paying for private cabanas, extending your stay at a swanky hotel, and expecting her to stay with you.”

Anger boils in my blood at his assumptions, and I stand to full height, crossing my arms to keep from curling my fists. He doesn’t balk, challenging me with his glare.

“Poppy told me you’re her family. Out of respect, I’ll let that slide. What happens between Poppy and me is between us, and I figure she’ll share what she wants. But I’m not expecting anything from her. Everything that happens is her choice. What the fuck is wrong with me hanging around to get to know her?”

“If she told you I was her family, then you need to know I take the job seriously. The family she grew up with chewed her up and spit her out. They fucked her over on the concept of loyalty, love, and moral values.”

“Jesus, Dante, maybe you should shut up and let Poppy share with me.”

“Maybe I should, but she’s a fucking superstar. She bounced back with flying colors. She lives her life with so much love it bleeds from her. I met your friends and family. Saw the way she glowed. I have to know you will not be ‘that guy’. The guy who breaks her spirit for his rocks.”

“I let it slide once, not feeling generous this time. I’d never break her.” The anger turns to fury, and I try to tame it back for the sake of Poppy’s momentary arrival.

His eyes rake up and down my body, which is practically vibrating. His expression changes as a wide smile splits across his face. “Fuck me, Pips found a Rambo.”

“Not smart to provoke me right now.”

“I had to see for myself if you had staying power.” He barks out a laugh, slapping me on the shoulder.

Staying Power? “What the hell does that mean?”

“I’ll give you two days. If you don’t figure it out by then, I’ll clue you in.”

“If you’re referring to the ridiculous phrase I think you are, then rest assured.”

“Good.”

“Shit, three hours ago, I had my sister in tears riding my ass. Now you. Is this going to be a habit?”

“Who knows?” He shrugs, still smiling arrogantly.

Right then, the door opens and Poppy comes out, carrying an overloaded bag and chatting with another woman. When she sees us, her face lights up and she waves to the woman, making her way over. All thoughts of Dante disappear as I take her in. She’s wearing the same sundress from earlier when she left the room, but her face is flushed and glowing, her hair pulled high on her head, her eyes bright with excitement.

My chest tightens and pulse races with the way she floats across the space, happiness etched on her features and her smile aimed at me.

“Hi there.” She stops a few feet away.

I step into her space, sweeping my lips across hers and wrapping my arms around her waist. “Hey.”