Despite my best efforts to hold it together, my bottom lip trembled. “I just didn’t want to be alone today.”

Beau scowled, and three people immediately dropped dead in the store. Okay, not really, but they did look pretty intimidated, and with good cause. My big brother was a scary motherfucker. He was a Navy SEAL, and all the members of his team called him Shark because he even scared other SEALs. Not only was he built like a brick wall, but he carried an aura of danger around him, from his perpetually aggressive posture to his trademark narrowed eyes.

Beau may have been a total badass, but to me, he was my big, cuddly, very overprotective brother. And “cuddly” only counted if you enjoyed snuggling with a giant boulder.

“I wish you’d let me kill that knuckle-dragger,” he growled.

I was very afraid that he was literally talking about murdering Axel, not just the figurative, empty threat of “I’m going to kill you” that some people spat out when they were angry.

“Then who would be the favorite uncle if you ended up in prison?”

“I wouldn’t do time because I’d make it look like an accident. I have ways,” he said ominously, cutting his eyes at me as his nostrils flared.

“I love you, bro, but you scare me sometimes.”

“The prick deserves it. First of all, he got my baby sister knocked up.” When I winced at the term, he mockingly said, “Fine, he gently impregnated you with love and care.”

“Well, I don’t know about the ‘gently’ part,” I said with a smirk.

“Ewww! Too much, Blaire. Too fucking much!” he said, putting his hands over his ears. “Just let me finish what I have to say, and then I’m going outside to puke. Second, the way he talked to you last night deserves an ass whoopin’ of the highest level. And third, he fucking left you alone at one of the most vulnerable times of your life.” He turned back toward the door, “You know, I’ve changed my mind. I am going to kill him after all.”

I grabbed Beau’s arm, which wouldn’t have actually stopped him if he was truly intent on going. “Down, boy,” I said, and he growled. My brother growled a lot.

“I just hate to think of this baby growing up without a father. I’ll be there for you and the little runt, but it’s not the same as actually having a dad.”

“You’ll be a kick-ass uncle. Just don’t buy him or her their first gun until they’re at least out of diapers.”

“Well, you’re no fun at all,” he quipped. Then he looked thoughtful. “Maybe you’ll find someone else one day. A really nice guy.”

I sighed, feeling an unfamiliar ache in my chest. “I’m not interested. Axel was it for me.”