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In the past few days, I’ve made myself come more times than I care to admit. Like a fucking teenager. And all because of my best friend’s sister.

Fuck. I crave her so much it hurts.

When did she even become this woman? This painfully beautiful, self-possessed, maddening woman? She was made for me—every curve, every look, every little quirk.

She’s my type in every goddamn way.

And now we’re getting married. How the hell am I supposed to keep my distance when she’s going to be kin on paper, and completely off-limits in every other way?

And I can’t even talk to Liam about how I feel. How do you tell your best friend his sister is your every fucking fantasy? That she’s all you think about? That you dream about her?

Yeah. That conversation’s never happening.

I’m back in London, and tomorrow I have to attend the Annual Hockey Gala. Everything’s ready—suit, car, schedule—except for the tiny detail that I’ll be going to this monstrous, public event with my new fiancée.

Sierra Thomas.

My phone rings, snapping me from my spiraling thoughts.

Liam.

Of course.

“Hi, man.”

“Nick, I don’t want you to marry my sister.”

There’s no hello, no small talk. Just a gut punch right off the bat.

“Jesus, I’ve been sick about it ever since we agreed to this marriage. And now it’s really happening.”

I can hear the frustration in his voice and it pushes me to snap.

“Fuck off. It’s not like I got down on one knee and asked for her hand. If anyone has a right to be mad, it’s me.”

And her.

But I’m too angry with this situation to even think about her feelings now.

“No, it should be her.”

His voice is firm, calm. Like he knows something I don’t. Like he’s already steps ahead of me when it comes to protecting her.

“She’s nervous about tomorrow. I know she is. But she’s trying to play it cool. Meanwhile, I’m trying to convince myself not to come with her. This will be a goddamn media circus and I can’t protect her.”

Exhaling, I push back the rage boiling inside me and try my best to not overthink my words.

“I’ll protect her,” I say, quieter now. “From now on, she’s mine to worry about. Mine to care for. Mine to protect.”

He growls something under his breath—probably a threat—but I don’t give him the chance to interrupt me.

“Look man, I know this whole thing is fucked, but in this scenario… I’m the best option she’s got.”

Am I?

The doubt creeps in before I can stop it.

“Nick, you’re my best friend. My fucking brother. But this is Ser we’re talking about. I can’t just turn off the part of me that wants to shield her from everything.”