Jen_C’s Reviews > Protecting Rebel > Status Update

In response, he crushed his mouth to hers, claiming her for himself, for her, for the whole damn world to see. She’d just laid herself bare, told the entire world what he meant to her, and he wasn’t sure there was a better gift than that. The only thing he knew was that he was going to spend his whole life continuing to show her how much he loved and treasured her.

The door flew open suddenly, the frame completely busted. Weston stood there, face like a thundercloud as his gaze narrowed on them. “She’s crazy!” she screamed. “Duck!” Without thinking, Rebel hit the ground and Weston jumped over her. She was aware of Juan and Nash rushing in, but she turned toward the man she loved.

She wrapped her entire body around his and claimed him right back. Or maybe that was wishful thinking on his part. He’d wanted her for as long as he could remember, and he’d sort of bulldozed his way into her life now. Because he’d do anything to keep her safe. He just hoped this was a long-term thing for her because he couldn’t go back to the way things had been before.

In the future, can we talk instead of making assumptions?” he murmured, cupping her cheek gently. “Definitely. You’re probably going to have to remind me. I’m really, really good at avoiding confrontation. I know it’s terrible and I’m working on it but clearly I have a ways to go.” It was a protective mechanism she’d learned as a little girl. “Just don’t run from me or hide from me.

“So… what’s up with you and Weston?” Against her will, Rebel felt her cheeks warm. “Ah, what do you mean?” Molly blinked as she looked at her. “I hope no one who interviews you today asks about him because you’ve got the worst poker face. I swear to god, you two need to just bang it out and get married.” “Molly!” Married? What the hell!

You know you don’t have to go. I know you’ve got work and—” His ice-blue eyes narrowed slightly. “Seriously? I almost lost you tonight. I’m not letting you out of my sight for the foreseeable future.” Ooohhh. Butterflies launched inside her at his tone. Combined with that maybe-almost-kiss earlier, and almost dying, her emotions were all over the place right now.

His eyes weren’t ice blue tonight, but seemed to almost darken as he stalked toward her. Seriously, what was going on with him? She swore something had changed. And she was afraid to lean into it, to admit that maaaaybe he was looking at her with a whole lot of appreciation the past couple days.

Laughing despite the heaviness still weighing on her chest, she ended the call and pulled up the picture of her and Weston again. She wasn’t sure she’d ever get over her feelings for him. But they’d been friends for so damn long that if he was into her, he’d have made a move or at least let her know in some way. No way a man like Weston wouldn’t go for what he wanted.

He grinned in spite of the heaviness in his heart. Because he was sitting here with his Rebel, who wasn’t really his at all. But she was his lifelong friend, the one who understood him, who had grown up with him. The one who’d written him countless emails while he’d been overseas, had always been the voice of reason when they’d been growing up. One of the few people he would trust with his life.

Are you ever going to tell me about the Marines?” she asked quietly. He stilled, then looked back at her. “You know about that?” “Of course I know. You’re my best friend.” God, he was the best friend she’d ever had. When she was younger, she’d wished he was her brother. But then… a few years ago, her feelings had most decidedly shifted and nothing she felt for him was sisterly. Not even close.