River
I was seated there with my jaw clenched so tight it felt like my teeth were going to shatter.
Julius stood there, his hand stretched out toward Debbie like he was offering her the world. He had that smug, confident smirk on his face—the kind of look a man wears when he knows he’s pushing your buttons.
"Julius," I said, trying my best to sound less like what I felt inwardly. "Do you realize that she is a married woman? She is Black’s wife."
And yes, at that point, after making that statement, I felt like I wasn't just reminding him. I was reminding myself too that the woman sitting there is not just any lady. She's married, and she's my brother's wife.
But did it stop the heat in my chest?
Not one bit. Because at least, since Black wasn't here, it's my duty to protect his wife.
