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glide around my hips, smoothing over my bum before he rips his eyes away from Dan and turns his face into my lips. “Don’t be long,” he says, releasing me and striding off.
    “Come on.” I hold my hand out to Dan, and he takes it, letting me lead him out to the gardens.
    We’re silent for a short while as we wander down the gravel path, past the tennis courts, finding ourselves in the woodlands. The low evening sun is fighting through the canopy of trees and scattering dashes of sparkling light across the ground before us, and I focus my attention on tracking the puddles of light as they dance across the forest floor at my feet. There has never been discomfort between us, but the tension now feels really uncomfortable.
    Dropping Dan’s hand and lifting my dress, I step over a large twig and catch my heel, causing me to stagger. “Oh!”
    “Careful.” Dan grabs my elbow to steady me. “I don’t think those shoes were made for hiking.”
    I relax immediately. “No.” I laugh, straightening myself out.
    “Ava…”
    I give him a tired look. “Just say it, Dan. Whatever you’ve been dying to say since you’ve met Jesse, just say it.”
    “Okay. I don’t like him.”
    I recoil a little. “Okay.” I laugh uncomfortably. “I didn’t think you’d be so blunt.”
    He shrugs. “What do you want me to say?”
    “You don’t even know him. The only attempt you’ve made to speak with him, to get to know him, was when you tried to warn him.” Mum might have intercepted Dan’s older-brother speech, but he still made a start, and Jesse’s ticking jaw was a clear indication of what he thought of Dan’s intended caution.
    “Explain about this drink issue, then.”
    My eyes widen. “What are you talking about?” I don’t like the reproachful look on his face, not at all.
    “I’m talking about the drink issue Matt brought up—the drink issue that hasn’t been mentioned since. The fact he hasn’t touched alcohol all day hasn’t gone unnoticed, Ava. Not on my part, anyway.”
    I knew it was too much of a good thing. I don’t need Dan unearthing an issue that really isn’t an issue. Jesse hasn’t had a drink since I found him at Lusso. He doesn’t need it if he has me, and he most definitely has me.
    “And where’s his family?” he asks.
    “I’ve told you. He doesn’t speak to them.”
    “Right.” He laughs. “That’s convenient. And to think I disliked Matt.”
    “So now you’re suddenly a Matt advocate, are you?” I snipe nastily. I point my finger in his face. I feel really fucking mad. “There is no issue. He has no family, so back off. Let’s talk about what’s really eating you up. Let’s talk about Kate.”
    It’s his eyes that are wide now. Yes, I’ve just homed in on the real issue here. “Nothing’s eating me up!” he yells. “I couldn’t give a fuck about Kate!”
    “Of course!” I laugh. “That’s why you’ve barely pulled your eyes away from her all day.”
    “Who the hell is that Sam?” His tone only confirms I’ve hit a nerve.
    I might not be thrilled with Kate’s life direction at the moment, but I would prefer her carrying on with Sam, rather than heading for guaranteed disaster with Dan. It ended in tears before and it will again. “He’s good for her,” I spit out. “You need to leave this exactly where it is.” I gather up my dress, ready to make a retreat, but he grabs my arm.
    “What if I don’t want to?”
    “Get your fucking hands off her.” The familiar, rampant growl pulls my head around fast. Jesse is standing nearby, his chest heaving, a murderous look on his face.
    “It’s fine. We’re done,” I say, yanking my arm free. I need to get Jesse away before he tramples all over my brother. And it won’t just be a verbal trample.
    Dan steps forward. “She’s my sister.”
    Jesse closes the gap between them, his eyes black. “She’s. My. Wife.”
    My brother laughs a little, not a good thing, judging by Jesse’s darkening glare