Inked Persuasion (Montgomery Ink Fort Collins #1) - Carrie Ann Ryan Page 0,65

said, laughing. “However, I don’t think they’re going to kill you. I hear the paperwork’s a bitch. And you’re a lawyer. You probably have friends with connections.”

I met the man’s gaze and grinned. “I do. And there are little notes everywhere saying that the cops should talk to a Montgomery if I ever disappear. Be warned,” I said, and the others just laughed, rolling their eyes.

“Sure, whatever you say. However, why don’t you tell us what your intentions are with our sister?” Beckett said, leaning across the table.

I gritted my teeth. “That’s none of your business. And Annabelle would be the first person to tell you that.”

“He’s got you there. Remember when I tried to date little Annabelley?” Lee asked, and a little spout of jealousy seeped into me. I scowled over at the other man.

“You tried to date Annabelle?” I asked, my voice low.

Lee whistled through his teeth. “Not really. We nearly went on a date just to piss off Beckett, but I would never do that to my best friends,” Lee said carefully. “And it seems we don’t have to ask too much about your intentions if you’re already getting all growly at the mere mention of me almost fake-dating Annabelle.”

“I don’t remember this fake-dating thing,” Beckett said, narrowing his eyes.

“I do,” Benjamin said, sipping his drink. “You pissed off Annabelle while we were all in college, and she went to a frat party with Lee.”

I scowled at the other man again.

“We went to the same frat party with our groups of friends. I did not go on a date or anything like that with Annabelle. Hey, why am I in the spotlight here? I thought we were here for Jacob,” Lee said, and I laughed, shaking my head. “Enough of this,” Lee said as Beckett started to question him again, although it was all good-natured. Even their teasing of me.

“For real, though,” Benjamin said as everybody quieted down. “We’re not going to hassle you over Annabelle, mostly because we’re afraid of her, and it’s her choice to date whoever she wants. However, if you hurt her, we will hurt you. Nobody messes with our sister.” Benjamin’s words were so calm, so infused with truth that I let a little fear slide through me, even as I narrowed my eyes.

“Annabelle and I know what we’re doing. And if I hurt her, it’d be by accident. And I’m sure she’d make me pay all on her own.”

“That’s the truth,” Archer said, leaning into Marc as the other man sat down again.

“Anyway, let’s talk about better things. Like where is Paige’s boyfriend?” Lee asked, grinning. “I still haven’t met that one. What’s his name?”

“Colton,” I answered, surprising myself.

“Colton. He sounds interesting. Is he treating our little Paigey right?”

“Paigey? Annabelley?” I laughed. “You need to do better with the nicknames.”

“I tried to call her Strawberry Shortcake once, but it just took too long to say. I’ll come up with something better to annoy her, don’t worry,” Lee said, grinning.

I shook my head, and then Riggs came up from the bar, walking directly to our table.

“Hey, lowering yourself to take care of us on your own?” Beckett asked, and Riggs just shook his head, pulling his hair back from his face.

“No, we’re short-staffed today. Two of our people called in sick. So, I said I’d take care of the lot of you because you’re exhausting. Tracy started the tab, but I’m here to help you with food.”

Clay looked up at Riggs. “Can you make my check separate? That way, I can pay for my beer now. I need to head out. The kids are with a sitter, and I said I wouldn’t be too late. We have story and bath time tonight, so it’s going to take a bit.” Clay pulled away from the table and reached for his wallet.

“I got you,” I said, looking up at the other man.

“You don’t have to do that,” Clay said, his expression guarded.

“I don’t mind. You’re the only one who stood up for me a bit with regards to Annabelle tonight, so I’ll buy you that beer.”

Clay just rolled his eyes. “Okay, then put that beer on his tab. And I’ll get you later,” Clay said, waving at the others. “I’ll see you guys at work. Or around. Thanks for inviting me.” Clay made his way out, and I didn’t miss the fact that Riggs watched how Clay moved.

Well, that was interesting.

Riggs seemed to shake himself out of whatever he was thinking and smiled. “Okay,