Rule Breakers (Off Limits #2) - Nicky James Page 0,76

and he’s damn proud of himself. I won’t have you taking that away from him.”

I got no such promises. Mom and Dad walked past us like I hadn’t said a thing and went into the dining room. Denver kissed my cheek, lingering, halting just short of nuzzling before giving my neck one last squeeze and backing off.

Vanya was still in the doorway, and our eyes locked. Hers narrowed.

“I’m sorry. They started it.”

She shook her head and studied me again with a look in her eyes I recognized. She glanced at Denver once then refocused on me. “Come on.”

I let her head back into the kitchen out of sight before weaving my fingers with Denver’s and dragging him into my space. I leaned my head on his shoulder for a minute, leaching his strength, finding my feet so I could get through dinner.

“Try not to stir shit up,” he said, and I growled and tore my hand from his.

“I didn’t do anything but defend my son. They’re the ones who—”

He jammed a finger against my lips, but I batted it away. “I know it’s on them, but don’t give them a reaction. It just feeds them, and they always find ways to make you look bad.”

“You’re such a peacekeeper. I hate it. I don’t want to let it go. I shouldn’t have to.”

Denver tapped my lips again, grinning. “Your pout almost puts Eddy’s to shame.”

“Fuck off.” I smacked his arm away a second time, but he smiled and dragged me against him again. We were alone, but this wasn’t the place to get cozy.

Denver leaned his forehead to mine, our faces inches apart. “Be good.”

“Or else?”

Denver wiggled his brows and brushed our lips together.

I growled again.

He laughed and turned me, shoving me toward the dining room. “Go. You’re encouraging shit you shouldn’t.”

“You started it.”

“Always passing blame.”

The table was long and rectangular. Dan had a spot at the head, and my dad took the other. Everyone else was dispersed on either side. I sat beside Denver and across from Vanya. Edison had gotten stuck in the middle of his cousins. Mom was beside Denver.

There were several boxes of pizza and a few large containers of salad spread out.

“The birthday girl chose dinner tonight,” Dan said, waving at the boxes and encouraging people to dive in. “Enjoy.”

The conversation was choppy. When it was about Vanya, her kids, or Dan’s work, things flowed smoothly. When Mom asked Edison about his plans for the future—because of course she would—Denver cut in, sharing some long-winded story about his job that made no sense to anyone. I held Edison’s gaze from across the table, doing all I could to impart my love and support without words. He looked as uncomfortable as I felt.

Afterward, we all sang happy birthday to my niece and enjoyed cake and ice cream. When the meal came to an end, Dan collected the plates. “Can I get anyone a drink? More wine, Ma?” he asked my mother.

“That’d be lovely.”

“None for me,” Dad said. “One’s my limit these days.”

“Edison, would you like a beer or something?” Dan asked.

“Do not offer my grandson alcohol. That’s the last thing he needs.”

“Mom, Edison’s twenty,” Vanya said, jumping in before I snapped. “Last I checked, the legal drinking age in Ontario is nineteen.”

“Your point, dear?”

“He’s an adult. It’s his choice. He can have a beer if he wants one.”

Mom huffed, clearly disagreeing.

“I’m okay,” Edison said sheepishly. “I work later anyhow. I shouldn’t.”

And I could tell Mom wanted to say something about that as well. Before she could, I launched from my chair, but Denver caught my shoulder and shoved me back into my seat before I could say anything I was going to regret.

Vanya jumped in again. “Harley, could you help me clean up the kitchen?”

I was about to say no because someone needed to defend my son, but Denver interrupted.

“Go,” Denver whispered in my ear, his hand squeezing my thigh under the table. “I’ve got Eddy. Take a breather.”

I wanted to lean against him and let his calmness surround me. I wanted to leave, but I knew I couldn’t. Not yet. Instead, I said, “Thank you.”

I cracked my knuckles over and over as I stood. Edison’s big wary eyes didn’t leave my face. I silently asked him if he was okay, and he nodded. I didn’t believe him.

Vanya did not want to clean the kitchen. I should have suspected it was more than just a ploy to get me away from another potential fight. She dragged me