ignoring for way too long. My girl was in danger and learning to shoot would be one more layer of protection for her. “Later, angel,” I promised in a low tone.
She sighed long and dramatic—making me chuckle—before turning her focus back to the matter at hand.
“If you get tired of being sexually harassed by your instructor, pinkie,” Scout piped up from the next table, “I’d be more than happy to take over.” He had a smug grin on his face as he watched me rather than Harlowe. I knew he was needling me for a reaction, but even being aware of it didn’t stop me from giving him a death stare.
“Pinkie?” Harlowe asked.
Scout stepped closer and reached out to tug on one of the pink streaks in her hair. “I get the feeling these are your own way of showing your inner sass on the outside.”
I shoved his arm away and snarled, “No touching.” If I gave a fuck, I’d probably be examining when I turned into such a caveman. But I had no fucks to give. I didn’t like anyone touching my woman except me.
My brother smirked and held up his hands. “No problem”—he looked at Harlowe and winked—“my offer stands, though.”
Harlowe shook her head, calming me so I didn’t feel quite so much like beating the shit out of Scout. “Link’s a fantastic teacher. Pretty sure he’s already taught me everything I need to know to be a crack shot.”
I chuckled and shook my head as I reluctantly released her and stepped away. “I appreciate the confidence, angel, but unfortunately, it’s gonna take a lot more than this one lesson. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the hang of it right away.”
She shrugged as she took the weapon I’d loaded for her. “Okay. But I still think you’ve taught me everything I need to know.”
Knowing she was joking, I didn’t bother to reply, though I smiled and gave her a wink. “Get into your stance, angel.” I pointed at the target, a silhouette of the top half of a body. “Right now, just try to hit the paper anywhere. Don’t be surprised if you miss it the first several rounds because aiming takes a lot of practice. You seem like a natural, though. I’m willing to bet you’ll be able to at least nick the target after a few shots.” Harlowe nodded and shifted into the stance I’d shown her.
Scout had been shooting, but when he noticed that Harlowe was getting ready to fire, he stopped and turned to watch. “Twenty bucks says she hits somewhere on the target in the first ten shots.”
I grinned and crossed my arms over my chest. “Fifty says she hits the body.”
Scout lifted his chin. “You’re on.”
Harlowe sighed and lifted her hands. “A hundred bucks says I hit him dead center of his forehead.”
I tried not to laugh too hard, and Scout coughed, obviously trying to suppress his own raucous laughter. “I’m not taking your money, angel,” I said with another chuckle.
She slowly turned her head and pierced me with her gorgeous hazel eyes. “Or are you afraid I’ll actually do it?”
A snort of laughter popped out of Scout’s mouth, and I glared at him before looking at Harlowe. She was completely serious, and I had clearly turned into a fucking pussy because I didn’t want to hurt her feelings. “Not gonna do it, angel.”
She narrowed her eyes, then they crinkled at the sides as her frown melted into a smirk. “Tell you what. If I don’t hit him right between where his eyes would be, I’ll let you tie me to the bed and do whatever you want to me for twenty-four hours.”
A wicked smile slid across my face as I imagined all the things I’d be doing with those twenty-four hours.
“And if I win”—I was barely paying attention, still lost in my fantasies—“I get to put my brand on you.”
My brow shot up in surprise. Not that I was against the idea… in fact, I’d already been thinking about doing it. I was just surprised that this was what she chose for a prize. Even though I was sure I would win this bet if, by some miracle, she happened to accidentally put a bullet between the guy’s eyes, I was more than okay with fulfilling her request.
I pretended to mull it over for a minute, then nodded. “Deal.”
Harlowe’s triumphant smile was adorable as she returned her concentration to the target. She took a breath, and as she