JUNIPER

I swallowed nervously like a mouse caught in a trap.

Damien looked at Liam. "Well? You’ve been staring at my wife all year, Liam. You want to keep watching, or do you want to help me celebrate?"

I froze.

My lips parted in shock, eyes moving from Damien to Liam in quick successions like I was in a sort of tennis match.

Liam didn't hesitate. He stood up, the chair scraping loudly against the floorboard. He walked around to the other side of me, his presence a dominating, solid weight. "I think I’ve done enough watching for a lifetime."

My back stiffened involuntarily at the outright confession.

Damien’s hands...