Неизвестно - Megan's mate

You would.

Bank on it.

She tried to separate annoyance from the simple pleasure of being protected. And couldn't.

I want to say I appreciate the concern, but I'm not sure I do. I've been taking care of myself, and of Kevin, for a long time.

Things change.

Yes,

she said carefully, wondering what was behind those calm, unblinking gray eyes.

I'm more comfortable when they change slowly.

I'm doing my best to keep at your pace, Meg.

Whatever frustrations he had, he

told himself, he could handle.

Just a simple yes or no on this'll do.

It wasn't just herself, Megan thought. There was Kevin. And Nathaniel was offering them both a strong, protecting arm. Pride meant nothing when compared to the welfare of her son.

Not at all sure why she was amused, she turned to him once he'd settled into the driver's seat.

You have an uncanny knack for getting your own way. And when you do, you just accept it as inevitable.

It usually is.

He backed out of the drive and headed for Shipshape.

There was a small greeting party waiting for them. Holt and, to Megan's surprise, her brother, Sloan.

I dropped the kids off at The Towers, Holt told her, before she could ask.

They've got your dog, Nate.

Thanks.

She'd barely stepped from the car when Sloan grabbed her by the shoulders, stared hard into her eyes.

Are you ail right? Why the hell didn't you call me? Did he put his hands on you?

I'm fine. Sloan, I'm fine.

Instinctively she cupped his face, kissed him.

I didn't

call because I already had two white knights charging into battle. And he may have put his hands on me, but I put my fists on him. I think I split his lip.

Sloan said something particularly foul about Du-mont and hugged Megan close.

I

should have killed him when you first told me about him.

Stop it.

She pressed her cheek to his.

It's over. I want it put aside. Kevin's not to hear about it. Now come on, I'll drive you back to the house.

I've got some things to do.

He gave Nathaniel a steely stare over Megan's shoulder.

You go on up, Meg. I'll be along later.

All right, then.

She kissed him again.

Holt, thanks again for looking after Kevin.

No problem.

Holt tucked his tongue in his cheek when Nathaniel scooped Megan up for a long, lingering kiss. A glance at Sloan's narrowed eyes had him biting that tongue to keep from grinning.

See you, sugar.

Megan flushed, cleared her throat.

Yes.,.well. Bye.

Nathaniel tucked his thumbs in his pocket, waited until she'd driven off before he turned to Sloan.

Guess you want to talk to me.

Damn right I want to talk to you.

You'll have to come up to the bridge. We've got a tour going out.

Want a referee?

Holt offered, and earned two deadly glances.

Too bad. I hate to

miss it.

Smoldering, Sloan followed Nathaniel up the gangplank, waited restlessly while he

gave orders. Once they were on the bridge, Nathaniel glanced over the charts and dismissed the mate.

If this is going to take longer than fifteen minutes, you're in for a ride.

I've got plenty of time.

Sloan stepped closer, braced his legs like a gunslinger at high noon.

What the hell were you doing with my sister?

I think you have that figured out,

Nathaniel said coolly.

Sloan bared his teeth.

If you think I'm going to stand back while you move in on her, you're dead wrong. I wasn't around when she got tangled up with Dumont, but I'm here now.

I'm not Dumont.

Nathaniel's own temper threatened to snap, a dry twig of control.

You want to take out what he did to her on me, that's fine. I've been looking to kick someone's ass ever since I caught that bastard tossing her around. So you want to take me on?

he said invitingly.

Do it.

Though the invitation tempted some elemental male urge, Sloan pulled back.

What

do you mean, he was tossing her around?

Just what I said. He had her up against the wall.

The rage swept back, almost

drowning him.

I thought about killing him, but I didn't think she could handle it.

Sloan breathed deep to steady himself.

So you threw him off the pier.

Well, I punched him a few times first, then I figured there was a chance he couldn't swim.

Calmer, and grateful, Sloan nodded.

Holt had a few words with him when he dragged his sorry butt out. They've tangled before.

He'd missed his chance that

time, as well, he thought, thoroughly disgusted.

I don't think Dumont'll come back,

chance running into any of us again.

Sloan knew he should be glad of it, but he regretted, bitterly, not getting his own licks in.

I appreciate you looking out for her,

he said stiffly.

But that doesn't get us past

the rest. She'd have been upset, vulnerable. I don't like a man who takes advantage of that.

I gave her tea and dry clothes,

Nathaniel said between his teeth.

It would have

stopped right there, if that was what she wanted. Staying with me was her choice.

I'm not going to see her hurt again. You might look at her and see an available woman, but she's my sister.

I'm in love with your sister.

Nathaniel snapped his head around when the bridge door opened.

Ready to cast off, Captain.

Cast off.

He cursed under his breath as he stalked to the wheel.

Sloan stood back while he gave orders and piloted the boat into the bay.

You want to run that by me again?

Have you got a problem with plain English?

Nathaniel tossed back.

I'm in love

with her. Damn it.

Well, now.

More than a little taken aback, Sloan sat on the bench closest to the helm.

He wanted to think that one through. After all, Megan had barely met the man. Then again, he remembered, he'd fallen for Amanda in little more time than it took her to snap his head off. If he'd been able to choose a man for his sister, it might have been someone very much like Nathaniel Fury.

Have you told her that?

Sloan asked, his tone considerably less belligerent.

Go to hell.

Haven't,

he decided, and braced his booted foot on his knee.

Does she feel the

same way about you?

She will.

Nathaniel set his teeth.

She needs time to work it out, that's all.

Is that what she said?

That's what I say.

Nathaniel ran a frustrated hand through his hair.

Look, O'Riley,

either mind your own damn business or take a punch at me. I've had enough.

Sloan's smile spread slow and easy.

Crazy about her, aren't you?

Nathaniel merely grunted and started out to sea.

What about Kevin?

Sloan studied Nathaniel's profile as he probed.

Some might

have a problem taking on another man's son.

Kevin's Megan's son.

His eyes flashed to Sloan's, burned.

He'll be mine.

Sloan waited a moment until he was sure.

So, you're going to take on the whole package.

That's right.

Nathaniel pulled out a cigar, lit it.

You got a problem with that?

Can't say as I do.

Sloan grinned and accepted the cigar Nathaniel belatedly offered him.

You might, though. My sister's a damn stubborn woman. But seeing as you're almost a member of the family, I'll be glad to offer any help.

A smile finally twitched at Nathaniel's mouth.

Thanks, but I'd like to handle it on my own.

Suit yourself.

Sloan settled back to enjoy the ride.

Are you sure you're all right?

Megan had no more than stepped in the door of The Towers when she found herself surrounded by concern.

I'm fine, really.

Her protests hadn't prevented the Calhouns from herding her into the family kitchen and plying her with tea and sympathy.