Megan's mate

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.

This has gotten blown out

of proportion.

When somebody messes with one of us,

C.C. corrected,

they mess with all of

us.

She glanced outside, where the children were playing happily in the yard.

I

appreciate it. Really. But I don't think there's anything more to worry about.

There won't be.

Colleen stepped into the room, her gaze scanning each face in turn.

What are you all doing in here, smothering the girl? Get out.

Aunt Colleen...

Coco began.

Out, I said, all of you. You, go back to your kitchen and flirt with that big Dutchman you've got sneaking into your room at night.

Why, I

Go. And you.

Now her cane gestured threateningly at Amanda.

You've got a

hotel to run, don't you? Go weed some flowers, she ordered Suzanna.

And you

go tinker with an engine.

She flicked her gaze from C.C. to Lilah.

Tougher with me, isn't it, Auntie?

Lilah said lazily.

Take a nap,

Colleen snapped.

Got me,

Lilah said with a sigh.

Come on, ladies, we've been dismissed.