Protecting Shaylee (The Fae Guard Book 1) by Elle Christensen

Ean.” Shaylee’s voice is friendly, but I don’t hear any desire and some of the tension melts from my body, slackening my hold around her. I turn to shut—oof! Shaylee’s elbow digs into my ribs and knocks the air out of me, forcing me to let her go completely. Ignoring me, she walks up to Ean and offers her hand in greeting.
    Ean’s smile is filled with glee, which is as shocking as Shaylee’s elbow to the ribs. Ean doesn’t show much emotion, he’s always been somewhat reserved and quiet. After he lost a charge, he retreated so far into himself, that we were afraid we’d never reach him. He’s returned somewhat, but he’s never completely left the guilt behind and it drives him in his job to the brink of obsession. Looking at him now, I almost see the guy I grew up with, and I almost decide to let him get away with his plans to dick around with me. If it were anybody but Shaylee, I’d let him have his fun. But selfishly, I don’t want Shaylee to see his good side. I’m aware of what a bastard that makes me.

HOLY SHIT! THIS GUY is hot, with a capital freaking H! His blue eyes are piercing, like the color of the ocean in the sun, surrounded by thick lashes that any girl would seriously envy. His hair is longer on top with a natural, messy look that softens the angular features of his face. He’s leaner than Aden, but clearly still ripped with strength. When I first walked out the door, he had a dark expression on his face. Once he saw me, though, it transformed into a wide grin and I could’ve sworn his teeth sparkled like a toothpaste commercial. If I wasn’t so hung up on Aden ( damn him), I’d be drooling.
    After giving Aden a well-deserved elbow to the ribs for his caveman tactics, I stepped over and shook Ean’s hand. I wasn’t surprised when there was no current between us. For some reason, Aden and I share a connection that is electric. After our little make out session, I really can’t deny that I’m going to give in to him. But, not until after I’ve made him wait. I don’t care how petty it is, he’s going to have to chase me a little longer.
    Ean slings an arm around me, ruffles my hair like a little kid, and starts walking down the hall with me, still swinging his keys in circles on his finger.
    “Ean,” Aden snaps, “would you get your fucking hands off my woman?”
    The hallway rings with the sound of Ean’s laughter, as he removes his arm from around my shoulder. Aden huffs, but stays slightly behind us, letting Ean and I chat.
    “So, Shaylee, what do you see in this oaf?” he inquires.
    I chuckle at his question and shrug. “What can I say? Apparently, I have a thing for overly possessive and bossy guys. Don’t worry; I’ll kick his ass eventually.” I can almost hear Aden’s smug eye roll.
    “I’d like to see that.” Ean’s smile turns sinister. “In fact, I’d be happy to teach you a few things to take him down,” he offers. I laugh lightly, but raise my brow in question as to whether he’s serious. He winks at me in affirmation. I just barely keep myself from rubbing my hands together in anticipation.
    We head out to the parking lot and Ean leads us to a silver Audi A5 convertible. Aden reaches over Ean and snatches the keys from his hand. “I said you could drive it while I was gone, jackass.” This is Aden’s car? I’m not sure what I expected, but a car just seems so . . . normal. I definitely wasn’t expecting an expensive and practically new one.
    Ean hops in the back while Aden puts his hand lightly on my back and guides me around to the front passenger seat. Once I’m seated, he reaches in to pull my seatbelt across, but I smack his hand. “I’m not a child, Aden; I can buckle my own damn seatbelt,” I hiss. He ignores my protests and clicks the lock into place.
    “You don’t have to remind me that you’re a woman, baby. I’ve seen the proof,” he purrs. Arrogant ass. I put my hands on his chest and shove, but he barely moves. He leans in