When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 185

Brody clamped his hand around Nelly’s arm, his grip unyielding. “So you bailed on Carrie today just to go out with someone else?”

Nelly tried to pull free, but he wouldn’t let go. Her cheeks burned, equal parts anger and embarrassment. “Brody, let me go!”

Jonah stepped out of the car. He was just as tall and broad-shouldered as Brody, and now the two of them stood on either side of the car, sizing each other up. Jonah’s look was all casual swagger, his jacket hanging loose, a bit too much skin on show, a smirk playing at his lips. Brody, on the other hand, was all sharp lines and pressed suit, every inch the picture of control and power.

Their eyes locked in the dim light, both of their faces hard to read.

Jonah moved closer to Nelly, giving Brody a polite nod and the ghost of a smile. Brody just stared back, his face expressionless, but the air between them felt icy.

“What are the odds? Aren’t you going to introduce us?” There was a smile on Brody’s lips, but it was all teeth, no warmth. He finally let go of Nelly’s arm.

Nelly scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Why should I introduce my friend to you? Are you for real, Mr. Garland?”

“Since when am I Mr. Garland to you?” Brody didn’t take his eyes off Jonah, but his hand slid around Nelly’s waist, pulling her close.

His voice dropped, a mocking sort of softness in it. “I said we didn’t have to broadcast our relationship, but I never said you could just forget to mention you’re married when some guy’s clearly interested.”

“Are you hearing yourself right now, Brody?” Nelly shoved his hand away. When she caught sight of how dark his expression had gotten, her anger faded, replaced by a strange sense of satisfaction. Men and their ego—she almost found it funny. He didn’t even like her, but the second another guy showed up, he was all claws and teeth.

She smiled, all deliberate sweetness. “We agreed not to mess with each other’s lives. I haven’t said a word about your nights with Sheila, have I?”

Brody didn’t even flinch. Even now, with his face pale and tight with anger, he just watched her, silent and still.

“So, is he your big romantic night?” Brody’s voice dripped sarcasm as he stepped closer to Jonah, looking him up and down like he was inspecting a piece of furniture.

Jonah just stood there, unbothered by Brody’s scrutiny. Nelly jumped in, her words sharp. “Brody, don’t start with your—”

“I’m Ms. Stewart’s friend. That’s all, at least for now,” Jonah said, his tone calm and even. He might have been dressed to turn heads, but his manners were on point, his voice gentle and respectful. Still, there was something about his words, something that pushed all the right buttons and made things even more tense.

Brody let out a low laugh. He glanced down, rubbed his nose, then looked back at Nelly.

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