Brian spared her a glance. "I'm just angry altogether."
"Oh,that's right." Since violence seemed to be the mood of the day, she gave in to it and stabbed a finger into his shoulder. "You're just angry period. He's got some twisted idea that I don't think he's good enough to defend me against a drunk bully. Well, I have news for you,you hardheaded Irish horse's ass."
Now that her own temper was fired, she curled her hand into a fist and used it to thump his chest. "I was defending myself just fine."
"You half Irish, stiff-necked birdbrain, he's twice your size and then some."
"I was handling it, but I appreciate your help."
"The hell you do.It's just like with everything else.You've got to do it all yourself.No one's as smart as you, or as clever, or as capable.Oh it's fine to give me a whistle if you need a diversion."
"Is that what you think?" She was so livid her voice was barely a croak. "That I make love with you for a diversion? You vile, insulting, disgusting son of a bitch."
She raised her own fists, and might have used them, but Travis stepped in and gripped Brian by the shirt.His voice was quiet, almost matter-of-fact. "I ought to take you apart."
"Oh,Travis." Adelia merely pressed her fingers to her eyes.
"Dad,don't you dare." At wit's end, Keeley threw up her hands. "I've got an idea.Why don't we all just beat each other senseless today and be done with it?

Author: Nora Roberts