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He’s Bianco’s right-hand man, I remind myself. I wonder how many people work for him. How big is their organization? How many of them are here tonight?
“Do not touch me,” I fume. I snatch my hand away but can’t seem to get myself to walk away.
“What are you doing here?” he asks. “Parties aren’t your scene.”
I scoff at his audacity. “You don’t know what my scene is. You don’t know me.”
Way to sound like a teen Jamie, keep going.
He chuckles mockingly at me. “I think I know you. Enough to know you shouldn’t be at a Frat party.”
I’m about to retort that he shouldn’t be at a frat party. That he’s too old, that his business is so damn wrong, but I freeze when a strong hand clamps the back of my neck. I’d recognize this possessive gesture anywhere, anytime.
“I’ve been looking for you,” Jake’s low voice resonates in my ears.
Jake.
I told him I was going to be a minute. Then I went to the backyard, then I eavesdropped on Rose and Rachel and then…Nathan happened.
I should have ignored him. I should have kept walking and found my best friend, text Jake, and forget he was even here. But I didn’t. I fell into the trap. I kept the conversation going and now the worst that could have occurred is happening. Jake and Nathan, face to face.
What were the chances Nathan was going to be at this party? What were the chances of them bumping into each other at a party with hundreds of people?
“Don’t worry Jake, she was just with me,” Nathan taunts.
“I-I was looking for Emily, I was about to text you,” I justify. “Let’s find her.” I try to move but Jake’s hold tightens as he settles beside me.
He looks at the guys and back at his brother.
“I’m glad you healed fine,” Jake taunts. “Would be a shame for that pretty face to scar. Don’t you think?”
My heart picks up and sweat rolls down my back, like sensing the imminent danger. Jake is trying to undermine Nathan in front of his subordinates and he’s not going to take it. He simply won’t and I can’t stand and wait for it all to break out.
“You wanna know what I think, brother?” Nathan says as he slowly rises.
Jake tenses at the word and I can feel the anger vibrating off of him. Nathan takes a sip of his beer and casually puts it on the edge of his seat. He walks to us until he’s about arm-length away from Jake.
“Please, let’s go,” I beg Jake, trying to take a step back. I try to grab his hand but the one that’s not on my neck is already balled into a tight fist.
“I think,” Nathan continues, ignoring me as he wipes his nose. “I think you should take your hand off my girl.”
A loud laugh escapes Jake’s mouth as if it was the last thing he expected to hear.
“But see, Nate–”
“Jake, I want to leave,” I try again but none of them can hear me.
They’re too deep into their mutual hatred. They’re too far gone already. Jake doesn’t even pause to listen, he keeps going.
“–what you’re saying only works if your girl was around. I see your three bitches but I sure as fuck don’t see your girl around here.”
A disapproving scoff escapes Roy and both he and Carlo start the momentum of getting up, but Nathan puts a hand up to stop them and they both stay put.
Sam finally pays attention to us. He runs a hand behind his tattooed neck, and I notice his strong biceps and shoulders flexing with apprehension.
“Nate,” he warns. “If you get in a pointless fight, you’re going to give us a shit reputation. None of these rich kids will buy from us because they’ll be too scared and you’re most definitely not going to have a good time explaining to Bianco why we can’t sell in Stoneview anymore. Just because you got territorial over a bitch.”
I’m pretty sure that’s the most I’ve ever heard Sam talk since I’ve been made aware of his existence. I have to bite my tongue not to insult him for calling me a bitch – in his crisp British accent – because, technically, he’s on my side right now. The side that doesn’t want it all to explode.
