Page 12 of Fate Forever and Always

That was it. I let his wrist go, and my fist caught the side of his face. He recovered quickly and hit me back. The ring on his finger caught my eye pretty hard, but my second hit knocked him down. His friends rushed over, picked him up, and dragged him away. Callie and Aubrey were fussing at me because I was bleeding.

I just wanted to leave. Unfortunately, I wasn’t drunk, so I was feeling all the pain and pressure of my eye swelling up. This was definitely going to hurt even more tomorrow, but I’m not sure what will hurt more, my eye or my ego.

CALLIE

The car ride home was quiet. I was very drunk about an hour ago, but that fight with Nick and those guys sobered me up real fast. We dropped Aubrey and Link off, then drove to Nick’s in absolute silence.

I opened my mouth a few times to speak, but ultimately, I didn’t know what to say. Nick still hadn’t said a word to me. Saying thank you to him seemed kind of stupid at this point, but I was truly grateful for him stepping in. That guy was pulling on my dress and trying to cop a feel on my ass.

I unlocked the door, and Nick rushed past me to the bathroom before I could step inside. I put all my things in my room, and after about five minutes, I knocked on the bathroom door.

“I’m fine,” he grunted.

“Nick, let me in.”

“Cal, just go to bed. I'm fine. I will see you tomorrow.”

“Nick. I will sit outside this door and wait, so you might as well just let me in.”

He let out a loud huff and opened the door. I gasped, my stomach turning at the sight of his eye. “Nick, I’m so sorry. Here, let me—”

He grabbed hold of my wrist and pulled me towards him before looking into my eyes.

“Number one, this is not your fault. You didn’t ask him to grope you, nor did you ask me to step in. I know you can handle yourself.” He looked down, letting my wrist go, and then turned toward the mirror and looked back at me through it. “Number two, I’ll be fine. It’s just a black eye and some blood. I think his ring caught me or something. I can see fine. Just go to bed and get some rest.”

I put my forehead on his strong back. “I know I didn’t ask you to, but I am thankful you did, and I am really sorry it happened. I am so sorry you got hurt.”

He turned toward me and smirked a little. “I think my ego hurts more than my eye.” He looked down at his feet. A moment later, he pulled me into his arms. “I would do anything for you, Cal, no matter the consequence…forever and always.”

Who is this, and what has he done with my best frenemy Nick? His words made my stomach do a little flip. I like this protective side. It’s…Sexy.

Did I just think that Nick was sexy?

I collected myself and pulled away from the hug. “I can’t just go to bed with you looking like Popeye. Let me help you. Meet me on the couch. I'll get you some ice.”

He kissed my forehead. “Go to bed, Sweets,” he whispered as he walked out.

I walked to the kitchen, thinking he would meet me like I asked, but Nick wasn't there when I entered the living room. Why does he have to be such a stubborn asshole?

I walked into his bedroom without knocking. He was in nothing but a towel. The view stopped me in my tracks. Damn, he’s been working out. I don’t think I’ve ever noticed how fit he is. I must have been gawking a bit too long because I only heard the end of what he said.

“What?” I asked.

He smiled. “I asked if you were going to take a picture or just keep checking me out while I changed.”

“I have no shame in my game. You look fucking good. When did you get so damn hot?” I felt myself blushing a little. I was hoping he didn’t notice, though.

“I don’t know if I should be insulted or not.” He laughed and walked into his closet to put on a pair of pants and a shirt.

I turned to give him privacy. “It was a compliment, not a dig.”

He tapped my shoulder and sat on the end of the bed, putting out his hand when he was done.

“What?” I asked.

He shook his head with a small eye-roll and a smile. “Sweets, give me the ice.”

I love it when he calls me that, but I’ll never admit it out loud. I usually act like I hate it. It’s the nickname he gave me in high school. I was—and still am—addicted to Smarties. I could eat them all day if it wouldn't put me in a sugar shock.

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