Page 101 of Cash

And the drink order and the way he flirted with other women in front of Mollie and that dumb fucking Denali truck.

I got several inches on the guy. He doesn’t flinch, though, when I step closer too. “I do have a problem, actually. You calling mesonfor starters. You hurtin’ Mollie’s feelings, though—that’s what really bothers me.”

“Cash.” The warning is clear in Wyatt’s voice. “Cool it.”

Holding up my hands, I keep my eyes locked on Slick’s. “I was raised better’n than to throw the first punch. Were you,son?”

His gaze flashes. “What’s your deal?”

“My deal is, you treat your date with respect.”

“Mollie’s just a friend.”

I laugh again. “You’re an idiot, then.”

It happens quick. One second, I’m staring down Slick. The next, his fist rams into my jaw.

Pain blooms inside my face. I taste blood. My heart beats loudly inside my ears. Wyatt shouts. But before he can grab me to hold me back, I’m coiling my right arm and hitting Slick in the mouth.

He falls back with a howl. Suddenly, the entire bar’s on its feet, the music going dead just in time for me to hear Mollie scream my name.

“Cash! Palmer! What the hell, y’all?Stop!”

She’s making a mad dash toward us from the dance floor.

Palmer regroups, the hand holding his mouth falling away.

It’s covered in blood. A white-hot sense of satisfaction shoots through my veins.

Wyatt is finally able to grab me by the arms and pull me back. Ryder and Duke appear at my side, Ryder standing between Slick and me.

“Easy.” He glowers at Slick. “You’re outnumbered, so whatever you’re thinkin’ about doing, don’t.”

Tallulah throws her towel over her shoulder. “No fights in the bar. Y’all wanna go at it, head outside.”

Mollie is here now, breathless. Her eyes are—well, I can’t tell what she’s feeling, but it sure as hell ain’t disappointment or hurt anymore.

Ryder has the good sense to move closer to Mollie, standing between her and Palmer. I taught him well.

I try to yank my arms free, but Wyatt doesn’t let me go.

Slick eyes me. “What the fuck is your problem?”

“Already told you. You upset Mollie.”

“What?” Mollie’s eyes bulge, a divot appearing on her forehead. “How did you—he didn’t?—”

“I can’t believe that’s why you’re being such a dick,” Palmer says.

I glare at him. “That not a good enough reason?”

“You’re crazy, bro. All y’all”—he glances around our little half circle of Rivers—“are crazy.”

I give my arms a vicious yank, finally pulling out of Wyatt’s grasp. I jab my finger into Palmer’s chest, my mouth an inch from his face. “Good. Then you won’t ever come back to Hartsville, you hear me? I so much as see that pussy-ass truck again, you’ll be in for a world of hurt. Got me?”

He narrows his eyes. “Who the hell do you think you are?”

“Cash”—I push him—“Rivers.”

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