Page 64 of You Will Bow

“Uh-huh. I’m sure you will.”

“What’s with the sarcasm, Trouble? You don’t think I’m capable?”

I shrug my shoulders. “I think anyone is capable when pushed far enough. I just don’t think almost getting hit by a couple dumb-ass guys would justify being pushed to that level of insanity.”

“Says the girl who just told me I have no feelings.”

I pinch my thumb and index finger and hold my hand up. “You might have a little bit of feelings. Barely there. Hardly even noticeable. But theremightbe a sympathetic bone in your body.”

Lev stops walking, covering his heart. “Why, Trouble. That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.” Then he drops the sarcasm and fake smile and keeps walking.

“Don’t get all pissy, Lev. We both know…”Dammit. I’m not sure how to say this without totally ruining the night. “You’re not exactly the endearing type.”

“You don’t have to beat around the bush, because we both know it. I’m fucked up. But I’d like to see any fucking person go through what I did and come out sane.”

I’m still not sure what happened to Lev, but it has me wondering what he was like before this traumatic event. Out of respect for him, I don’t dare ask. I’ve learned that people who experience trauma never truly return back to who they were before. So, to ask wouldn’t make a difference because he’s no longer that person, and he never will be again. Not that he’d tell me anyway. I’m not even sure Ridge or Maddox would.

Instead, I stay silent for the remainder of the walk, imagining a kinder Lev in my head. A boy with a bright future ahead of him. One who probably cracked jokes and fought with his siblings. If he even has any.

The sounds of laughter and chatter from the partygoers rings louder and louder as we approach The Square.

Before we reach the roaring crowd, I decide to see if he might open up to me about this one thing. “Hey, Lev. Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

His eyes snap to mine, the icy blue orbs glowing under the lamppost above us. “We’re here. I did my part. Now get lost, Trouble.”

I gulp, hating that I said anything at all. The truth is, I don’t want him to walk away from me. But he is. And a minute later, he’s submerged in a group of girls and I’m all alone, yet surrounded by a hundred people.

CHAPTER26

RIDGE

Sittingon the branch of a tree on the outskirts of The Square, I don’t take my eyes off Riley. I could be down there, mingling with the crowd, or even following her around. But up here, I get the best view. It’s the only way I can be certain she’s safe. Cade might be gone, but eliminating one bad guy doesn’t mean they all just disappear. There’s a whole slew of horny men down there, just waiting for the opportunity to worm in on my girl. She’s hands down the most gorgeous girl here, and probably one of the most vulnerable.

Her sad eyes dance around the crowd as she hugs tightly to her woven plaid jacket. She looks lost, even though she knows exactly where she is. I’m not sure why she even came to this party. Riley is too good for all these people.

Fuck it. She needs me.

My ass slides off the branch, fingers wrapped around it, and I’m ready to drop my feet to the ground, when someone approaches her. Shifting back up on the branch, I straighten my back and watch the situation play out.

It’s a guy. He’s wearing a slate gray hoodie with Marvel across the center, and a pair of blue jeans. When I spot the slip-on Hey Dudes on his feet, I’m certain he’s harmless. Pretty sure the dude’s a sophomore named Parker, and I’m also certain he’s been simping Melody Higgins.

Walk away, Riley.Last thing you need is another mud wrestling match with that bitch.

Riley’s gaze flickers over his shoulder as she talks, never looking him in the eye. She’s trying to find an out. Suddenly, her hand lifts and she points past him, then smiles and walks away as if she’s just spotted her best friend in the crowd.

But she didn’t.

She walks about ten feet in front of her, tucks into a group of people, then pokes her head out to see if he’s looking. A smile spreads across my face.

That’s my girl.

And that’s exactly why I’m up here. Had that been a guy like Cade, she’d be getting coerced into walking away with him right now. Then I’d be forced to follow and I’d likely murder the guy.

No one fucks with my angel.

I watch intently as she approaches the coolers of booze Lev and Maddox brought. Flipping the top, she reaches in and pulls out a skinny can. After careful inspection of what she’s about to drink, she cracks it open and takes a long sip. Pleased with the taste, she grabs another and stuffs the spare in the pocket of her jacket.

Riley is always thinking ahead.

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