four different from each other is what drives us. None of the other shit matters because we’re protective to a fault.
“And to think, we haven’t even gotten started yet,” he says, leaning sideways to take the blunt Breaker offers him. He huffs in a lungful and releases the smoke, offering it to me. I take a hit and hand it back to Breaker over my shoulder.
“Logan was in the kitchen, sniffing around your girl,” Breaker announces, taking the last seat on this side of the fire.
“Your fucking point?” I snatch the blunt from his hand and take a deep draw, holding it in my lungs until it burns. “That girl can do whatever she wants.”
“You wouldn’t mind if I took my shot then?” Breaker spins around, looking for someone. What game does this guy think he’s playing? “She’s right in there. I could go work my charm, tell her I had nothing to do with the shit that went down.”
“The girl’s not a fucking idiot, but you can do whatever the hell you want. You want to stick your dick in her, be my guest. Just know she’ll be thinking about me the whole time.” I stand, and Breaker jumps up to block me. “Get the fuck out of my way.” He stumbles back when I shove him.
“Where you going?” Breaker calls out, a hint of amusement and laughter tipping over his tongue.
“I’m not waiting for Byron. This shit starts tonight,” I announce.
Nothing fueled by anger ever ends well. This is something I know from firsthand experience. Somehow, I don’t have the energy to think this through. Everything we have planned is down to the T. Whatever shit I try to pull tonight may fuck everything up.
I stomp through the backyard and inside the house. Girls paw at me, trying to grab my attention, but all I see is red. I take an offered shot from Peter and down the sharp liquor, tossing the small plastic cup into the sink.
Two laps around the house, and Palmer is nowhere to be found. Defeat settles when I realize she must have left.
Fuck you, Breaker. He was just trying to get a rise out of me, and it worked.
When my feet hit the living room floor, I see Logan Kennedy handing Palmer a cup. She smiles lazily at him, taking his offering. She can’t be that big of an idiot. His arm wraps around her waist, tugging her into his side. My steps ease me closer to them. Logan’s hand shifts lower and lower on Palmer’s back until his fingers are splayed across her ass.
With a closed fist, I lunge forward, connecting my hand with Logan’s jaw. Screams erupt around the room, and everyone scatters, giving us plenty of space. He falls right at Palmer’s feet. She gawks at me and opens her mouth to say something.
“What the fuck?” Logan gets to his feet, cutting her off.
“Let it be known that anyone who tries to date Palmer Weston will find themselves in the same place as Logan.” I check the room, daring anyone to oppose my words.
“I wasn’t trying to date your girl, man.” Logan lifts his hands in defense.
“Okay, then this also goes for anyone looking to screw her!” I yell through the crowd.
The red cup has my full attention. I lurch forward and knock it from her hand. The amber liquid stains the carpet.
“Not the smartest choice, Palmer.” I point to her flat stomach. “Unless you don’t plan on keeping the baby. You don’t seem like the motherly type anyway. Probably best to let this one go, since you haven’t had the best example. Yours devoted all of her attention on the good sister.”
Dixon and Breaker stand in the living room doorway, grinning like the fucking pieces of shit they are.
“Are you finished now?” Palmer stomps around Logan, coming chest-to-chest with me. Her breaths are harsh and uneven. She’s pissed. Pissed I can work with. “Do you honestly think I’m dumb enough to get knocked up by a fuck boy like you? That for a single second I would allow you inside me without making sure I’m protected?”
I keep my face flat, not willing to let Palmer see my relief. I won’t grant her the satisfaction in front of our audience. They’re here for a show, and I’m about to give it to them.
“Now you all know she’s an easy lay-up, boys!” I shout over the top of her head. “We’re doing you all a favor.”