Page 80 of Love, Hate, Love

“I was only plying her with alcohol for info.” He pointed across the room to a fair-haired, upper-crust-looking guy. We couldn’t have appeared more different.

Greg wrapped an arm around his date and then leaned in to whisper in her ear, making her laugh.

“That weasel is making sure everyone in this place knows he doesn’t give a shit about Leah.” I took a step toward the couple.

Alec matched my movements, his hands up, ready to block me. “You can’t go beat the shit out of him just for hugging his date.”

“Maybe I can’t beat him for it, but I can definitely fuck with him a bit.”

If Alec were smaller, I would’ve shoved him out of the way, but as far as fighting ability, we were pretty much a draw. We’d end up wrestling here for hours until someone quit due to exhaustion. We’d done it before.

“You want to make it look like she cares? Like she’s been sitting here crying for him? Then be my guest. Go start with the guy.” He stepped out of my way and waved his hand.

“I hate when you’re right.”

“You think you would’ve gotten used to it by now, but you’ve always been a slow learner.”

“But quick with my right hook, which I’ll remind you of if you don’t shut up. Actually, forget it. I don’t have time to fight with you. I need to go find Leah.”

“Don’t make her feel worse.”

“Why would I do that?”

“How would I know why you like being a dick to her? I don’t know, she doesn’t have pigtails to pull anymore?” He threw his hands up.

“Wait, looks like she’s on a collision course with Greg. I have to go.”

“Wouldn’t dream of stopping you,” Alec said.

I made my way across the crowd to where Leah was talking to her ex and his date.

I wrapped my arm around her waist and gave her a peck on the temple, hoping she wouldn’t blow the game up.

She leaned into me. “Greg, this is Kade,” she said.

Greg scanned me, looking like a man who knew he’d blown it. Was the bimbo his plan on getting back with Leah? Did he think trying to make her jealous was the way to go?

“Kade? The guy you grew up with?”

“Yes,” I answered for her. “That’s me.”

“I thought you were here on a sort of work parole?” Greg asked. “You’re allowed to dally with your warden?” He waved a finger back and forth, his mouth tightening.

“Why? Does that bother you?” I asked.

“Of course it doesn’t. I just thought it would be against the rules to?—”

“I’d watch what you say next.”

Greg looked at me, trying to assess me.

“That’s right. I’d tread carefully. You don’t have much farther to go,” I said, helping him keep his teeth. As much as I wanted to punch him, and man would it feel good, I didn’t want to ruin this wedding or have to call in more favors to keep Leah here.

She tightened her grip on me, locking her arm on my forearm.

“Well, it was nice seeing you, Greg, but Kade and I have some things to handle before dinner.”

“Yes, we like to handle things quite often,” I said, just to stick it to him a little more.

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