Chapter 17

MATT

* * *

The beers and bourbon have me loosened up, but keeping my eyes off Darcy is increasingly difficult. Her black, off-the-shoulder sweater shows off her creamy pale collarbone and shoulders in a way that should be illegal. The black mini skirt barely has enough fabric to make up a skirt. If Cole wasn't so captivated by Ashleigh, I'm sure he would kick my ass for the looks I'm giving her.

Our group of six is seated in a private nook of the restaurant, allowing us to relax and cut loose. Jay has his arm around Sammie and throws his head back as he laughs at something Cole said. Ashleigh is tucked into Cole's side, and he casually kisses her temple. Darcy and I sit at opposite ends of the table and enjoy the food and company, but when our eyes meet, we both freeze like statues, staring at each other.

I envy Cole and Jay's freedom to touch, kiss, and publicly claim their dates. I, on the other hand, don't have a date. Even if I wanted to date her, I couldn't. The more I think about that fact, the crankier I get.

Cole leans over and punches my arm. "What's wrong with you?" he stage whispers.

"Nothing," I mutter. "Not used to three-hour dinners."

"You know what, you're right!" He claps his hands and announces his idea to the table. "I think it's time to move this party. I want to dance with my fiancé. What do ya'll say?"

Sammie looks at Jay with goo-goo eyes. "Ohhh, I love dancing. Let's go to that new club on Market."

"Sounds good," Jay says, practically entranced by the look Sammie gives him. Hell, if she suggested they jump off the Cooper River Bridge, he'd go with it at this point. Bastard.

Darcy looks down at her lap, and Leigh reaches over and touches her hand. "You okay?"

"Um, yeah. Fine." She twists her lips as she sighs. "Let's go."

Her response has my full attention because she is anything but fine.

Cole tells us they've already paid the bill, and we head out. I was giving him hell about money, but he's been very generous with picking up the tab. Having money is new for both of us, especially Cole, and he enjoys sharing it with his loved ones. He's like me because we both take care of our people.

It's a short walk from the restaurant to the club. Sammie and Jay lead the way, holding hands and bumping shoulders as they walk. Cole and Leigh wrap their arms around each other's waists with their heads leaning toward each other. Darcy and I trail behind, the closest we've come to being alone in days.

Although it's a mild November night, the wind coming off the river is brisk. I slip my coat off and put it around Darcy. I'm sure she's cold since she's not wearing much fabric. My coat swallows her up and covers those tempting shoulders.

"Thanks," she whispers.

"Sure, no problem." I'm a fucking blue-ribbon conversationalist at this point. "You feeling okay? I can take you home if you'd rather not go out."

"Nope." She pops her P. "I'm fine. I haven't been dancing in ages. Looking forward to it."

I nod my head, knowing she's lying.

"Look, I'm sorry about the other day. I was out of line. I shouldn't have…."

She pauses and turns to me. The other four walk ahead, oblivious to us.

"Shouldn't have what, Matt? Shouldn't have said really confusing things? Shouldn't have given me hope? Shouldn't have slammed the door? What exactly shouldn't you have done?" Her tone is angry as she whisper shouts. Her eyes are laser-focused on me, and even though she's tiny, she's a force to be reckoned with. I retreat a step under her glare. I'm reminded that Darcy is a strong woman, and I've never wanted her more.

"Yeah, all of it," I admit with a shrug.

I look up the street as Cole's laughter carries back to us.

"Whatever. Forget it ever happened," she says as she storms off down the street.

* * *

The club is busy, and we're lucky to find a table near the dance floor. The girls drop their bags and coats and dance away, just a few steps from us. They're having fun, and Darcy's smile makes me happy. Even if I'm a broody bastard, I want her to have fun. She deserves it. She's young and beautiful and talented and kind and so fucking awesome. Hell yeah, she deserves the world at her feet.

Darcy heads towards the ladies' room, and Sammie and Leigh head back to the table. They're laughing and enjoying themselves. Cole puts his arm around my shoulders and pulls me towards him. For once, I'm grateful for the loud music that makes conversation difficult. The last thing I want to do is talk.

"Bro, you okay? You don't seem to be having fun."

"Yup. All good," I respond in a clipped tone.

"Bullshit. You never lie to me. Why now?" Cole's right. We never lie to each other. About anything. Even the simple things like he just asked. But that's the thing. His simple question isn't that simple.

Yes, I'm fine. Physically fine. I'm probably the most sober in the group, which is typical behavior for me. You can't take care of your friends if you don't control yourself.

"Not lying." I give him a smug grin. "I'm really glad you're here." I give him a half hug, and he seems appeased for now.

I scan the room, looking for Darcy. I nod toward the restrooms and head in that direction. Cole acknowledges my nod, and the conversation is over.

When I get to the hallway leading to the restrooms, I see a guy leaning against the wall with a girl caged in his arms. As I get closer, I realize it's Darcy, and her eyes are shiny, full of unshed tears. I put my hand on his shoulder and give him a firm squeeze.

"You need to step back," I command.

He shrugs my hand away and mutters, "Go away."

Darcy's eyes meet mine. A tear slips down her cheek, and her mouth makes the O shape of surprise.

Firmly, I pull him back and put myself between him and Darcy. I wipe her tear away with my thumb, and she shies away from my touch.

"Hey, what the hell!" The guy grabs at my arm, but no amount of strength can stop me from touching Darcy.

I turn towards him, anger filling my body, keeping Darcy behind me. "I don't know what you did to her, but you better walk away, buddy," I growl.

"It's okay, Ryan," Darcy says.

Ryan? This is the d-bag she's dated on and off these past years. This frat boy is the one who's touched her, kissed her, and possibly fucked her. Red fills my vision. I hate this guy.

I turn my whole body towards him and shove him away. "Back the fuck up and stay away from her." My body is like a coiled spring, ready to snap. My fists ball at my sides, ready to beat this asshole to a pulp.

Darcy's hand wraps around my wrist, and my blood instantly goes from a boil to a simmer. "Matt, stop." Her tone is pleading. What? Does she want to be with this guy?

I don't take my eyes off him as I stare this asshole down. His nostrils flare like he's a damn bull ready to charge. His eyes are glassy, obviously drunk. Another ten seconds go by before he steps away.

"Forget it. She's not worth it."

"Are you as dumb as you look? Stay the fuck away from her. Do you hear me?" My intention is obvious. I'm not the fighter in the group. I'm usually the one pulling Cole out of altercations. Now? I've never wanted to hit someone as much as I want to slug this motherfucker. Not worth it? Are you kidding me? She's worth everything. I pull back to throw a punch, and her grip tightens around my wrist, her body pressed against my back.

"Don't," she says firmly. "HE'S not worth it."

Ryan smirks, turns, and walks away, leaving us alone in the hallway.

I focus on Darcy, making sure she's okay. She shoves both hands against my chest, but I don't move.

"What the hell was that alpha bullshit?" She's yelling, her eyes full of anger and rage.

"What?" I snap. "You WANT to be with that dickhead?"

"You have no right to come in here and act like that! I'm nothing to you. Nothing!" Her shout is a dagger to my heart.

Does she really think that? Nothing? Her words are more effective than a slap to my face. Nothing? That's so far from the truth, I laugh.

"Great, now you laugh at me!" She pushes at me again. This time, I grab her hands and hold them against my chest, over my heart. Her eyes look at mine in surprise.

I lean down and look her straight in the eyes and attempt to speak to her, soul to soul. "Pretty girl. You. Are. Everything." I practically growl the words to her. She needs to hear my words loud and clear. I don't want her to misconstrue anything. She's fucking everything. Everything.

We stay locked in the stare-down, silently trying to ask questions, seeking unspoken answers.

"There you are," Cole says, grabbing me by the shoulder. He notices Darcy in front of me, our hands together, and we quickly drop them like teenagers getting caught by their parents. He looks confused.

Darcy rolls her eyes, shakes her head, clearly irritated, and steps around us. She stomps down the hall, back towards the bar, and we watch her storm away.

"Something going on with you two?"

"Nope." Great, another lie. But is it? Nothing is going on. Do I want there to be something? Absolutely. But I'm not about to confess that to Cole, at least not now.

"I found her back here with Ryan. I don't know what was going on, but she was crying. I stepped in, but she didn't appreciate it." There. Truth. Every word spoken is the truth.

"Where's that asshole?" Cole focuses his anger on Ryan, not me. That's the Cole I know.

"If he's smart, he left."

"I'd better not see him, or I'll make him regret the day he ever touched my sister." Cole will fight for his people. "I swear, I'll punch any asshole who makes her cry."

"As you should."

No truer words have ever been spoken.

And if I make her cry? Then I deserve it. One hundred percent.