“Goddamn, you little—” He was cut off as someone launched himself around us and shoved Crispin against the wall, raining punch after punch against his face and stomach.
It was Brian and I was shocked to see my ex-boyfriend so livid and uncontrollable as he assaulted Crispin savagely.
“Oh fuck!” Grayley bit out, before launching himself at Brian, desperately trying to get him off Crispin.
I couldn’t help it, I looked at Tray, pleading.
Tray had straightened, hearing the exchange, but he saw my look and hesitated for a moment. Watching the two guys fighting, Grayley and a few others tried to get between Crispin and Brian, but then Tray nodded and the rest of his crew rushed the fight and pulled them apart. Tray crossed to stand behind me. He leaned close, one hand splayed on my hip, and murmured in my ear, “This part of your plan?”
“It was until Brian showed up.”
“That’s your ex?”
“Yeah,” I said tightly, unconsciously hugging myself.
“You want out of here?”
“I—” I faltered. I did, but I didn’t.
Tray decided for me. “Let’s go.” He grasped my hand and led the way, weaving through the crowd. We were out the door when Veronica Teedz stopped us again, if possible, even more unsteady on her high heels. “I called him, you know, Taryn. Brian’s been miserable and we all know it’s because of you. He wanted to know if you were here.”
“You called him?” I demanded through clenched teeth.
“Yeah…I did. He loves you. It was the two of you. You guys were so…you guys are perfect together.”
“Yeah, except that I’ve changed,” I said tightly, following behind Tray as he pulled me down the steps and down the driveway. Walking side by side, in silence, I hugged myself, suddenly feeling cold.
Tray didn’t say anything. He just glanced at me once before he resumed walking by my side. When we got to the SUV, I climbed inside after Tray unlocked the doors, huddling against the window.
As we drove past the house, I saw Grayley standing outside, frantically searching the parking lot.
“Stop,” I said, rolling my window down as Tray paused in front of the house.
Grayley saw us and approached the car looking relieved. “Holy fuck, Tar!” He groaned, shaking his head. “Holy hell for fuck’s sak
e.”
“Sorry,” I said weakly. “I’m…sorry. I didn’t realize that was going to happen.”
Grayley was eyeing Tray, but he murmured, “Yeah, well, for what it’s worth, I think Gentley forgot that you go for the jugular. He’ll remember next time.”
“I didn’t know Brian was there.”
“Yeah.”
“Is he okay?”
“He’ll…Brian bounces back. He’s looking for you, you know. He’s convinced you’re still inside.”
“Oh, God, Grayley, he’s going to do something stupid.”
“I know.”
“Can you watch him? For me?”
Grayley’s grey eyes pinned me down. “And when he asks why I’m around? If he asks if I’m doing it for you? What then? He’ll get the message that you still care.”
“I…” I was lost—I didn’t know what to say or so. “I don’t know…”