Catch A Tiger By The Tail (THIRDS 6)

“If he’s such a fucking good friend, why do people keep getting hurt on his watch, huh?”

“Are you fucking kidding me? Because no one’s ever gotten hurt on your watch, right?” Seb spat out. “Oh, I forgot, you’re fucking perfect.”

Rafe turned his attention back to Sloane. “I don’t know why Sparks has let this team—has let you—get away with the shit it has. When Gabe died, your ass should have been benched. You haven’t been fit for duty since.”

Ethan, Ash, and Cael grabbed Sloane when they should have been keeping an eye on Dex. None of them saw it coming, least of all Rafe, who reeled back after Dex managed to punch him square across the jaw with a jump and punch move Ethan had never seen him do before. Where the hell had he learned that?

“Jesus, Daley.” Ash stared at Dex. “Where the fuck did that come from?”

“Training,” Dex replied, his eyes narrowed at Rafe. He positioned himself between Sloane and Rafe. “I’ve had enough of your attitude. You wanna go at it? Let’s step outside.”

“You little shit.” Rafe took a step toward Dex, when he let out sharp cry and fell to his knees.

“Rafe!”

Nina ran to his side, and Ethan joined her. He tried to help his brother, but Rafe pushed him away.

“Don’t touch me. I’m fine,” Rafe growled.

Jesus, really? Ethan threw his arms up in frustration and put some distance between him and his brother before he ended up following Dex’s lead. Like they weren’t already going through enough. He was surprised they hadn’t gotten themselves kicked out.

“Are you okay? What’s wrong? Should we call someone?” Letty asked.

“I said I’m fine.”

Rafe was on his knees, his brow beaded with sweat. Whatever he was, he wasn’t fine. Why wouldn’t he let them help?

“Tell them.” Nina cupped Rafe’s face, her deep brown eyes pleading.

“Nina,” Rafe warned.

Nina shook her head. “No. I’m sick and tired of everyone treating you like shit.”

“Here’s an idea,” Dex said. “Stop acting like an asshole all the time and maybe people wouldn’t think you were such a dick.”

“Fuck you, Daley. I don’t give a shit what anyone thinks.”

Rafe winced, and Ethan knew something was wrong. He wanted to go to his brother, but Rafe would push him away.

“That much I gathered,” Dex muttered.

“Rafe, it’s not right.”

Nina ran a hand over his head, her expression filled with concern, but Rafe shook his head. He pushed himself to his feet, the pain caused by the movement evident on his face. He limped toward the door, head held high.

“I’m going for some coffee. You do what you want.”

He walked out the door, and Seb went back to his chair beside Hudson. He closed his eyes and sighed.

Dex turned his attention to Nina. “How can you go out with that guy?”

“How can you be so judgmental?”

“Judgmental? He goes out of his way to be a certifiable prick to everyone, even his own brothers!”

“Because he’s hurt and angry and scared. His life is crashing down around him, and no one gives a fuck. They’re too busy talking shit about him behind his back about what an asshole he is.”

Dex looked affronted. “Hey, I’ve never said squat about him behind his back. Anything I’ve got to say to him, I say to his face. I’m sorry he’s going through whatever he’s going through, but maybe if he actually talked to someone about it rather than pissing on any and every effort someone makes to get along with him, then he wouldn’t be going through it alone.”