Ruby Revenge

“Strangling her isn’t going to get it back,” I argued back. “Calm the fuck down. She’s still Alex’s girl. He would have done worse if he was awake.”

I wasn’t sure if that was true. If Alex found this out, he’d want answers as badly as Geo. The group came first, especially for my baby brother. But that was the only logical thing I could say to explain what I’d just done. I couldn’t exactly tell him that I’d seen red when he touched her.

“It burned,” Sage spoke up, making us both freeze. “I lost it when I was fighting to get out the front door. It was in my pocket. When I got out of the house, it wasn’t there anymore. I don’t have it.”

Shoving Geo away, I got off the floor. She was rubbing her throat as she stayed pressed against the kitchen wall. Fear swam in her eyes as Geo advanced toward her again. My hand landed on his shoulder, halting him.

“Back off. I’m only going to talk to her,” Geo growled, his anger for me radiating off him. We’d gotten into fights before, but not for something like this. No matter what happened, we always had each other’s backs. This time was different. He wasn’t fucking hurting her again.

“I don’t have it,” she repeated, her voice shaking. Geo stayed a couple of feet away from her with me right behind him.

“You promised you were here because you love Alex,” Geo said, still catching his breath. “If you’re lying—”

“I’m not,” she cut in, her voice rising. “It’s gone.”

“Then you won’t mind if we go look in your room?” he asked, tilting his head.

I stepped up next to him. “I’ll look for it. You’re drunk as fuck. It’s affecting your decisions.”

I didn’t know if she had the paper. But I knew for sure she still had that damn phone. I should have taken it the day she got here.

“It’s not my decisions I’m worried about.” He turned to shoot a glare at me. “Spending all your time with her is getting to you.”

“I’m doing what needs to be done,” I snapped. “Including making sure you really don’t murder a woman in cold blood.”

He laughed. “I wouldn’t kill her. Unless the group deems it necessary.”

His attention went back to her as I went rigid. Sage shrank away, not wanting to be anywhere near him.

“If you’re keeping secrets. Or planning anything that isn’t staying with Alex, then you’re going to end up locked in a house until next August,” he threatened in a low voice. “And guess what? I’ll stay with you the entire time. I’m sure we could have some fun. What do you think, Sage?”

He only took half a step closer before she whipped her hand up, and her flat palm smashed against his nose.

“Shit,” he nearly yelled as he lurched backward with blood flowing down his face.

“Don’t touch me again,” she hissed, her eyes darting around for a way out of the kitchen.

“You bitch,” Geo ground out as he raised his hand. I snatched his wrist and twisted him around until I was in front of her.

“What the hell is going on?”

Alex stood behind Geo, his eyes widening as he caught sight of the blood dripping onto the floor.

“Ask your girlfriend,” Geo spat out, grabbing the roll of paper towels after I released his arm. “I’ll tell you one thing. She’s not as innocent as she acts.”

I explained everything that happened, knowing he was going to find out anyway. Alex’s face went cold as he stared at Sage.

“I don’t have it, Alex,” she promised as tears pooled in her eyes. “I didn’t say anything because it burned with the house. I told you; that night was insane.”

“I’ll look while Niko drives you home,” Alex said, running a hand through his hair.

“I don’t have—”

“Then you won’t mind if I look,” he interrupted her, leaving no place for arguments.

“I’ll stay and look,” I spoke up. “Geo and me in the same car right now isn’t a good idea.”

Geo’s chuckle lacked any humor. “I never thought I’d see the day when my twin protects someone over me.”

“You’re drunk.” I softened my voice. “Sleep it off, man. We’ll talk about it in the morning.”

Alex looked between us and grumbled as he grabbed his keys. He was used to being in the middle the few times we fought. With one last glance at Sage, he headed to the door.

“Don’t let her in the room until you search it,” Alex ordered before disappearing outside. Without another word, Geo followed him, keeping the paper towel against his nose.

Tension smothered the silence as I rinsed off the blood that had smeared on my hand. Sage didn’t move a muscle, staying in the kitchen as I yanked the towel off the oven handle. My pulse was still racing from everything that had just gone down, and I was trying to calm down before I faced her.

“Thank you.” She broke the silence. “For stopping him.”