A little while later, Faith and Jason walked in the door and headed back toward the bar. “Surprise!” everyone called out.
“Let the party begin,” Tanner whispered in Scarlett’s ear.
She grinned. “Aww, Jason looks so shocked and happy to see his family.”
They stayed for another couple of hours, mingled with Jason’s family and friends, and ate Faith’s delicious candy.
“Thanks for coming,” Jason said, joining them by the end of the bar, where they’d gone for as much quiet as they could find in the crowded room.
“Happy birthday.” Tanner slapped his friend on the back, then pulled him in for a brotherly hug.
“Happy birthday, Jason.” Scarlett stepped over, lifted herself up onto her tiptoes, and kissed his cheek. “I hope you have a wonderful year.”
“Did you have fun?” he asked Scarlett. “I know my family can be a bit much.”
She laughed at that mild description. “I actually like them all. Not that I can keep everyone straight but I tried. It must be nice to have such a warm, loving family.”
Jason shot a startled glance at Tanner.
“Sorry, man. I haven’t had time to explain your crazy family dynamics to her.” He glanced at her. “Let’s just say it involves a cheating father, a second family, a bone marrow donation, and a big reveal. I’ll explain in detail later.”
Jason barked out a laugh. “That’s the most succinct description ever. It’s taken us all awhile to get to the point where we are now. All family and friends.” He glanced out over the crowd. “But now? I’m grateful for them all.”
Tanner knew that, like him, Scarlett felt the lack of family in her life. The pain of what she didn’t have and the loss of those she loved.
“Sounds like a soap opera I’d love to hear,” she said.
“I’ll let him tell you. I’m going to find Faith. Thanks again, guys, and feel free to bail at any time.” He winked at them.
Tanner chuckled. “I think we’ll take him up on that. You ready?”
“Beyond. I’m exhausted.”
They headed outside to Tanner’s SUV.
“That was such an amazing party and I can’t wait to hear Jason’s family story,” Scarlett said, going on about all the Dares she’d met, why she liked each one, who had exchanged phone numbers with her because they’d hit it off.
He listened to her happy voice as he opened the door for her, letting her in and closing it behind her. And because he was distracted by Scarlett and still thinking about the party, he missed the man hidden in the alley until he got the jump on him.
A large, strong arm came around Tanner’s neck, pulling him into the shadows, cutting off his circulation and ability to fight back. “You are not going to fucking ruin my life again.”
Vic. Tanner pulled at the arm, needing air flow.
To his shock, Vic released him, and Tanner stumbled before righting himself and facing the other man. “If I’m going down, you’re going with me,” Vic said, clearly wanting the fight Tanner was trying to avoid.
He breathed in deep, more in control of himself than he’d have expected. “How? I’d have to beat you bloody again and I’m not stupid enough to lose everything because of you.” Even if now that hazy anger was threatening to overwhelm him, the voice of reason remained stronger.
“Yeah? What if I pull that pretty blonde out of the car and fuck her while you watch?”
Yeah. The red glow took over. He darted forward and grabbed Vic around the neck, pinning him against the wall. “Don’t look at her. Don’t touch her. Don’t even think about her.”
The son of a bitch grinned. “What do you say? Want to spread your legs for me, Scarlett?”
Tanner didn’t think, he jerked his hand and Vic’s head hit the wall.
“Tanner, no. This is what he wants!” Scarlett yelled from behind him and he realized she was watching.
Watching him turn into the angry animal Vic wanted him to become.
In the second she distracted him, Vic shook himself loose and came after Tanner with a swing to his jaw.
Scarlett screamed but Tanner couldn’t allow himself to be taken off guard again. He didn’t plan on getting himself tossed in jail for assault again, but he wasn’t about to take the beating, either. He’d had enough MMA experience to go after Vic another way.
* * *
When Tanner didn’t come right around to his side of the SUV, Scarlett realized something was wrong. She hopped out of the car to see Vic’s arm around Tanner’s neck, Tanner struggling for breath. In a heartbeat, the situation was reversed. Tanner had Vic against the wall.
Fear like she’d never known paralyzed her where she stood. Especially after Tanner shook Vic so hard he hit his head against the wall.
She wasn’t strong enough to get between them, and she didn’t want to run away to get help. She was afraid Tanner would kill Vic and then what? All the work he’d done to be a better man would be for nothing. But Vic knew that and was taunting Tanner, goading him, and using threats to Scarlett to do it. He wanted Tanner to bury himself with his anger.