“Jared—” he started.

“Shut up,” I shot out.

His short, black hair was sweaty and clung to his forehead, while his lips trembled slightly.

“We could’ve gone to the police,” I told him, “but I settle my own scores.” I rotated my wrist, emphasizing the blade. “And it’s really going to hurt.”

“Please.” His voice was raspy as he tried getting up. “I can explain.”

“Explain?” I barked, and he sat back down. “Which part? The time you tried to force yourself on my girlfriend in the woods, or when you videotaped us na**d and put it out for the whole world to see?”

I circled the hot tub, getting in his space. “You see, I can understand that you’re too stupid to understand a simple direction.” I dropped my voice to hell and let the knife do some talking. “But you will understand this. You’re going to have a very uncomfortable night.”

I inched closer, leaning in.

“I’m sorry,” he gasped out, his blue eyes dancing between my face and the shiny, black blade in my right hand. “I shouldn’t have touched her. I won’t even look at her again. Please, don’t.”

“You’re what?” I stopped and asked, quirking an eyebrow.

“I’m sorry,” he said louder.

“Sorry for what?”

“I’m sorry for messing with your girlfriend,” he rushed out.

“No.” I shook my head like I was speaking to a toddler. “You’re sorry for messing with Tate,” I prompted.

Whether or not she’s my girlfriend, he doesn’t mess with her again. Ever.

“Tate.” He corrected himself, breathing hard. “I’m sorry for messing with Tate. It’ll never happen again. I was stupid. I was drunk. I’ll apologize to her.”

“No.” My voice had gone from slightly amused to death-threat. “If you ever speak to her again, look at her, talk about her… if you even smile at her, I’m going to add your blood to this knife’s collection.” My jaw ached with tightness, and I could sense Madoc and Jax shifting off to the side. “Now, go home,” I ordered Nate.

“What?” I heard Madoc’s bellow, but my eyes stayed on Nate, scurrying out of the hot tub completely f**king naked.

“He leaves.” I turned to look at my friend and brother, both looking like their eyes were about to pop out of their heads. “This time.”

I knew they wanted to see this dickhead get his ass kicked. Hell, I wanted it, too.

But something had changed. I didn’t want to always feel like Tate deserved better than me.

Doing what my gut wanted to do to Nate tonight would serve no end. He was a loser. I had my girl. She loved me. I’d won.

“My clothes.” Nate looked around, fidgeting and shivering. “My keys are in my jeans.”

“Then I guess you’ve got problems.” I hoped my smile looked sinister. “Have a nice walk.”

He hesitated for a moment, probably wondering how he was going to get home ten miles away and with no clothes in the October chill.

But he didn’t argue.

Everyone was quiet as he left the patio.

I noticed K.C. standing a huge distance away, covered with a towel. She had sounded drunk on the phone, but her face was somber now.

“I’ll make sure he gets out,” Madoc laughed. “Don’t want him trying to grab clothes from my house.”

Sliding the switch to tuck the blade back in, I tossed it to my brother and started walking towards the house.

“Jared, what the hell? Not even a punch?” His voice was soft. Not really disappointed so much as confused.

“There are other things worth fighting for, Jax.”

Walking up to Tate’s best friend, I was surprised that I actually felt glad to have K.C. around. I doubt Madoc or Jax could’ve gotten Nate here tonight. She and I had both been stupid for our own selfish reasons, but I knew she had Tate’s back tonight, and I hoped K.C. would come clean about everything. Tate needed an explanation from her.

“Thanks.” I nodded to K.C.

“Sure.”

Her eyes quickly reverted to Jax, pinching her eyebrows together.

Looking over at him, I saw that he was scanning her up and down, violating her in every way a man can violate a woman without touching her.

“What are you looking at?” she snapped.

The corner of his mouth turned up. “Do you need a ride home?”

“I don’t know you.” Her sneer was condescending.

“You will,” he shot back matter-of-factly. “May as well get acquainted now.”

Oh, Jesus.

Her face fell, but she returned the favor and gave him the once over he’d given her. “How old are you, anyway?”

“Old enough to unravel you.”

I wiped my hand down my face, ready to get the hell home.

K.C. looked between the two of us, scowling and clearly aggravated.

“You’re both the same.” She shook her head and turned around to walk away. “Madoc, I need a ride home!” she yelled as she entered the house.

I heard Jax exhale a laugh, and I just rolled my eyes.

We both steered clear of commitment, but we went about it differently. He didn’t get caught up in the long line of short, disconnected relationships the way I did. He didn’t mind letting people in, because he knew they’d never make it into the end zone with him.