Tucker reeled, staggering back as blood seeped from under his cupped hands. He stared at me with wide eyes. “I think you broke my fucking nose.”
“I didn’t want a physical confrontation,” I said. “But there needs to be a reckoning.”
“Awhat?” He spat a wad of blood on the floor. “I was drunk that night. I don’t remember shit.”
“I’ll jog your memory,” I stated, my eyes locked on his. “There was a torrential downpour, and you left her stranded on a deserted road.”
He snorted. “So what? You’re here to defend her honor?”
“Yes.”
“He’s challenging you to a duel,” Rhett sneered from beside Tucker. “Did you seeHamiltonone too many times?”
“Shut the fuck up, Rhett,” Orion put in.
Tucker glowered at me. “Pretty fucking bold maneuver, Ford. You know I could kick your ass right now.”
“Possibly, given our height and weight differentials, and your amplified propensity for violence,” I said. “Regardless, I can’t, in good conscience, remain teammates with someone of such low character.”
“Low character.” Rhett chuckled. “Who does this guy think he is?”
“I said, shut it, Calloway,” Orion said from my right.
Tucker read my meaning. “It’s cool, Rhett. Can we have a minute?”
Rhett stepped back, and Orion leaned in. “I’ve got your back,” he said before moving a few feet away, arms crossed, watching.
“You’d quit the team over this?” Tucker asked when we were alone, holding his gym towel to his nose. “Don’t be stupid. We’re set to sweep the regattas.”
I shrugged. “I don’t give a shit.”
“Like hell. Rhett’s never been better at bow, and you’re the best stroke we’ve ever had. You fucking love it.” He cocked his head. “Oh, but you love her more, is that it?”
I swallowed hard but maintained my merciless eye contact until Tucker relented.
“Fine. You’re right. I fucked up. My dad lost his election and Emery’s father turned his back on us the same hour. Grayson Wallace looks like a little fucking weasel, but he’s got clout in this state. A lot of it. I was pissed off and drunk and I took it out on her.”
“You tried to get her to do something she didn’t want to do,” I said tightly.
“I didn’t force myself on her, I swear. She said no and I backed off.”
“She had to slap you first.” I nodded at his bloody nose. “I’m detecting a pattern.”
“Fucking hell,I backed off. But I shouldn’t have left her in the rain.” He glanced down at the bloody towel in his hand. “Is she okay?”
I nodded, once.
Tucker waited for me to say more. “So? We good now? Clean slate?”
“It’s not me you need to make things right with.”
His glare hardened. “Don’t get all uppity on me, Ford. I’m calling a truce. Take it or leave it, but I’m not going to offer twice.”
“Apologize to her or I’ll quit the team.” I arched a brow. “I’mnot going to offer twice.”
“Fuck me,” Tucker groused. “Fine, I’ll tell her I’m sorry. Happy?”
“No, but it’s a start.”
