The women shared a look. “But we don’t have boyfriends.”
“I don’t give a shit if it’s your man, your brother, or your fucking father. You want these back?” He held up the keys. “You send a man. I ain’t gonna touch you, but I will beat the fuck outta the one who comes for these.”
“How are we supposed to get home?”
Wraith scoffed. “That’s not my fucking problem. But you’re in my house and on my property and you’re gonna have a big problem if you don’t get the hell out in the next minute.”
Both women scrambled across the room, and instinctively Cleo stepped to the side to give them a clear path. Wraith rested his hand on her back.
“You don’t move for them.”
Cleo stood silently watching the girls maneuver around her. Considering they were blocking the door, it was a miracle they were able to get by without brushing against her. As the second girl passed, Cleo heard the muttered apology.
“Sorry.”
Cleo clamped her lips and refrained from accepting it. Forgiveness was important, but not if it wasn’t genuine. They weren’t sorry they did it. They were sorry they got called out for it. If not for Wraith, they’d still be laughing and retelling the story of the pitiful girl they’d taunted. She peeked up at Wraith and smiled.
“Thank you.”
Wraith looked down at her, and for a brief second his face softened. It was short lived.
“This was so much more entertaining than a girls’ fight. Thanks, Cleo.” Gent laughed, and she resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
She didn’t find it amusing, and apparently, neither did Wraith.He nudged her slightly and gestured to the door. “Go to your room.”
When she hesitated, he leaned closer. “Go, Cleo!”
She nodded and turned, walking into the hallway. She was only a few feet away when she heard Gent’s voice inside the room.
“That was a commendable act of chivalry, Wraith.”
“Oh, I ain’t fucking done,brother.”
Cleo glanced over her shoulder, and Cue stormed out of the room. “Fuck!”
She pressed her back against the wall as he passed. Cue didn’t even look at her. He was focused on the two prospects at the end of the hall. “Get Ace and Cross back here.”
What was happening? As far as she knew, everything had been resolved. She glanced over at the door to the pool room. She stepped closer and jumped back when she heard a loud crash, followed by a masculine wail. Cue stepped in front of her, blocking her view of the doorway.
“Upstairs, Cleo.”
What the heck is going on?
****
Wraith saw red, and he zoned in on his target. Gent smirked, which only intensified his fire, sending his rage to another level.
“You want a fight?” Wraith hardened his stare. “I’ll fight you.”
“Oh shit.” He heard the muttered male voice coming from somewhere in the room, but Wraith was laser focused on Gent.
His brother laughed, pushing off the wall. “I never suggested Cleo fight. That brainchild came from those two.” Gent pointed to two men standing near the pool table. “I merely backed it. You don’t give her enough credit. Cleo’s scrappy.”
You, motherfucker.
“Yeah.” He growled, grounding his teeth. “Where the fuck do you think she learned that from?”
Wraith noticed Oak drop his gaze to the floor and tuck his hands in his pockets. Cue averted his eyes, dragging his hand over his head. Cleo’s past was a secret. But not all of it. Knox had given enough detail of her abuse over the years, and each brother knew better than to make light of any type of violence in regards to her. If someone was close to her and moved too swiftly, she cowered on instinct, usually protecting her face. The signs of lifelong trauma.
