“Of course I came.” I steady her, my hands on her waist, and Christ, she’s short.How did I forget how short she is?“Come on, let’s get you home.”
Sage steps forward, and despite being drunk herself, there’s a sharp, protective edge to her gaze. “You’re Nitro.”
“That’s me.” I keep one arm around her waist because she’s swaying like a willow in a windstorm.
“The Uber guy.”
“Also that.”
Sage narrows her eyes, swaying slightly. “What are your intentions with my best friend?”
I blink in confusion. “What?”
“Your intentions?” Sage jabs a finger in my direction. “Because Marley is the best person in the entire world, and if you hurt her, I will hunt you down and…” she pauses, clearly trying to think of a threat, “… and I’ll… I’ll tell everyone you’re crap at sex.”
Despite everything, I have to fight back a laugh. “Noted.”
Marley giggles against my chest. “Sage, oh my God, stop interrogating him.”
“I’m being a good friend,” Sage protests. “Someone has to make sure he’s not a serial killer.”
“I’m not a serial killer,” I say flatly.
“That’sexactlywhat a serial killer would say,” Sage mutters, but she lets me guide Marley toward the car.
Getting them both into the Honda is an adventure. Sage climbs into the front seat and immediately starts fiddling with the radio, while Marley collapses into the back, her head lolling against the window.
“Where am I taking you?” I ask, pulling away from the curb.
“My place,” Sage says. “Marley’s staying with me.”
I remember the address from when I dropped off Marley the first time, and I start the car. The silence lasts approximately thirty seconds before Sage twists in her seat to look at me.
“So,” she says. “You like her.”
It’s not a question.
I glance at her, then back at the road. “Yeah, I do.”
“Good,” Sage says firmly. “Because she deserves someone who actually sees her. Not like that dickhead Derek.”
My jaw tightens at the name. “She mentioned him.”
“Did she tell you what he did?” Sage’s voice goes hard. “Body-shamed her. Made her think she wasn’t good enough. Kicked her out oftheir housein the middle of the damn night.”
My hands tighten on the steering wheel until my knuckles turn white. “Yeah, she told me.”
“And now,” Sage continues, her words slurring slightly. “He’s already with someone new. Posted it on the ’Gram like he’s so fucking proud of himself. That’s why Marley…” She pauses, and I see the sadness in her eyes. “That’s why she let herself get like this tonight.”
Something dark and violent unfurls in my chest. “He what?”
“Posted a pic with his new girlfriend. Some skinny blonde.” Sage’s voice drips with venom. “Made them Instagram official one week after he dumped Marley. Which means he wasobviouslyseeing her while they were still together.”
I don’t trust myself to speak.
If I do, I’ll say something I can’t take back.
Something that will reveal just how close I am to tracking this Derek asshole down and making him regret every breath he’s ever taken.
