I tense, and Harrison’s arms tighten around me.
How fucking rude.
“Excuse me?” I stand up straighter and raise my voice. “That is none of your business.”
Hunter puffs out his chest, and I can tell by years of experience he’s ready to go on the defensive.
“I beg to differ, considering we only just broke up. You can’t expect me to stand here and believe you’re with thisman.”
I look at him deadpan. “We broke up six months ago. Apparently, since then, you’ve lost the ability to comprehend time.”
Leo ducks his head and chuckles beside me.
Harrison finds none of this funny. I can feel his anger vibrating through his body. I’m shocked he hasn’t said a word.
“Oh, you’ve got to be fucking kidding me!” Becks barks in anger. I look over to see Matteo and who I assume is Harrison’s other brother, joining us, crowding Hunter into the corner.
“Rebecca,” Hunter nods his head.
“Fuckface,” she growls. “Why don’t you scurry back to your friends and leave Juliette the hell alone.” Her voice rises, and I can tell by the high-pitched tone she’s drunk. “Better yet, go back to Hoboken. You’re not wanted in a New York bar.”
“All right, all right,” Matteo says, laughing, pulling her back.
Hunter looks between all four Andonises, scowling at me with disgust. “Since when do you drink at bars? What happened to you?”
“That’s enough.” Harrison’s lethal voice cuts in before I can defend myself. His body cords with anger as he lets go of me to take a meaningful step toward Hunter. “Do not speak to her again unless spoken to. I think you’ve said enough for a lifetime, so turn the hell around before you regret your next fucking move.”
Harrison pivots and strides in my direction, not once glancing back at Hunter, though I sense his fury is in full force.
He bends down as he wraps a possessive hold around my shoulders to speak for only me to hear. “We’re leaving now.” His words leave me with no room to disagree, not that I want to.
We walk back toward our table so I can grab my belongings; our friends follow, leaving Hunter in the dust.
“You’re in big trouble, mister,” I tell Matteo as I say goodbye.
“Bros before hoes,” He laughs and immediately tells me he’s kidding. “To be honest, I never expected him to come. I’ve known Nate since we were kids, and I can count on one hand the number of times Harrison has come along with us for a Sunday Funday.”
Over the last month, I’ve gotten to know Matteo—even though Becks still swears they’re casual—I’ve become fond of him, and I can tell he truly cares for Becks, even if she doesn’t want to believe it.
“You’re sure you want to leave with Harrison? I’ll go if you want to head home. I wouldn’t blame you after that run-in.” Becks says.
I kiss her cheek, assuring her I’m okay, and tell her she should stay. Then wave goodbye to Matteo’s brother and Leo.
Harrison intertwines our fingers and leads us out of the bar; a voice calls out for us when we’re not even two steps outside.
“Oh, you’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Harrison grumbles.
“Hi, I’m Nate.” Harrison’s brother reaches his hand out to shake mine. “Harrison’s younger brother and much,muchbetter-looking Davenport.”
He winks, and I giggle at his playfulness. From one sentence, I can tell he’s different from his brother. He still has a serious edge, but he’s definitely more easy going.
“It’s nice to meet you, Nate. I’m Juliette.”
His lips lift into a mischievous grin. “Oh, trust me, I know who you are.”
It’s the first time I’ve had a good look at him.
I’d like to know what the hell their parents were taking to produce these two. I may be biased toward Harrison, but there’s no denying Nate is just as handsome.
