Elliott storms over, his green eyes full of accusation. “What the hell are you doing over here, Berrett?”
I open my mouth to answer but think better of my smart-ass remark. I’ve never seen the guy look so pissed off, so I can’t imagine he’s alluding to the pool game. “Is there somewhere I’m supposed to be instead?”
“Considering my sister’s asshole of an ex is attempting to buy her a drink, I’d say you definitely have other places to be.”
Just the word “ex” makes my stomach harden. Obviously, Maya has a sexual history that predates meeting me, but fuck if I don’t hate the thought of another man knowing what she sounds like when she comes.
Logan and I crane our necks, looking in the direction Elliott’s pointing. When I find the asshole and see how close he’s standing to Maya, I shove down the urge to charge over there and put my body between theirs. Despite my instincts, I don’t want to bethat guy. The one who’s insecure in his relationship and doesn’t trust his girlfriend enough to let her hold a conversation with someone from her past.
“That’s her ex?” Logan whistles and slowly claps. “Damn. Nice work, Maya. He’s fine as hell.”
I roll my eyes. Objectively, yes, Josh—and I’m assuming this is Josh, since he’s the only ex we’ve ever talked about—is a good-looking guy, but he’s still the dumbass who cheated on her. And has seen her naked. And has most likely made her laugh. “Don’t you think it’s a little weird that you just called your boyfriend’s sister’s ex hot?”
“Not any weirder than Goose licking your toe while you fucked my boyfriend’s sister.” Logan waggles his brows.
“Once, dude. That happenedonce. And I regret ever mentioning it to you.”
“I’m right here.” Elliott grimaces. “So please stop.”
“Why the fuck is he even here?”
Logan shrugs. “Maybe he knows my esthetician. Or goes to my gym. Who knows? This party’s a free-for-all.”
Across the bar, the fucker takes a step closer to Maya, despite the hand she’s thrown up in warning.
I take it as my cue to step in. She doesn’t need to be this close to her shithead ex for another moment. Plus, if I don’t interfere in the next minute or so, there’s a good chance Kennedy, who’s standing on Maya’s other side, will start a bar fight. I weave my way through the crowd toward the bar and snake my arms around Maya, tightening them until her back’s pressed against my torso. “Hey, baby. Everything okay?”
She leans against me but doesn’t take her eyes off Kennedy, as if she’s certain a boxing match will break out if she glances away.
Kennedy jabs her finger into the interloper’s chest. “This sorry excuse for a man doesn’t understand the concept ofleave us the fuck alone.”
Josh doesn’t even register Kennedy’s poke since he’s staring, slack-jawed, at me. “You’re Nicholas Berrett. Holy shit. Babe, do you know him?”
Babe?Hell no.
“Yes, Josh, I know him.” Maya sighs and rests a hand over mine at her waist. “He’s my boyfriend.”
“He can also kick your ass if you touch her one more time.” I zero in on where his hand is inching toward her arm. “So I’d be very careful if I were you.”
He heeds my warning but ignores my presence otherwise. “Ishewhy you won’t get back together with me?”
Maya rolls her eyes. “I won’t get back together with you because you cheated on me.”
“With someone who looks like the second coming of Cruella de Vil,” Kennedy adds, crossing her arms over her chest. Her ferocious protectiveness of Maya deserves a standing ovation.
“I was drunk,” he argues, as if being under the influence excuses his behavior. “And?—”
Maya rubs her temple. “I’m not arguing the finer points of you sleeping with someone else while we were together. I’ve moved on, and you really should, too.”
“You think he’s staying loyal?” Josh snorts, waving his hand in my general direction. He takes a swig of his drink.Did he not hear the part where I said I could beat the ever-loving shit out of him?“He’s a professional hockey player, for fuck’s sake, My. He probably has puck bunnies in every city.”
“My relationship is none of your business,” Maya snaps, eyes narrowing to daggers. “Nothing in my life is, because you’re not a part of it any longer.”
He shakes his head. “Was I ever, though?”
Maya goes rigid against me. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’reverygood at keeping people at arm’s length. Don’t try to deny it. You’re like an iron vault who’s determined to keep relationships from getting too serious.” Josh’s eyes shift to me. “Enjoy it while it lasts. I’m sure she’ll dip out sooner rather than later.”
