Ipeek around Axle’s shoulder and freeze.
“Jovie?”
Cabe stands in the barn doorway. Completely still. His eyes lock on me, wrapped around Axle, my legs hooked around his waist, my arms around his neck.
Shock flashes across his face, followed by fury.
Royce drops the metal box he’s carrying onto the concrete floor with a loud clang and steps between his brothers.
Axle carefully lowers me to my feet.
“Cabe,” he says evenly, turning toward him while keeping me tucked behind his back.
Royce raises both hands. “Everybody, just take a breath.”
Cabe doesn’t look at Royce. Doesn’t look at Axle. His eyes flick to me.
I shake my head desperately as tears sting my eyes. “Cabe—”
His jaw clenches.
“Don’t move,” Axle murmurs over his shoulder.
Then he begins walking slowly toward Cabe, as if he were approaching a spooked horse, like he believes they can talk this out.
Cabe turns on his boots and starts toward the doors.
Axle lays a hand on his shoulder. “Let’s take a walk and—”
Cabe spins and drives his fist directly into Axle’s jaw. The punch comes so fast that I barely see it. The crack echoes through the barn.
Axle stumbles back a step.
“Axle!”
I lunge forward, but Royce catches me around the waist.
“No!”
“No, Jovie,” Royce mutters.
Axle straightens slowly. Blood appears at the corner of his mouth.
He lifts a hand. “It’s okay.”
“Like hell it is,” Cabe growls.
“Brother, listen to me—”
The second punch lands even harder, and Axle’s head snaps sideways.
I scream.
Royce tightens his hold.
“Stop, Cabe!”
But Cabe isn’t hearing anyone.
