“She said no.”
Garrett looks at me. “I was talking to her.”
“I don’t care. She doesn’t want to talk to you.”
“This is between me and Jules?—”
“There is no you and Jules.” My voice comes out harder than I mean for it to. “There’s just Juliette. And she said no. So walk away.”
His jaw clenches. “You don’t get to speak for her.”
“I’m not speaking for her. I’m backing her up.” I step closer. “So either walk away or we’re going to have a problem.”
“Is that a threat?”
“It’s a fact. Leave. Now.”
Garrett’s hands curl into fists. His breathing changes, getting faster, and I can see he’s actually thinking about it.
Part of me wants him to. Wants the excuse. I fight fora living. I hit people while wearing blades on my feet. This guy has no idea what he’s starting.
“Come on,” I say quietly. “Do it. Give me a reason.”
“Rodriguez—” Juliette’s voice behind me.
“Stay out of this, Jules,” Garrett says.
Oh buddy, wrong thing to say. I step closer, getting right in his space so he has to tilt his head back to meet my eyes.
“Don’t talk to her like that. Don’t even look at her. You had three years and you fucked it up. She’s done with you. We’re done with you. So walk away before I make you walk away.”
“You think you’re better than me?”
“I know I am. Because I see what’s right in front of me and I don’t take it for granted.”
He raises his hand.
My body shifts automatically, weight forward, ready to take the hit and give back twice as hard. Years of hockey fights have trained me for this exact moment.
Then Melissa appears, grabbing his arm. “Honey, don’t. Let’s go get some air.”
She’s pulling him away. He’s resisting but she’s insistent, practically dragging him toward the exit.
The room stays quiet for another beat. Then conversations start back up around us.
I turn around and Juliette’s staring at me. “What was that?”
“That was me making sure he understands you’re off limits. That he doesn’t get to keep trying.” My heart’s still pounding. “And if he comes near you again, I’m done being polite.”
“Rodriguez—”
“No.” I’m still riding the adrenaline. “I’m done watching him try to get your attention. You said no. That should be the end of it.”
She’s just looking at me and I can’t read her expression.
“That was kind of hot,” she finally says. “Thank you. For standing up forme.”
“Always.”
