Page 64 of Vegas with my Brother’s Best Friends

“You did that on purpose,” Derek grits out as he approaches the net. “What’s your problem?”

“Woah, okay. Let’s calm down,” Marcus says as he steps closer, holding his hand out to keep Derek from crossing over to our side.

I remain rooted to my spot, my eyes straying over to Cassidy as she and the other bridesmaids watch us.

Concern fills her face, her eyes gluing to me. I don’t want her to be worried, and I’m not trying to cause conflict.

I’m just correcting behavior.

Ryan certainly isn’t going to do it. He doesn’t know Derek like Cassidy does. Like I do.

I wish Cassidy would just say fuck it and drop that bomb, but she cares too much about the whole group staying close and getting along with each other.

Sometimes, she’s too nice for her own good.

“Did you do it on purpose?” Ryan asks me quietly.

I could lie, but what would that teach Derek? Actions have consequences, and he doesn’t get to act like he didn’t just shatter her heart and deal a blow to her confidence just a few months ago.

“I didn’t like how he was looking at your sister like she’s a piece of meat,” I tell him.

Tyler bites his bottom lip to stifle a laugh.

Marcus remains silent, hiding whatever emotions he’s feeling right now far better than Tyler.

Derek scoffs. “Oh, come on. You know we dated, right?”

I really have to bite my damn tongue. I could make him look like a real asshole right now.

“Yeah, but you’re not dating anymore. You should keep your eyes to yourself and wipe the drool off your chin.”

Tyler has to walk away, his shoulders shaking silently.

Marcus clears his throat, covering up a laugh.

I’m probably going too far, but I’m this deep. I’m not going to wimp out when he needs to be humbled and taught a lesson.

Derek rolls his eyes at me. “This is ridiculous.”

“Let’s take a break,” Ryan announces to everyone, prompting them to scatter to get something to drink or sit down in the sand.

Derek stares me down for a few moments before walking away, shaking his head. He acts like he’s confident, but he can’t ever stay face to face with me. He always walks away before things can really get heated.

Ryan turns to me with a sigh. “You didn’t have to spike a ball in his face, Jax.”

“They’re not dating anymore, and he has a girlfriend at home. He doesn’t need to be looking at Cassidy like that,” I tell him, my voice coming out firm.

Maybe a little too firm.

Ryan nods after a moment before patting my upper arm. “Thanks for looking out for her. I’ve always been able to count on you to do that for me.”

Guilt hits me like a punch to the stomach, and all I can do is muster a weak smile and a nod before he walks over to Sarah.

Cassidy pitches me a questioning look, but I look away, feeling even worse.

Ryan trusts me to look after Cassidy, and I’m taking her to bed behind his back. Derek may be staring at her, but I’m doing way more.

I’m doing too much. Going too far.