Maybe This Time (Maybe #1)(57)

“Yep,” he says, finding a secluded parking spot a little away from the crowd.

“He’s gonna be fine, right?”

“He’s gonna be fine.”

“Okay, let’s do this, then,” I say, taking a deep breath.

The atmosphere is different tonight, it’s thick and heavy. Filled with anticipation. I can see people holding up signs for both Reid and his opponent, some more creative than others. For the first time at a fight, there are seats around the ring. Ryan takes me by my arm, and I smile when I see familiar faces. Xander, dad and Dash. I hug all three men and then look around for my man.

“Where is he?”

“Out back, he’ll be out in a minute,” he says.

“Can I go see him?” I ask, my gaze darting.

“Just wait, baby,” Dash says, pulling me closer to him.

Something’s not right.

I sigh in relief when I see Reid walk out. He’s shirtless, and a little sweaty, like he’s already been fighting. I head in his direction, stopping when I see his face. He looks mad. No, not mad, he looks pissed. He raises his head and sees me, and I watch as his face goes soft right before my eyes. He reaches me in a few quick steps.

“What’s wrong?” I ask quickly.

“Nothing, now that you’re here,” he says, pulling me against his warm chest.

“Tell me-”

“There was an incident, I took care of it. I gotta head up now. You know the drill, stand with Ryan,” he says, lowering his face for a quick but passionate kiss.

“Love you.”

“You too, beauty, you too.”

He escorts me back to Ryan, and they have a silent conversation with their eyes. After a few moments, Ryan steps forward and hugs Reid. Reid grins, and pulls away, walking off with my dad and Xander.

“Why’s everyone so tense tonight?” I ask Ryan so only he can hear. He doesn’t reply, instead sets his hands firmly on my shoulders, and positions me so I’m standing right in front of him. The fight starts, and I watch as Reid and Frank circle each other. Reid throws the first punch, hitting him square in the face. I turn to look at Ryan, and then see a familiar face.

“Silas,” I call out, waving my hand. I frown when I see his nose is bleeding, and his cheek is swollen. I step towards him, wondering if he’s okay, frowning when I see the emotions on his face. He looks worried and unsure.

Worst of all he looks guilty.

Ryan turns to look where I’m looking and his face turns to stone. He walks over to Silas, and I follow quickly behind him.

Ryan lifts his hand and hits Silas, who instantly falls to the floor.

“What the f*ck are you doing, Ryan?” I shriek, my mouth open in horror. I lean down onto my knees and put my hands on either side of his face.

“Are you okay?” I ask him, feeling panicked.

“How the f*ck do you know him?” Ryan asks me in a tone I’ve never heard before.

“From the library,” I say, confused. I turn to see Reid rushing towards me. A glance back at the ring shows a huge form lying unmoving on the floor. Shit.

I’ve never seen Reid look so terrifying before. His jaw is set, his fists are clenched and his eyes are cold as ice.

Unfeeling.

Impenetrable.

I gulp when he pins me with a scathing look. “Get your hands off him. Now,” he demands. I take my hands off Silas, but don’t move or stand up. Silas sits up, wincing in pain. Before I know it, I’m dragged up by my arm, and then thrown over Reid’s shoulder.

“Reid-”

“Not a f*cking word, Summer,” he growls, and I still. What the f*ck did I do? He takes me to his car, and sits me down in the passenger seat none too gently.

“Don’t f*cking manhandle me,” I snap, clicking in my seat belt.

Reid ignores me, starting the car and driving off. After ten minutes of silence, I can’t take it anymore.

“What was that?” I say shortly.

“Are you f*cking him?” he asks.

My jaw drops open. “What the f*ck?”

“Yes or f*cking no, Summer,” he says, his knuckles white on the steering wheel.

“Fuck you, Reid,” I say, looking out the window. I can’t believe this shit. I’ve never even looked at another man the way I look at Reid, never felt for another man what I feel for him, and he doesn’t trust me?

“I’ve been stabbed in the back once or twice, but this takes the f*cking cake,” he grits out.

“Maybe instead of accusing me, you can tell me what you are talking out?” I say, my voice raising.

“The guy who killed my baby brother, and you’re touching him like he’s f*cking precious? Feeling his face and shit?” he yells, losing control. My mind takes a few seconds to catch up.

Silas is a fighter?

Silas is the one Reece fought?

Lawyer, always in the library studying Silas?

“Reid. Silas is at the library when I study, I had no idea he was the guy! He’s studying law, I just thought he was a student!” I try to explain, but it seems Reid’s not having it.

“Worst f*cking day of my life when I realise Mia was right about you,” he says.

I go silent, his words having the effect he wanted them to.

They cut.

Reid is a bastard. I haven’t done shit, and I’m not gonna take this from him.