Too Sweet (Hayes Brothers #3)(81)

“Justin?” I scoff. “He might be a decent guy, but he’s still your friend, Brandon, and anyone who sticks by you can’t have much common sense. Let me go, or—”

“Or what? You’ll knee my balls? I dare you, kitten.” A lick of malice flares his eyes as he grabs my wrist, yanking me closer. “Hit me again, and I’ll stop being so fucking nice.”

His grip tightens, bordering on painful, way past bruising point. This will take some explaining when Nico spots the bruises tomorrow.

The music fades, drowned out by blood whooshing in my ears, panic settling into my gut. This feels too familiar... Q, a guy touching me against my will...

Memories blur reality, diminishing my composure. Brandon’s face morphs into Asher’s and back, over and over, the tighter he holds me.

I can feel myself shaking, but I can’t stay grounded. My head’s too loud. Too chaotic to think straight, to weigh the consequences when I look to the side for help. Johnny’s still there, apparently blending in if Brandon hasn’t noticed him by now.

Our eyes lock, and that’s all he needs.

My pulse soars immediately. Not because of Brandon. Not because Johnny grips his neck, gouging his fingers into his flesh so hard his nails whiten. Not even because Conor is suddenly beside me, shoving me back and nailing Brandon’s face.

It’s because Johnny will report this to Nico, and I’ll have to lie again. If he finds out about the prize, he’ll leave me.

I’m not losing the best thing that happened in my life over Brandon Price’s misogynistic worldview.

“What the fuck?” Brandon booms, thrashing against Johnny’s hold. “Let me go, man! What’s your problem?!”

Two of his buddies jump in to help. One sends a clenched fist to Conor’s stomach, and the other jumps on Johnny’s back, climbing him like a tree.

All hell breaks loose.

Someone shoves me back again, and I slam into a hard chest. The last thing I see before Cody spins me to face him is a glimpse of an enraged Colt charging Brandon. All fire and brimstone as he steers out a punch.

“He put twenty-five grand up for you?!” Cody yells over the surrounding noise. “Why the fuck didn’t you tell us?!”

“I-I... I’m sorry, I—”

“Save it for later,” he snaps, tucking me against his side as more bouncers and more football players arrive.

Colt hammers his fists into Brandon in a deranged frenzy, paying no attention to his bleeding nose and split eyebrow. Random partygoers jump in, lashing out at everyone in their path, and the brawl gets out of hand within seconds.

“Get her outside!” Johnny yells, pointing to the exit.

Cody grips my wrist, forging a path through the crowd of onlookers. No one in sight is dancing anymore. Everyone stopped to watch twenty men throwing fists.

I double over as soon as we’re outside, pumping crisp evening air into my lungs.

“You gonna puke? Fuck, your bag’s upstairs.”

“I’m okay,” I mutter, leaning against the wall. “Please don’t tell Nico about the prize. Please, promise you—”

“No way! Don’t ask me to keep that a secret.” He steps back, tearing his hair out of his head. “Why didn’t you tell us?! How long has this been going on?!”

“Since the Spring Break party,” I mutter, staring at the ground beneath my feet. I should’ve stayed home... nothing would’ve happened if I’d just stayed home tonight.

Argh, who am I kidding?

The triplets would’ve found out soon enough, and I’d be right where I am now—about to lose the man I love.

Once Nico realizes that on top of all my flaws, I bring a heap of trouble and drama, he’ll question our relationship.

He’ll move on.

I might excite him now, but long term, not much speaks in my favor. In this day of feminism, strong personalities, and confident women who know what they want and how to get it, I’m a freak. An anomaly. Someone to pick on and laugh at.

I’m cautious, weak, and shy. I’m afraid of the dark and nervous around strangers. I’m awkward, insecure, and inexperienced.

Nico deserves a woman who’ll own every room she walks into. Let me in that room, and the only thing I’ll own is the best corner to hide in. He deserves someone who’ll be his equal and challenge him every step of the way.

A woman who’ll make his life exciting but easier. He’s got a lot going on without me adding stupid college drama to the mix.

“Who told you?” I ask, disappointment clutching my heart.

Even if Nico doesn’t point blank cut me loose the moment he finds out, our relationship will expire soon enough.

“Grayson,” Cody snaps. “But it should’ve been you! Jesus, Mia!” He grips my shoulders, pulling me into his arms. “You have any idea what could’ve happened, Bug? You should’ve told us. You should’ve told Nico.”

I shake my head, my breathing shallow as tears threaten to spill. “He’s the last person I want to know about this.”

“Why?” He pushes me away. “He’ll take care of it.”

I step back, tucking loose strands of hair behind my ears. “He’ll also realize I bring nothing but problems. He gives me everything I ever wanted, and I... I’m just a phase.”