“This isn’t a big deal,” Enzo said, reaching to finish wiping the mess from my chest.
With lightning speed, Ryder’s hand shot out, and he gripped Enzo’s wrist.
“Don’t fucking touch her,” Ryder snarled. “Take your fucking date and get away from Rosalie.”
Enzo stared at him, not saying a word. I really thought they were going to fight.
“Enzo, Rosalie had an accident. Let… whatever he is… clean her. We need to go so we aren’t late,” Jade said, winding her arm around Enzo’s.
Enzo didn’t move for a second as he had a silent staredown with Ryder. A muscle thrummed along Enzo’s jaw. His free hand tightened into a fist.
Finally, Ryder released his arm, and Enzo backed away.
“Cole is on his way home,” Enzo said gruffly. “Don’t let him see whatever the fuck this is.”
And that was it. He left the room with Jade on his arm as Ryder stared down at me.
“Ryder?” I whispered, staring up at him.
“Red?”
“What is this?”
“It’s just me protecting you like I always have. Like I always will. Come on. I’ll run you a shower.” He pulled away from me and helped me to stand, and led me back upstairs, where he did exactly what he said he was going to do.
As much as I tried to fight the feelings, I knew they were turning into something dangerous.
And if I had to guess, Ryder felt the same.
And that… that could be a problem.
50
ENZO
Istared out at the sea of people. We were raising money for who knew what. I’d donated a few million and had shown my face. I hated it here, though.
All I kept thinking about was Rosalie staring up at that prick Ryder. The control he had over her. The way he spoke, she listened, and how I spoke…
Fuck, I was nothing to her.
Something was up with that ice cream. I knew that much.
Had I a few more moments and less of an audience, I’d have hauled Rosalie right into my arms before bathing her my damn self. It was getting progressively harder to be away from her despite my promising I’d make myself scarce.
It’s why I was still lurking.
But this Ryder situation had to stop. It had the potential of ruining things for Cole, and I couldn’t let that happen.
I’d take care of shit because I owed my brother that much.
“Isn’t this amazing?” Jade gushed as she wound her arm through mine. She’d been clinging to me for most of the night. I didn’t hate it, but I also didn’t feel anything either.
“It’s fine,” I mumbled. “Boring.”
“Oh, Enzo.” She laughed. “We should dance. We can spice it up in here.”
I grunted. I’d only ever danced with Rosalie. It suddenly made me feel pathetic because I had no experience other than with her.
