I’m still standing there like a statue, trying to process how my life has gotten to this current moment, when Liam comes flying down the hallway.
“What thefuck?” he shouts a second before punching Stefan.
I have enough wits about me to take a step back, but not enough to decide if this is a nightmare or reality.
Stefan gets a few hits in, I think, but Liam has him pushed against the wall within seconds. His fist cracks against Stefan’s jaw again. I should tell him to stop—Ineedto. As much as we joke about it, I’d rather either of our arrests stay just that.
Before I have to figure out how to try to stop two grown men from fighting, my brothers are barreling past me and ripping them off of each other. The entire scene is ridiculous, but I can’t find any humor in it.
“Hey,” my brother-in-law says and places his hand on my shoulder.
With wide eyes, I turn to Grady before realizing I’m still holding my cheek. On instinct, I drop it when all five pairs of eyes land on me, but that’s a mistake. It’s still stinging and it must be redder than I assumed.
“You fuckinghither?” Hudson sneers before throwing Stefan back into the wall.
“Wait, stop!” I shout, but Grady gently grabs my shoulders and pulls me back.
Only Hudson is able to get another hit in before a larger crowd comes through the hallway, including security guards. I let everyone push me toward the back, and I’m grateful that Grady stays close to my side instead of joining in.
Once they’re separated again, Liam doesn’t need to be held back as Stefan is escorted away. His head whips around until he finds me. Coming straight toward me, he lets out a deep breath that I feel in my own chest.
He reaches for me with hesitation, but I grab his hand and pull him close. I’d rather not bring more attention with a big, emotional embrace, but I want him close. He squeezes my hand, telling me it’s enough for him right now, too.
“Are you okay?” Liam reaches up, contemplating brushing my cheek with his knuckles, but decides not to.
I shake my head then nod, confused on how to answer. “I—yes. I am okay, just shocked, I think.”
He nods in understanding, about to say something before he tips his chin behind me. Quickly turning around, I find Ruby standing at the end of the hallway, silent tears running down her cheeks. She’s pale as a ghost and all by herself.
Looking at Liam, there’s a silent question in my eyes. He walks toward her, taking our interlaced hands with him. There’s a lot happening around us, and I’m sure I’ll need to make a statement. God, what has this night turned into?
“Hey, Ruby,” I say quietly and step around Liam’s large body. “Are you okay?”
She nods, staring at my red cheek. “I—yeah. Yes, I am. Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” I say, sounding more confident than I feel. Liam’s hand in mine adds to my wavering strength. “I mean, as much as I can be?” I offer her a sad, dry smile that she returns.
Mia walks up with an off-duty police officer. I recognize him, but can’t think of his name off the top of my head. “Security is detaining Stefan until someone from the station can pick him up.” Turning toward Ruby, she puts on her softest smile. “Hey, Ruby, right? I’m Mia Maddon—Liam’s cousin and Calypso’s lawyer. I’ve been hoping we’d meet, just under different circumstances.”
Ruby’s eyes widen and she takes a quick glance at me. “You wanted to meetme?”
Mia nods. “I believe you and Stefan aren’t married yet?” Ruby nods in confirmation. “Good. I’d still love to help you in any way I can, starting with accompanyingallof you to the police station.” She gives a pointed look at Liam.
My eyes shift between her and the officer. “My brothers, too?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he says. “I’m Officer Nichols.” We offer him quick handshakes and introductions. I can sense the group behind us but no one interrupts. “Mr., uh, Prescott?” Mia nods to confirm his name. “He accused the group of attacking him. We’ll need to talk with everyone and get some statements.”
“Uh, okay.” I take a step closer to Ruby, silently letting her know she’s not alone.
“We’ll get the story straightened out,” he assures in a gruff voice. “But it sounds like these boys were protecting you, yes?”
I have to physically stop myself from scrunching my nose at the word choice but I nod. “Yes, sir. They were.”
“Go ahead and meet us down at the station. I’ll wait for the on-duty officers to get here.”
We all nod before turning to find most of my family, and Liam’s, behind us. My sister and Grady are gone, as is Blake’s family and Knox with his kids. Lucas stands close behind us, waiting for his cousin. I’m glad none of the kids are here to see this.
My mom steps forward and gently cups my cheek. There’s so much pain in her eyes, the kind that comes with a person’s own memories of a similar situation. For the first time, a tear slips down my cheek. There might have been a few when Stefan first slapped me, a natural reaction to the sharp sting. But staring at my mom’s honey-brown eyes, identical to mine, I can’t stop them any longer.
