Page 65 of Unbreakable Thread

My dad once said never to let guys mess with me and to walk with my chin up and shoulders squared.

“I’m sorry,” Andy chokes out.

“Are you going to mess with him?” I slap him around, and tears fill his eyes when I punch his nose.

“No.”

I pull his hair harder, and some strands let loose. “Don’t even look at him.”

“Okay.”

I release him and walk to the bus with a smile on my face. No one fucks with me or what’s mine.

Chapter 20

Max

Carlos had been planning this dinner for a while now. I canceled each time. It never seemed like the right time. “Max, put your phone down, sweetie. It’s rude.” Annette leans onto the table, reaching for my hand.

I turn from her. “Where’s Carlos and the rest of them?”

The host seated me at the small table Carlos had reserved. Then Annette showed up. Xander was invited as well.

“They will show, but in the meantime, we should order.” Annette pulls out the menu. Then waves at the waiter. We have been waiting for thirty minutes now for everyone to show up. I’m still pissed off about the news article and the post made on my social media accounts. “I would like a glass of wine. Surprise me with the finest wine you have. What do you want?” She looks over at me from the menu.

“Modelo,” I say dryly.

Carlos doesn’t pick up when I call or text. Nessa’s phone goes straight to voicemail. I watch the waitress approach, balancing our drinks on a black tray, her wrist cocked at an angle. She sets Annette’s glass down first, then slides mine across the table. The beer catches the dim light. I don’t hesitate—just grab it and throw it back, needing to feel something cold besides my anger.

“Are you ready to order?” the woman asks.

“Yes.” Annette closes her menu. “I’ll have the chicken salad.” She looks at me. “And for you, sweetie?”

I growl. The name “sweetie” coming from her lips makes me want to throw up. “I’ll wait,” I say sharply, and the woman flinches and leaves.

Annette scoots her chair close to me. “Stop being such a grouch. Let’s enjoy the night with or without them. It’s not like you have a girl waiting for you.” She looks at me with hearts in her eyes, and I can’t stand her.

“Who said I don’t have a girl?”

“Well, you two are not together, obviously. She wasn’t your date at the ball.” No, my girl wasn’t at the ball, as she should have been by my side. “Take me home tonight. Let me show how good we can be.”

Fucking disgusting.

My phone dings, and I check my messages.

Xander: Hey, no one told me about a dinner. Leo wasn’t invited. The only thing I can think of is they set you up a date with her. He has been saying you two look good together.

I clench my jaw. Of course, Carlos would do that. He thinks I need to get laid to help me with the anger and tension I carry. I’ve been a dick to everyone since we split up, and I’ve been so damn busy.

Me: Thanks, man. I’m out of here.

“Max, are you listening?” Her hand goes to my chest. “Let me show you. Take me to your bed.” Her seductive voice does nothing for me.

I grab her face, a little rougher than intended. “Listen to me. I’m not attracted to you, nor do I want you in any way. I’ve made myself clear several times.” She tries to speak, but I stop her. “You’re desperate. I don’t like desperate women. I have a woman, and I’ll go to the ends of this world for her.” I slide my chair back. “Not for you or anyone… Solely for her. Now, fuck off.”

I get out of my chair, take a twenty-dollar bill, and slam it on the table. “For my drink. Keep the change. That’s all you’re worth.” Okay, I know that’s harsh, but fuck, I’m sick of her shit.

The hot air hits my face the second I’m out the door. Carlos had asked us to meet for dinner after my fight, but then Rainey and I split, and after that, I kept rescheduling it. My birthday is in two weeks. Carlos had planned a birthday celebration plus my winning. I finally gave in just to get it over with. I didn’t think he was setting me up.