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Dobbs straightened in his chair and muttered. “Shit.”
His regretful tone said it all without giving any details. Oh fuck.
“What?” Hades asked.
“She came by the yard and said she had some wedding stuff on her list.” Dobbs paused, sharing a look with Gage. Hades watched both men. They seemed to be having a silent conversation.
Gage paled slightly and dragged his hand down his face. “Fuck.”
Hades had no idea what was happening, but his blood started to heat. Obviously, Gage, and possibly Dobbs, had fucked up, and it involved Vada.
Hades balled his fists, shifting his glare between both men. “What the fuck did you two do?”
Gage drew in a breath. “I had no fucking idea she was gonna ask me.”
Hades didn’t like where this was going. He ground his teeth. “What did you say to her?”
“Like Dobbs said, she came in, which was kind of weird ’cause you weren’t there. She seemed a little off, not bad, but” —he paused, clenching his teeth— “Fuck.”
Gage was clearly piecing the events in his mind. He leaned back in his chair and stared down at his beer.
“But what?” Hades demanded.
“She seemed nervous, awkward even for Vada. And uh…” Dobbs said, clearing his throat, and jockeying the conversation back to Gage. It was like a Ping-Pong game between these two.
“Dobbs asked what she was up to, and she said she had a few more things for the wedding. She said her parents were definitely not coming, and her dad wouldn’t be walking her down the aisle.” Gage drew in a breath. “So, I said she doesn’t need anyone walking her. Told her she’s got this.”
“Why the hell would that upset her?” Kase asked.
“’Cause he’s leaving out a part,” Dobbs said.
Gage scowled. “You think if I knew she was gonna ask me, I would’ve fucking said that?”
What the fuck? Hades was about to lose his shit if he didn’t get the whole story.
“What the fuck did you say, Gage?”
“I said I’m hoping I didn’t have a daughter ’cause I don’t wanna have to do that bullshit.” Gage spread his arms. “And that’s not even fucking true, but I was saying it to make her feel better ’cause her old man wasn’t gonna be there.”
Hades cupped his jaw. He was mad, but it wasn’t directed at Gage. He was like a brother to Vada, closer to her than the others. It made sense that he’d be her second choice. But it didn’t settle him anymore, knowing it was yet another letdown for Vada.
“And why the fuck is Dobbs getting off the hook? He doubled down with the same bullshit. That fucker even called the tradition misogynistic.” Gage was trying to get the heat off himself. Or, most likely, trying to relieve some of his guilt.
“Because she was going to ask you, asshole,” Kase said.
“Um, hey, guys?” The feminine voice from across the room had all the brothers turning in their chairs. Hades looked over his shoulder to find Bailey standing in the doorway. Her smile didn’t reach her eyes and appeared forced.
“What’s wrong?” Saint asked.
Bailey looked at Hades, then turned to Kase. “Phoebe’s moved the party over to your place, making it a girls’ sleepover, and said to tell you to sleep here tonight.”
What the fuck? He had specific plans for his woman tonight, as they had the house to themselves. That was one thing he wasn’t giving up.
“Vada’s not sleeping anywhere but at home.”
“She’s staying at Phoebe’s,” Bailey spoke with such authority, it came off as challenging.
Hades raised his brows. “No, she’s not.”
