When he sees me, he lifts the can of beer into the air.
“Cheers, Jaci! I love this place so far!”
“You’re a fucking moron, Seth,” I whisper.
I start to walk toward him but then I feel someone next to me.
By the time I turn my head, Cullen and Archer are running past me.
I grab for Archer’s arm but I’m too late.
Behind me, a fewSavagesare smiling, rubbing their hands together.
They’re ready to see a fight.
But I’m not.
“What are you doing here, Vossenax?” Cullen asks.
“Heard there was a party,” Seth says. “And don’t worry. I didn’t come to start trouble. Look. I’m sitting right here. Sipping a beer. Just minding my own business. I was hoping to get my eyes on some of these mafia girls. I’m picturing the whole bunch of them… the Italians. The Irish. The Russians…”
Seth looks at me and winks.
I can’t believe I actually want to somehow help right now.
I don’t want him to get hurt.
It’s a major flaw in my brain right now.
“Time to stand up and leave,” Archer says.
“Or what?” Seth asks.
“You know what theor whatis,” Archer says.
“Or maybe I’ll just stand up and start saying what I’m thinking,” Seth says. “Say what’s on my mind. I’ve got some things brewing up there right now.”
Cullen inches closer to Seth.
Something is said.
Something nice and quiet.
Seth looks at me the entire time, slowly grinning.
Archer turns and sees me looking.
He moves toward me.
“Why don’t you go back inside, sweet thing?”
“Why don’t you kiss my ass?” I throw out without hesitation.
Archer pulls out his knife. “What else do you want me to do with your ass?”
“Absolutely nothing,” I say. “What are Cullen and Seth talking about?”
“I don’t know. I can’t hear them.”