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Jake had been working hard to make this evening a success and I didn’t want to do anything to ruin it.

That said, I had a limit and it was quickly approaching.

“Stay,” he said, talking to me like I was a dog. “Chat. I’ll tell you what it’s like being a world famous rock star. Ever spend time with a rock star?”

“Here and there. I really should get back.”

“Little girl, Jake won’t even notice you’re missing. More than once he’s left his date here and left with someone else. Usually someone else’s date.”

“I’ll take my chances with that.” I attempted to shift again, this time managing to move an inch before his grip tightened.

Reaching out, he sifted my hair through his fingers. “Trust me, little girl,” he said, pausing to watch the strands fall through. “You wouldn’t have to worry about that with me.”

I jumped as an arm wrapped tightly around my waist. “Not gonna happen, Green,” Jake snarled, pulling me back against him.

“Since when do you care about your dates, Hyde?” Blake sneered, proving he was a moron. Even so, he had the sense to finally release my wrist.

“Back the fuck off.”

“Wow, Hyde, never thought I’d see you get all possessive over a piece.” I fought back a skeeved out shudder as his eyes slowly trailed my body. “Makes me wanna get a taste of what must be a very,verysweet cunt.”

Before I knew what was happening, I was behind Jake and Blake was on the floor. Someone else’s hands held my shoulders, steadying me before pulling me back.

“Let’s go, Pipe,” Kase whispered in my ear. “He’ll be good, but he’ll be fuckin’ pissed at me if I don’t get you outta here.”

I glanced over my shoulder and saw the other guys were positioned to block the scene. I knew they had Jake’s back, which meant letting him handle things his way and keeping everyone out of his path while he did it.

The air went wired as Jake leaned down. “Get up, fucker,” he growled. His voice was barely above a whisper, yet it felt like he was yelling.

“Go fuck yourself. The great Jake Hyde really is pussy-whipped, huh? Gonna get all bent outta shape about some piece? She really must be honey,” Blake taunted unwisely, blood dripping from his nose.

Jake pulled him back up before his fist viciously connected again. The gruesome sound of flesh hitting flesh was audible over the noises of the party. Blake fell back on his ass, blood beading from a tear on his lip.

Luckily, almost everyone was either at the bar, on the dance floor, or looking at the auction items. Only a few people in the immediate area were aware of what was happening, though no one jumped to Blake’s defense.

“I said get the fuck up, motherfucker. We’ll head outside, I’ll show you how bent outta shape I can get.”

“How about we finish here?” Blake asked, standing up and brushing himself off. “You know, that way I can take your piece outside and bend her.”

When Jake stepped forward, Blake swung hard and fast. Jake was faster, though, dodging the punch and using Blake’s momentum against him. Jake brought his fist up, slamming it into Blake’s jaw with a sickening thud and sending him back down on his ass.

Before things could get any more out of control, I pulled free of Kase and got in front of Jake. “Enough. It’s done, let’s just go enjoy our night.”

“Gotta know I’m not lettin’ that slide, Piper,” Jake rumbled, not taking his eyes from Blake.

“Jake,” I whispered, putting my hands on his chest and getting up on my tiptoes. “You’ve been working hard on tonight. Don’t let him take away from that.”

“I don’t give a fuck. No one says that shit about you.”

“I know, baby, I know.” I rubbed my fingertips over the stubble on his jaw. “But I do care. I’m thirsty, let’s go get a drink, okay?”

Jake finally pulled his eyes from Blake to look down at me. “You thirsty, sweets?” Bringing his hand to the side of my neck, he rubbed his thumb along my jaw.

I closed my eyes for a second, his touch tender and calming. “Yeah.”

“Get his ass outta here,” he grunted, jerking his head towards Blake. “I’ll be back.”

Jake slid his hand to the back of my neck and guided me towards the bar. When we reached it, his steps didn’t slow and we walked past it. He kept going, turning and walking us down a long hall.