Page 23 of The Retaliation You Deliver

Shaking my head, I keep my eyes on my knees knowing that he’s going to be disappointed in me for the words that are about to leave my lips.

“I knew it was all too good to be true. I saw this coming, I just didn’t—”

“Macie,” he growls just like I was expecting him too. “Do not put this on you. I don’t want to hear that you were never good enough for him and expected to be hurt. That’s not how it’s meant to be.”

“Maybe not, but it’s the truth. Come on, Nate,” I say, finally looking up at him. “He’s one of MKU’s kings and I’m…” I hold my hands out to my sides. “I’m just me. Shy, inexperienced geek. We were never going to work.”

“That’s bullshit and you know it, Mace. You’re worth a million of him.”

My breath catches at his words.

He might be my closest friend, but he’s never said anything like that to me before.

“I mean it, Macie. He’s a douchebag who can’t see what’s right in front of him.”

He scoots a little closer and my eyes widen when he reaches out, tucking my hair behind my ear.

It’s Leon’s move.

My heart pounds, my eyes fluttering closed as his finger brushes the shell of my ear.

In my head, it’s Leon and instinctively I lean a little closer, getting lost in the sensation and his touch.

It’s not until his lips brush mine that I come crashing back to Earth with a body jolting bang.

“Holy crap,” I jump up, my heart racing and my eyes wide as I stare down at Nate who’s still leaning over into the space I was just in. “What the hell was that?” I ask, barely able to speak through my increased breaths.

“I can’t see you sad, Mace. It kills me.”

“And that was your answer?”

He shrugs, a little regret creeping into his expression.

“I’m sorry, I—” He cuts himself off, his eyes dropping from mine for a beat.

When he glances up once again, he looks back in control. Like the Nathan I’m used to.

“I’m sorry. I just wanted to wipe that look off your face. Leon is a fucking idiot for screwing this up.”

I shrug. “I’m not sure there was really anything to screw up. The whole thing was…” Incredible. Mind-blowing. “A mistake.”

“That doesn’t mean it’s not allowed to hurt, Mace.”

“I know, but I’m stronger than Leon Dunn. He can kiss my ass,” I say, throwing my hair over my shoulder.

“Damn right he can, but only after I’ve kept my promise to you.”

My brows pinch as I try to think back to what he might have said to me.

“Oh, no, no, no,” I chant when the penny drops. “Don’t go anywhere near him. I don’t want you to get hurt because of me.”

He pushes to stand and comes almost toe to toe with me.

“No one hurts you and gets away with it, Mace.”

“Please. Please don’t.”

“I can’t promise that. Just know that what I’m capable of isn’t anywhere near what he deserves.”