She drew back and stared at me for a long moment. Obviously, she was beyond surprised.
Funny, me too.
It had been years since I'd last seen her, and I'd never been great at sticking up for myself. And even when I did, I'd always done it as politely as possible.
But tonight, I'd had more than enough. And I was definitely on a roll. After all, I'd cursed at my mom, too.
Who knows, maybe Allie was rubbing off on me. Or maybe, I'd grown a spine during my time away. Either way, I couldn’t afford to back down now.
Tabitha was still staring. "What the hell's wrong with you?"
"What's wrong withme?" I gave a bitter laugh. "What's wrong withyou? You're the one trying to take my clothes."
"Hey, I asked nicely." She stepped closer. "But if you want, we can do this the hard way." She bared her teeth to say, "Because one way or another, I'm getting that dress."
Part of me – the child I'd been – wanted to run. But I was no longer a kid, and I had nowhere to run. So I lifted my chin and said, "Oh, please. What are you gonna do? Rip it off me?"
Her eyes narrowed to slits. "You think I wouldn't?"
Yikes.
She looked like she meant it.
Still, I summoned up the bravest smile I could muster. "Oh, I think you would. But try it now, and you'll be sorry."
"Oh yeah? Why's that?"
I opened my mouth, planning for a sharp reply. But it never came, not because words failed me, but rather because a new voice – Jax's voice, low and dangerous – replied on my behalf. "Because if you try," he said, "you'll be looking at a broken arm."
Chapter 12
In unison, we whirled to look. And there he was, standing just a few paces away. His eyes were dark, and his mouth was grim as he looked from me to my so-called aunt.
I wanted to die of embarrassment. He wasn't even alone. Apparently, our little argument had attracted a small crowd. And of course, thishadto include the redhead, who looked beyond amused.
Damn it.
I'd been so distracted, I hadn't noticed any of them.
Maybe Iwasstupid.
I straightened.No. I wasn't.It was just that between the noise of the party and the general mayhem, not to mention my own roiling emotions, I hadn't been paying nearly close enough attention.
Jax strode closer until he was standing within arm's reach. After the briefest glance at me, he turned his cool gaze on my aunt.
No,I reminded myself.Shewasn'tmy aunt. She was Tabitha – just plain Tabitha.
Old habits might die hard, but I was determined to kickthishabit for good. She was no aunt of mine – or even a friend for that matter. And I needed to remember that.
In that same low voice, Jax told her, "Get out."
Her brow wrinkled in a show of confusion. "But I was invited."
"Not by me." He flicked his head toward the front of the mansion. "You've got two minutes. Grab your shit and go."
Tabitha gave a shaky laugh. "Or what?" In a valiant effort, she batted her eyelashes up at him and tried for a purr. "You wouldn’treallybreak my arm, would you?"
I held my breath as a wave of conflicting emotions washed over me – gratitude that he was rescuing me yet again, humiliation that it was even necessary, and yes, a twinge of fear that he'd actually make good on his threat.
