Page 93 of The Curveball

I tap Dax’s shoulder, pulling him aside. “Did Griffin tell you anything?”

Dax is younger than the other guys in the quartet, but he’s as threatening with his bulk and dark eyes.

“Griffin didn’t need to say anything. I don’t know what’s going on, but something has our guy unsettled, and the way your brother told you to stick with Skye, that’s all we need. We look after our own, Wren. If someone is here who isn’t good for you, we’re going to have your back.”

I’m embarrassed by the quiver to my chin. All I manage is, “Thanks, Dax.”

He tips his chin in an acknowledgement, then holds out his arm, giving me the right of way to the table. While we fill plates, couples fill the dancefloor. The party truly begins when the jazz band kicks up the tempo and laughter chases away my worries for a minute.

I even laugh when Skye gets Ryder to crack a smile. A small one, but it’s there all the same.

Eventually, we’re joined by Alexis and Bridger Cole. I like Alexis, she’s chatty and a complete book nerd like me. Like her brother, she began a foundation but turned it bookish, supplying book boxes to kids of fallen first responders.

I look around for Griffin, but he’s swallowed up by the crowd somewhere. I’m almost engulfed enough in the care of people who’ve become a new sort of family I forget to worry over my dad and Clay.

Should’ve known it wouldn’t last.

I’m only ten steps away from my group when a strong grip curls around my arm. I jolt back, but my pulse slows when my father’s eyes meet mine. My brothers weave through the crowd, faces flushed, and come to stand behind our dad.

“Uh, hi,” I say.

“Wren.” My dad’s eyes are fiery, his jaw tight. His eyes drift to the exposed scar at the base of my throat, and his frown deepens. “Trying to prove something? Point made.”

“Is there an issue?” Dax might be quiet, but he knows how to growl. He comes from nowhere and stands next to me, followed quickly by Ryder.

“I’m her father,” my dad snaps.

Dax and Ryder both seem wholly unimpressed and look to me for confirmation. I give them my best smile. “I’m good, guys. Thanks.”

They take maybe four paces back, still looking like Mafia bodyguards.

“Come on.” My dad pulls on my arm.

“Dad, where are we going?”

My dad wheels around on me. “You’re going to call off that bull of a boyfriend.”

I look to Darren and Carter.

Darren is the one who answers softly. “It’s Griffin and Clay, Wren.”

The room tilts. “What?”

“Did you tell him to do this?” My dad pulls me closer to him, voice low. “Did you? I thought we could get beyond a few things, Wren.”

I yank my arm out of his grip. “No. Now, where is Griffin?”

“Come on.” Darren steps to my side.

My dad tries to go to my other side, but Carter cuts him off and stands between us. I can’t catch a deep breath. Griffin did exactly what I asked him not to do. Like my father, like Clay.

He broke a promise like it was nothing, and a new crack fissures down my heart.

CHAPTER30

GRIFFIN

I can’t find Wren.She’s missing when I head back to the table after the millionth picture.