“I better go break this up,” Rachel excused herself, rising from the table as Shade approached his wife.
“What’s going on?” Shade asked, sitting down next to her then taking the remaining piece of hotdog away from her, popping it into his mouth.
“I think Holly doesn’t like the way Greer’s new girlfriend is acting in front of Logan.”
“Greer’s an ass.”
“I think everyone in town shares that opinion.”
“You don’t?”
“I don’t know him well enough to cast judgment,” she said reprovingly. His wife was determined to find the best in everyone.
“I do. He’s an ass,” Shade remarked.
The escalating argument between the two was easily heard in the backyard in direct contrast of the balloons and fairy lights which had set a party atmosphere.
“You deal with her!” they heard Greer yell at Rachel, who was trying to get him to shut up. “I’m done listening to her sanctimonious bullshit.” Greer jumped back into the pool, spraying both women with water.
“I told you he was an ass,” Shade said, seeing Lily’s angry expression. “Come on, they want to cut the cake.” Shade took Lily’s hand as they walked toward the large table which had gathered a crowd to watch Mrs. Langley cut her cake.
Beth was standing with the knife, but she was motioning for Rachel to do the cutting. Shade turned to see what the holdup was, spying Rachel heading to another argument which was building between Greer and Cash.
“Be right back, angel,” Shade told Lily, giving her hand a squeeze before moving toward the end of the pool where Cash was sitting.
Greer’s new girlfriend Diane, who he easily recognized as having attended several of the Friday parties, was sitting next to Cash. The stupid bitch was trying to start a fight with the way she was pressing up against him.
“You never could keep your hands off another man’s woman. What is it with you; can’t you find one of your own?” Greer climbed out of the pool to glare down at Cash and Diane.
When Cash stared back impassively at Greer’s tantrum, Shade stepped closer so Cash could see him give a warning shake of his head.
“I know it’s hard, Greer, but be smart. Go have a piece of cake and leave me alone.”
Tate and Dustin came out from the house, coming closer to see what had Greer’s voice raised loud enough to be heard inside.
“You just can’t leave women alone, can you, Cash? Like father, like son,” Greer jeered.
Shade sucked in his breath as Cash got to his feet. Then Shade and the other Last Riders moved closer to back him up if he needed it.
“Keep cool,” Shade muttered to them under his breath.
“This is a birthday party! Let’s go eat some ice cream and cool down.” Rachel tried unsuccessfully to end the fight, but Greer wasn’t having it.
“Shut up, Rachel,” Greer snarled at her attempt.
“Don’t talk to her that way,” Cash growled.
“I can talk to my sister any way I want to.”
“Talk to her that way again, and I will—”
“What are you going to do? Rachel is none of your business. She’s the only woman in this town of ours you haven’t fucked.”
“Wanna bet?” Cash grinned. “I fucked her under your own roof.”
The horrified looks on Rachel’s brothers’ faces as they turned to her had Rachel taking a step back. Shade tensed, knowing the three brothers weren’t going to take Cash’s comment without retribution.
“You son of a bitch!” Greer threw himself at Cash, nearly knocking him into the pool, but Rider managed to grab his arm and steady him. After Greer’s fists flew out, one nailing Cash in the stomach, Shade moved, blocking Cash from returning the blow.
“This is how you repay us for saving Lily’s life? You motherfuckers can go to Hell!” Tate tried to go for Shade, who went stiff at his damning insult.
“We are paying you back. We’re not beating the shit out of you right now! Back off.” His brusque order was ignored.
Rachel made an attempt to stop her brothers one more time, grabbing Tate by his arm when he moved toward him again. “Tate! Stop. Please!”
Shade restrained himself from knocking the fucker in the pool, aware of Lily watching. Beth had placed a hand on her arm, keeping her away from the fight.
“Don’t fuckin’ touch me.” Tate shoved Rachel from him, jerking his arm away.
Rachel stumbled but Tate caught her, realizing what he had nearly done. Pulling her to his side, his furious eyes glared down at her in disgust.
“Get Logan and Holly, Dustin. We’re leaving.” Tate jerked Rachel toward the patio doors as Dustin and Greer followed.
Shade was disgusted by the brothers’ treatment of their sister. He might be a cold bastard, but he would never have treated Penni to a public spectacle the way the Porters were Rachel, who was crying, humiliated by them.
Mrs. Langley and half the town at the party were witnesses to the woman’s embarrassment as they escorted Rachel from the party.
Lily started after them.
“Hell no, you’re not getting involved in that mess.” Shade took her arm, pulling her back.