The heavy pounding of footsteps drew my attention to the man approaching us, leaving the girl behind. I could see the fear on her face as she looked up at him.
"Abby, who's your friend?" he barked, his voice laced with anger.
She glanced at me, her expression helpless. "I don't know his name; he goes to school with me, I believe." She looked down when she spoke, avoiding eye contact with him.
"Just some loser who has nothing better to do than hit on someone else's girlfriend."
That was it; I couldn't hold back my laughter any longer. "Loser, huh?" I gently placed my hand on the girl's face, lifting it so she would look at me. She met my gaze with beautiful gray eyes, just the right hint of light blue.
"Take your hands off her now!" he yelled at me, his anger escalating. I watched as his face turned red and his teeth gritted, visibly struggling to keep his composure.
"What happened to her lip?" I asked, analyzing his face. His eyebrow lifted, and his hand shook; it was clear he was becoming nervous.
"What are you accusing me of?" He stepped closer, invading my space.
"I'm game; I won't avoid conflict. I think you know exactly what I'm accusing you of."
Suddenly, I heard boots moving across the floor, it was Elias. With the clicking of high heels, I knew Annette was right behind him.
"Why don't you mind your own business?" the man barked at me.
I felt a strong grip on my arm; Elias didn't want a fight. "You mess with Abel, you're messing with me, Nick," I heard Elias say.
I glanced at Annette, who looked worried and was nervously biting her nails. Nick roughly grabbed Abby by the arm. She didn't argue or resist as they walked around us, her eyes locked on mine. Should I let her leave with him? I moved towards them, but Elias pulled me back.
"Let it go, Abel," he murmured in my ear, the scent of alcohol on his breath.
I looked into his big brown eyes. He clearly knew he had had too much to drink tonight to help Annette. "Do you see how he treats her?"
Elias frowned and released my arm. "You can't protect every girl, Abel."
I exhaled slowly, my frustration visible. "You're right."
Elias took Annette's hand and pressed a kiss to her lips. "Plus, you have my girl here who could get hurt."
Hours later, I lay in my tent, staring at the ceiling and lost in thought. I couldn't shake Abby's frightened face from my mind. I would never understand how a man could hurt a woman. Why would Abby stay with him? She was so beautiful, she didn't need him.
Suddenly, I heard someone enter my tent. I turned to see Annette lying down next to me. I was surprised; I had assumed she would be sleeping in Elias's tent tonight.
"You're not sleeping with Elias?" I asked.
"He's drinking with Finn," she replied, her cheeks flushing. I moved her red hair away from her face.
I rolled my eyes; as if everyone hadn't drunk enough at the club. "I don't want any issues with Elias, especially since he might not understand why you're sleeping in my tent."
She smiled. "I told him today."
I nodded. "When did you two start getting close? I was a bit taken aback by that kissing I saw earlier."
"It's been going on for a few weeks. We've been keeping it a secret."
So that was why he had been questioning me about my relationship with Annette. And why did she sleep in my tent?
"Well, that little sneak," I chuckled.
She laughed, and my hand gently rubbed her soft cheek. "He has good taste." She half-smiled at me, resting her head on my chest.