BRYAN
"What the hell is going on here?" I snapped, my voice slicing through the thick, suffocating silence like a blade.
Steve turned slowly toward me, his movements deliberate, his jaw clenched so tightly I could see the muscle twitch beneath his skin.
"What is she doing here?" he demanded, his voice rising—too controlled, too restrained, like a man standing on the edge of losing control.
I scoffed inwardly. Was he serious? He met her here, for God's sake.
"I asked you a fucking question, Bryan," he half-yelled, his eyes locking onto mine with a challenge I didn't appreciate.
My fist slammed against the bar before I could stop myself, the sharp sound echoing through the room.
"At least answer mine," he added, his tone dropping suddenly, unnervingly calm—but somehow, that made it worse.
The most irritating part?
Cali hadn't taken her eyes off Steve since the moment he walked in.
Not once.
And then—
She hugged him.
My world tilted.
What the hell was that?
"It's been a long time," Steve said warmly, holding her hands as if they belonged there. "How have you been?"
Cali smiled.
A wide, genuine smile.
Too genuine.
"Bryan, Cali and I were high school mates," Steve announced proudly, like he'd just won something. "We haven't seen each other in years."
My jaw clenched so hard it ached. I was seconds away from telling him to let her go when Jason discreetly pinched my arm—a warning I barely registered.
Hindley took a seat first, then Jason, then Steve, settling in like this was some casual reunion.
I remained standing.
Frozen.
Cali and Steve… friends?
What kind of sick coincidence was this?
"So," Jason drawled, clearly enjoying himself far too much, "won't you introduce your girlfriend, Bryan?"
I stared at him, stunned.
He winked.
Oh.
I stepped forward, wrapped my arm around Cali's waist, and pulled her close—too close—snatching her from Steve's reach. I could feel her tense, feel the sharp intake of her breath, but I didn't loosen my grip.
"Guys, meet Cali," I said coolly. "My girlfriend."
Shock rippled across the room like a dropped glass shattering.
Steve's smile vanished instantly.
Hindley blinked. Once. Twice.
"You have a girlfriend?" Hindley asked, incredulous.
"Obviously," Jason cut in with a smirk.
Cali's hand curled into a tight fist against my chest. I gently pried her fingers open, my thumb brushing her knuckles in a silent warning.
She shot me a glare that could cut glass.
"Cali, meet Jason, Hindley… and Steve," I added, my tone deliberately neutral.
She greeted them politely, her voice steady even though I could feel the tension radiating from her body.
"It's nice meeting you," Jason said, shaking her hand.
"How did Bryan land someone this beautiful?" Hindley blurted. "I was supposed to date first—but it's a pleasure knowing you.
I shot him a shut-up look.
"Didn't expect to see you again, Cali," Steve murmured, his gaze lingering far too long.
"You're even more beautiful now."
She blushed.
Actually blushed.
My chest tightened painfully.
Why the hell is she blushing?
"What about what we were discussing earlier, Bryan?" Steve asked, shifting his attention back to me, his eyes sharp with something unreadable.
I scoffed, forcing a smirk I didn't feel.
"Cali," I said softly, lowering my voice, "go wait for me in the room. I need to discuss business with my friends."
She hesitated for half a second—just long enough for me to notice—then nodded and turned to leave.
"Cali," Steve called suddenly.
She stopped mid-step.
And turned.
"Won't you give me your contact details?"
The room went deadly quiet.
My pulse roared in my ears as I watched her hesitate, caught between us.
And for the first time that night, I wasn't sure which answer terrified me more.