The party was supposed to be normal. At least, that was what everyone expected. Music, friends, a little too much noise, and the kind of night that would be forgotten by morning.

That was usually how it was with the three of you.

You, Cruz, and Zade.

Everyone knew you came as a package deal. Cruz was your brother, and Zade had been his best friend long before he became your boyfriend. The two of them had grown up together, getting into trouble, looking out for each other, and becoming the kind of friends who didn’t need to explain themselves.

Eventually, Zade became part of your family too.

Which was why people knew better than to test either of them.

Especially when it came to you.

Zade noticed Tyler the second he walked in. The way he kept finding excuses to come near you, the way he ignored every obvious sign that you weren’t interested.

But Zade didn’t step in.

Not because he didn’t care.

Because he trusted you.

He knew you could handle yourself.

Until Tyler decided he didn’t have to listen.

After another failed attempt at getting your attention, Tyler laughed under his breath and stepped closer, reaching out and grabbing your arm like he was entitled to a reaction.

He didn’t even get the chance to say anything else.

Zade was already there.

One second Tyler was standing in front of you.

The next, Zade had shoved him back, stepping between you without hesitation.

Cruz was right behind him, already moving as the room fell quiet.

Tyler looked between them, scoffing.

“Oh, seriously?” he said. “So that’s what this is?”

His eyes flicked toward you, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.

“Guess you really do need a guy to fight your battles for you.”