You were sitting on the front steps of Ryder’s house, casually scrolling through your phone while waiting for your best friend to open the door. You and Ryder had been close since forever—ride or die. He always had your back, especially when it came to keeping you away from trouble.

Then CJ showed up.

He walked down the path, hands tucked in his jacket, trying to play it cool. But the way his eyes immediately landed on you gave it all away. There was something he wanted to say, something he’d been holding back.

—“You got a minute?” he asked, almost gently.

Before you could respond, the door swung open. Ryder stepped out, his eyes narrowing the second he saw CJ.

—“The hell you doin’ here?” Ryder asked, instantly sliding between you and CJ.

—“I just wanna talk,” CJ said, flicking his gaze toward you. “To them.”

—“No,” Ryder snapped. “You don’t.”

CJ clenched his jaw.

—“Come on, Ryder—”

—“Nah, I ain’t playin’. I know what this is. You catchin’ feelings, right? Thinkin’ maybe they feel the same.” Ryder’s tone sharpened. “But I ain’t lettin’ you pull them into your world. All that Grove Street mess, beef with Ballas, shootouts—nah. Not for them.”

—“I wouldn’t hurt them,” CJ muttered, almost defensive.

—“Not on purpose,” Ryder shot back. “But people like you? You leave behind broken hearts and bullet holes. And I ain’t about to let that happen to my best friend.”

He shoved CJ back off the patio.

—“Get the f*ck off my property.”

CJ hesitated, eyes lingering on you.

—“I didn’t mean—”