I watched, barely fighting back laughter. I could not contain my glee at this turn of events. Both people in the James family were beating on Morrison this evening. It was fantastic.

But if one of those other idiots stepped in to defend Morrison and touched Derek, I’d wipe the fucking floor with all of them.

“What?” Luke scoffed. “Why would you trust Carter? He’s fucking lying.”

Mendez cleared his throat. “Actually, dude…I heard you say that in the locker room too.”

Oh, how the turn tables. My night was improving by the second.

Amelia and Jillian looked at each other, eyes wide like they didn’t know what to make of everyone turning on their leader. Now which way would Paul land?

Luke’s face reddened, and he glared at Mendez. “Obviously, you misheard.”

“Fuck you, man.” Derek shook his head. “And to think I gave you the benefit of the doubt over and over again because we’ve been friends for so long.”

Fucking finally. It was long overdue, but Derek was taking Bailey’s side.

“Derek,” Luke said. “Come on—”

“We’re done,” Derek fumed. “Better watch your ass on the ice against Boyd next time, because I won’t do shit if they come for you. And neither will the rest of our D.”

Derek made his way to us again, and the three of us walked away from the crowd. When we stopped at the front entrance, he shook his head, exhaling heavily.

“I am so sorry, Bailey. I had no idea…” He trailed off. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

She tangled her fingers together, her head dipped low.

“Do you want me to leave you two?” I asked Bailey, thinking the siblings might need some privacy for this conversation. “I can look for Ward.”

“No, it’s fine.” Bailey grabbed my hand and laced her fingers in mine. “We can talk about it another time. Okay, Derek? I just want to get home.”

“Okay.” He nodded, turning his gaze to me. “Thanks for sticking up for her. I’ll see you guys.” He turned and weaved back through the crowd.

A pretty redhead came up to him, and he leaned in, giving her a kiss. Bailey’s eyebrows shot up a notch.

“New girlfriend?” I asked.

“I’m not sure,” she murmured. “But I’m happy he’s moved on.”

Bailey turned to me again, studying my face. The low thrum of people milling about in the background filled the silence. Neither of us said anything for a minute.

“That slap was pretty badass,” I told her, unable to hide a smile.

Her lips tugged. “It was, wasn’t it?”

“Hey,” Dallas said as he and Shiv approached tentatively. No doubt he wanted to grill me about what happened with Miller, but he wouldn’t do it in front of the girls.

“Are you okay?” Shiv asked, her eyes darting back and forth between Bailey and me.