“She can speak for herself,” Ryder said. “And as a matter of fact, she did speak for herself, and you didn’t listen.”

“We’re friends,” the guy said.

“I’m her friend,” Ryder said, taking a step toward him, barely stopping himself from reaching out and grabbing him by the shirt. “And I know all of her other friends. You are not among them. And if you would like to continue to be among your friends here in the bar and not thrown out on your ass, I suggest you turn around and walk away.”

“I was just asking her for a dance. I didn’t realize you were going to pull some kind of alpha caveman bullshit and act like you own her.”

“Well, your use of the word man in regard to me is correct, as I’m the only one standing here. You’re just a boy playing at being smooth. And that’s the kindest description I have of you. At worst you are a man. Which means you know what you’re doing. Twisting up somebody’s words and trying to point them back around at them. Smiling so nobody will call you out. Well, I will. And I did. Now, get the hell away from here.”

Everyone at the table looked stunned, but the guy turned around and walked back.

“Little bit of an overreaction,” Rose muttered.

“It wasn’t,” Ryder said.

“I told him to go away,” Sammy said. “He didn’t. So...”

“That’s ridiculous,” Rose said. “Why should Ryder have to step in and say something when you said it?”

“Because men like that only listen to other men. And they like to pretend that’s not what they are, and you saw him, trying to act like I’m some kind of problem because guys like him make it so I have to be.”

“It would’ve been funny to watch Sammy handle him,” Rose said. “Because she would’ve ended up kicking him in the balls.”

“It’s true,” Sammy said. “If I had to, I would have.”

“Excuse me,” Ryder said, getting up from the table and heading toward the bar.

Sammy intercepted him halfway. “That wasn’t really necessary, was it?”

“Don’t start with me.”

“What? You can’t go acting like that just because we...”

“I would’ve done that either way,” he said.

“No, you wouldn’t have. You were far more inclined to let me fight my own battles before you saw me naked. And maybe you don’t remember it accurately, but I do. The blood is all down in your penis. I, however, remain clearheaded.”

He snorted. “Do you?”

“Yes,” she said, but her voice wobbled on the word.

“Well, every time some asshole hassles you, that was what I always wanted to do and since I’m in a space of wish fulfillment, why not do that, too?”

“Wish fulfillment,” she repeated.

“I told you. I wanted you for a long time.”

“I know,” she said, hushed. “I just find it kind of hard to believe.”

“Well, believe it,” he said. “If Iris hadn’t walked in earlier... I would’ve had you naked in two minutes.”