Bozo walks over with drinks. "Heard you and Diesel got into it."
"He called," I say. "We talked."
"And?"
"And he's not happy, but that's not my problem."
"Bold words for a man dating the VP's daughter."
"They're true words."
Bozo studies me. "You're really doing this."
"Yeah, I am."
"Good. Everly deserves someone who's not going to run when her dad gets pissed."
"I'm not running."
We talk and drink and the clubhouse energy is good. I'm aware of eyes on us but I don't care.
Let them look, let them see that I chose her and I'm not hiding it.
Some asshole prospect walks by and says something crude under his breath about Everly.
I don't say anything, just look at him.
The look is enough. He pales and immediately apologizes.
"Sorry, Rush, didn't mean anything by it."
"Keep walking."
He does.
Everly touches my arm. "You didn't have to do that."
"Yeah, I did."
"I can handle assholes."
"I know you can, but you shouldn't have to when I'm sitting right here."
She kisses my jaw. "My protector."
"Always."
Ciara's across the room talking to Enya and I see her glance over at us.
She smiles and waves, friendly and warm.
I wave back and pull Everly closer.
Ciara looks genuinely happy for us. She's always been supportive like that.
Good friends are hard to find and I'm lucky to have her.
Later that night, we're back at Everly's flat. We're on the couch and she's curled against my side.