Brent’s POV
“Didn’t think I’d see you again, Stace. Miss me?” The carefree mood vanished the moment we saw Kyle, Stacey’s ex.
That evening, Stacey convinced me to take her to the carnival that had just come to town. The lights were bright, casting everything in a golden glow, and as we walked past the booths and rides, I could feel a strange ease settling over me. Stacey had her hair down, laughing at everything, her usual edge replaced by a rare warmth.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite cheerleader,” Kyle sneered, looking Stacey up and down, leaning against a booth with his arms crossed.
I felt Stacey’s grip tighten on my arm, but she raised her chin, her voice steady. “Not even a little bit. Now get out of my way.”
Kyle chuckled, pushing off the wall and stepping closer.I feel Stacey’s tense. “Oh, come on.” Kyle said “I remember when you couldn’t stay away from me. Don’t pretend you didn’t enjoy every second of us. Or what? You found yourself a new toy?”
Before I could stop myself, I stepped between them, glaring at Kyle. “Back off,” I said.
He leaned closer, lowering his voice like he was letting me in on a secret. “She’ll chew you up and spit you out like she does with everyone else. She’s got a pattern, man. Flirts her way into your good graces, strings you along until she’s bored, then moves on.” He glanced at Stacey. “How long do you think this one’s gonna last, Stace? A week? Two?”
I clenched my fists, “Shut up.”
Kyle just laughed. “What? You gonna hit me? Gonna throw a punch for your little girlfriend? Prove you’re just another sucker who fell for her act?”
My fist connected with his jaw before I even realized I’d swung. And honestly I had no idea why I did that. His eyes darkened with rage as he launched himself at me, his shoulder slamming into my chest.
“Stop it!” Stacey yelled, pulling at my arm.
Kyle swung again, this time catching my cheek, but I countered with a shove that sent him sprawling onto the ground. I stood over him, breathing hard, my voice cold. “You don’t get to talk about her like that. Ever.”
He laughs. “Careful, buddy. Girls like her don’t change. You think you’re special?”
“Get out,” Stacey said to Kyle, pulling me away before I could react, but the damage was done. Kyle hesitated, glaring at me one last time before storming off. Stacey’s shoulders were tense, her face pale. She turned to me, her eyes blazing. “What the hell was that?”