Free Into the Nothing (Broken Outlaw Series Book 1) by BT Urruela Page B

possible. “And from what I see, you’re drunk as fuck, high on something, and interrupting a damn good time.”
    The band continues to play, but now pays more attention to the action than playing the proper chord progressions. There’s still activity around the booths, but everyone on the dance floor is now watching to see what Cody will do next. I’m concerned as I have seen far too many times what alcohol does to his temper. I don’t need an encore.
    “Xander, let’s just go.” It comes out almost a whisper, though I intended it to be much louder.
    “No, we are going to settle this right here, right now. There is no issue here.” Xander points to himself, then to Cody and back again. “Your boy was out of line at Whittaker’s, and I acted only as I would hope any other man would in the situation. You do know he got manhandled because he was pawing at your woman , don’t you?”
    Cody looks back at Benji inquisitively, who scoffs and shakes his head.
    Xander points his finger at Cody again.
    “You. I don’t even know you. I have no issue with you… other than the fact Jack Watson made it damn clear that you were to stay away from Paige. Yet here you are.”
    Cody grinds his teeth and digs his fingernails into his palms so hard his whole hand turns white. “ Fuck Jack Watson.” Cody looks back at Benji and then to Rusty with a smirk before turning back to Xander. “And fuck you.” He jabs a finger into Xander’s chest, but Xander doesn’t waver.
    “It’s Cody, right?” Xander doesn’t let him answer. “Listen, Cody. I don’t normally let any man put his hands on me, and I don’t believe in giving out warnings in life. They’re kind of like participation ribbons in youth sports, you know what I mean?” Again, he gives him no time to respond. “But because I’m having a good time, and because I don’t want to ruin the good time of all these people, I’ll give you a pass on this one. Usually that kind of thing elicits some serious facial rearrangement.” Some of the crowd boos Xander for this, but he pays them no attention.
    Just as Cody is about to speak, he continues, “I’m going to tell you what I told your buddy over there.” He points to Benji. “I’m a man who’s all about respect. I’ll give it, and I expect it in return. If you can’t give it, I suggest you get the fuck out of my face. And I suggest you mind the warnings of Mr. Watson, no matter what you may think of him.”
    Just beside the stage, I see Dad standing and listening in. He approaches us just as Cody takes a step closer—so close I’m sure Xander can smell the whiskey on his breath.
    “Cody, you need to get your ass out of here real quick. Don’t ruin this night for all these good people,” Dad says, a plastic smile on his face.
    Cody looks at Dad and then back to Xander. He stares for what seems like an eternity.
    “This ain’t over, motherfucker,” Cody finally says before turning around and leading his minions away.
    “Why do I feel like I’ve heard that before?” Xander says with a smile. Cody either doesn’t hear it or just doesn’t care to respond, because he continues to grumble as he pushes his way through the crowd. Dad pats Xander on the back and heads back toward the tents.
    I take Xander’s hand and pull him in close. “Let’s go home,” I whisper, and somehow it comes out far sexier than I mean it to.
    “What, like all of us?” He stutters and his sudden nervousness is endearing. I come in closer.
    “No, like you and me.” He looks at me
    “How are we going to get there? What about your Dad? The contest?” The look on Xander’s face is priceless. Like a kid about to let down his parents.
    “He wins every year. It’s pretty much a guarantee at this point. Plus, I always leave early. They don’t care if we go.” I take a few steps forward holding onto his shirt and making him follow. “C’mon, we can walk. It’s only like two miles.” I pause momentarily, plotting my