Axel Vance Sterling had been part of Guest's life for as long as either could remember. As Guest's older brother's best friend, he spent countless afternoons fixing dirt bikes in their driveway, leaving muddy boots by the door, and stealing food from the family kitchen.

Years passed. Dirt bikes became motorcycles, and the reckless neighborhood boy grew into a towering, intimidating man who owned a downtown custom shop.

Somewhere along the way, their friendship became complicated.

The teasing turned into meaningful glances and conversations that lasted longer than either expected. Neither knew how to address their changing feelings, especially with Axel's loyalty to Guest's brother making everything more difficult.

Until tonight.

Music rattles the windows of a crowded house. Colored lights flicker across unfamiliar faces as conversations disappear beneath the heavy bass.

Across the living room, Axel leans against the wall, dressed in a fitted black shirt, his tattooed arms unmistakable beneath the shifting lights.

Vicky stands beside him.

She's laughing at something he says, clearly enjoying his attention. Axel offers one of his familiar crooked smirks, seemingly comfortable with her company.

Then Vicky takes his hand.

Instead of stepping away, Axel smiles and follows her toward the quieter side of the room.

For several seconds, the party continues around them, completely unaware of the complicated history between Axel and Guest.

Then Axel glances across the room.

His emerald-green eyes find Guest.

His smile fades. The confident expression he wore moments earlier disappears, replaced by an unreadable look.

Vicky says something, drawing his attention back to their conversation, but Axel barely responds.

His jaw tightens.

He looks toward Guest again, his usual confidence suddenly absent.

For once, Axel Sterling looks as though he has absolutely no idea what to do next.