It's the shock, I think, more than anything else, that sends Eli back a few steps. Honestly, though, if it wasn't for the fact that I'm incredibly pissed off at both of them, I might've found it almost hot. But I am incredibly pissed off, so that thought goes the way of the freaking dodo in record time.

Eli's going back for another punch, but I'm between him and Nate, now, and I block his arm before he makes contact. He might have the strength, but I'm the better fighter out of the two of us, and he knows it. Trying to get past me, he makes to shove my shoulder, but I drop quickly to the ground, kicking his legs out from under him so that he ends up landing on the table.

Too bad it wasn't made out of glass.

"On. A. Plate," I grit out, just a bit breathless.

"That was--"

"A little badass? Why, thank you."

"--totally uncalled for."