I glanced towards the entrance of the restaurant and fought back an annoyed huff. “Yeah, I didn’t stay long. Sorry about that. I’m sure with as many bridesmaids as Macy has, you managed to find a pretty woman to dance with, though.”
He shook his head. “I was holding out for you.”
I practically stapled a smile on my face and shrugged. “Sorry. I’m actually heading in for dinner. I’ll see you around.”
“Hey, I was just heading that way myself. I’ll join you.”
I bit back a shouted curse and started walking away, hoping he’d change his mind. “Don’t feel like you have to keep me company.”
“Oh, I know you’re not short on company. Seems like all three of the Strickland brothers are filling your dance card these days.”
I’d just made it into the restaurant when that comment froze me in my tracks. Turning to face him, I frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He held up his hands and laughed. “Relax, honey, it was just a joke. Although, maybe you are into some super kinky shit? What would you call three brothers fucking one girl? A harem? No, that’s when a man gets it on with multiple women, right? A backward harem?”
I told myself to stay calm; I really did. Something about the triplets had given me back some of my attitude, though. I shook my head at Mark and narrowed my eyes. “You know what,honey, I think I’d rather dine alone than with you.”
Smile vanished, Mark scowled down at me. “What’s your deal?”
“One, I’m not your honey. Two, after barely knowing me, you asked me for a threesome in front of my friends. Three, you’re rude.”
“Four, you’re just not her type, asshole.” Andrew’s voice was pure steel from behind me. He rested his hand on my lower back, and I could feel the anger radiating from him.
Mark puffed out his chest and scowled, seeing someone he could really vent his anger at. “What the fuck is the deal with you and your freak brothers? You’re sniffing around her like a pack of dogs smelling a bitch in heat.”
Andrew gently and calmly moved me behind him before turning back to face Mark. “You’ve got seconds to fucking vanish before I embarrass you in front of your friends here.”
I backed away, not knowing what was going to happen.
“Oh, fuck you.” Mark swung at Andrew, his fist flying fast and hard through the air.
Andrew shifted, caught Mark’s arm as it missed his face, and yanked it down while simultaneously lifting his knee. Mark’s jaw made hard contact with Andrew’s knee before Andrew shoved him backward on the ground and squatted next to him. While Mark held his face and groaned, Andrew straightened his shirt like nothing had happened. “You’re going to leave now. Consider your invitation revoked. You have an hour to get the fuck out before I find you and let Lucas have a go at you. My freak brother likes getting his knuckles bloody. Your call.”
Mark swore and rolled onto his hands and knees before picking himself up and glaring at me. He looked like he wanted to say something, but then glanced at Andrew and thought better of it. His retreating back was a nice last picture of Mark to have in my mind.
The whole thing was over so quietly and fast that hardly anyone noticed. I just stood there, staring at Andrew, as he turned back to me and forced a smile. It was brittle, and I could see his jaw working as he worked through whatever was going on in his head. Finally, he moved into my space and leaned down so I would be the only person privy to his words. “We’re not freaks. And you’re not some bitch in heat. You’re the fucking sun, and that piece of shit will never have a chance to touch you because he doesn’t understand that. Worlds revolve around you.Weget that. He never will.”
I blinked back tears and nodded. There was nothing for me to say. I knew they weren’t freaks. They were well-adjusted men who were decent and so kind. As for me? I felt like the sun when I was with them.
“What’s going on?” Macy’s angry voice rang through our private conversation and had me snapping back to reality like a bus had struck me.
Chapter 18
Andrew straightened and turned an angry stare at Jason, who was standing next to Macy with a confused look on his face. “Your friend has to go.”
Jason held us his hands, sensing Andrew’s volatile mood. “Whoa, man. Who?”
“Mark.” Rolling his shoulders, Andrew reached back and grasped the back of my neck, pulling me forward and into his side. “He just showed his ass to Cupcake, and it’s not going to fly. He’s gone or I’m setting Lucas free on him.”
Macy frowned even harder. “What happened, Sara? Are you okay?”
I shook my head and then nodded. “Yeah, yeah. I’m okay. Mark just... He was just rude to me.”
Jason reached forward and clapped Andrew on the shoulder. “He’s gone. I’ll make sure he leaves. I’m sorry about that, Sara,”
Macy cupped my cheek and looked me over. “I’m so sorry, babe. Do you need anything?”
I shook my head. “No, I’m fine. It mostly just pissed me off.”
