Page 82 of Miss Treated

As soon as we went inside, he took me into the hall and lifted my hand to his mouth for a quick kiss. “I’d apologize for my aunt’s rudeness, but it was fun to watch you put her in her place.”

“Not sure I’ll be invited over for a family dinner anytime soon.” Although I was making peace by cutting off some of my family members, I didn’t want to make things rough on Nic with his family.

“I don’t care who it is, your family, my family…you’re allowed to stick up for yourself, and it’s a joy to see you do so.”

He made a good point. I had stood up for myself. Perhaps I was on the right track.

“Oh, man, keep your claws sharp,” Dominic warned, his gaze on a tall man with dark hair moving our way. It only took one glance to guess this was his oldest brother, Gabriel.

He was handsome, like his other brother, but his appearance was darker and brooding. He had the same CEO confidence as their father, the brown eyes of his mother, and the expression of a man very unhappy to be here.

“Hello, Nicky.”

Dominic smiled. “Hi, Gabe. This is my date, Kelsey. Kelsey, this is my oldest brother, Gabriel.”

“Nice to meet you.”

He looked at me flatly, his tone cold, even while he took my hand in a practiced movement. “Pleasure.”

“Did you bring Samantha?” Nic asked.

It was only for a moment, but Gabe’s hard veneer soften at the mention of his daughter. “Not my weekend, unfortunately.”

Both men shared a look when their mother’s voice called out. “Gabe, Nicky, I need one of you to help me unload your father’s gift.”

In amusement, I watched while they quickly performed rock, paper, scissors. Gabe was victorious.

Nic squeezed my hand. “Sorry, Kels, duty calls.” He turned to his brother. “Be nice.”

He didn’t bother pretending once my date was out of range. “You should know Nic doesn’t ever follow through on commitment, so if you’re looking for your next payday, you’re barking up the wrong tree.”

“Is this you being nice, or is this the mood I was warned about?” The sight of his jaw locking gave me a moment of satisfaction. “You don’t give your brother enough credit to know what he wants, and the only payday I’m interested in is the one earned by my own hard work.” How dare he make assumptions about me? “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I made a promise to myself to no longer deal with assholes or narcissists.”

I walked into the foyer, searching for a bathroom to gather myself. Although I was proud for standing up for myself, it hadn’t come without an emotional toll. I needed to regroup.

“Hi, honey. I’m so glad you came.” Dominic’s mom’s voice came from behind me.

I pivoted around. “Hi, Mrs. Chambers, I’m happy to be here.” Dammit, I wasn’t in a good head space to deal with Anna, who was nicer to me than my own mother.

“Call me Anna. And are you okay?” Scowling, she looked beyond me. “Did Gabriel say something to upset you? Did you say something to her, Gabe?”

I turned to see the man shrink under his mother’s glare.

“No, Gabe and I talked about his daughter and how he wished she was here.” The white lie was worth the relief on both Gabe’s and Anna’s faces.

Anna went on about her only grandchild. “Anyhow, I do hope you’ll meet her soon, Kelsey.”

“Me too.”

“Excuse me, my dear. I have to see about the cake.” She hurried by me, presumably toward the kitchen, but not before giving her eldest a stern look. “Be nice.”

He sighed as soon as she left. “I apologize—” He didn’t get a chance to finish as Dominic came up.

“What is he apologizing for? Was he rude to you, Kels?”

It was almost comical at this point. “As I just told your mom, nothing.”

Dominic flicked his gaze toward his brother, who made himself the picture of innocence.