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Dylan spotted Todd and said something to Shane and Vera, then he hurried up to Todd and grabbed his shoulders.
It was difficult to hear him over the music, which was just loud enough to swallow up most of what he said. Between straining to hear and watching his lips, I thought he said, “Come on, Todd. Let’s get you into the back and get some coffee in you.”
Todd pushed Dylan away from him, then held his hands up.
“I’m fine, Dylan. Just here to see your triumphant night.” Then he looked around the room and I couldn’t figure out what he said because I couldn’t see his mouth the whole time.
While Todd glanced around, he spotted me. His mouth twisted into a mockery of a smile, and he started my way.
No, this wasn’t going to happen on Dylan’s big night. I could tell by the look on Todd’s face, I was in for an angry confrontation.
I headed for the doorway, thinking that maybe I could lead Todd outside, away from the other guests in case he got loud enough to draw people’s attention.
Todd caught me before I reached the doorway.
“Lana, don’t you look lovely tonight,” he said with a sneer. “Dressing to impress, huh? I’ll bet itdoesimpress Dylan, doesn’t it?”
“Shh,” I hissed, stepping closer. “Keep your voice down, Todd.”
Only a couple of people looked our way, but it wouldn’t stay that way for long if he kept it up.
“Oh, keep my voice down, huh? You don’t want anybody to know about what’s going on, do you? I don’t blame you. It reflects poorly on a woman like you. So prim and proper with your fancy job but fucking your client behind everybody’s back.” He chuckled. “I never would have thought you’d do something like that, Lana.”
His breath smelled like whiskey, and his eyes were wide and glassy.
Part of me felt bad for him because addiction had to be hell. But another part of me was furious because it seemed like he might have used being pissed about me and Dylan as an excuse to drink and get belligerent.
I tried my best to be understanding, but then he leaned close, his face only inches away from mine.
I could see Dylan looking our way, his face angry, and I hoped whatever happened, it didn’t cause a scene.
“How’s Dylan liking my sloppy seconds these days?” Todd said, directly in front of my face.
I gasped, shocked at the open hostility.
“You’re drunk,” I said, not hiding how I felt about that. “Go in the back and sleep it off, Todd. Or let me call you a cab to take you home.”
He grinned, an ugly expression, as he said, “I never would have thought you’d be such a whore.”
“Todd, please,” I hissed.
He leaned in closer and grabbed my arms.
“How did you like fucking my brother? Did he get you off better than I did?”
His words cut through me, and before I knew what I was doing, I threw my water in his face.
I regretted it immediately. It was an instinctive reaction.
At least it was better than slapping him, I reasoned.
Todd jerked me forward, his face screwed up in anger. But Dylan was there and grabbed Todd, pulling him away from me.
My arms throbbed where he’d grabbed me, and I wondered if I would have a bruise.
Todd, for all his problems with drugs and alcohol, had never put his hands on me when we were together. I didn’t think he realized how rough he’d been just then.
Todd tried to pull away from Dylan, looking furious. “You want to know how she likes to be fucked?” he shouted. “I can teach you—”
