Sticking to the Script by Smartypants Romance

Author:Smartypants Romance [Weaver, Stella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Smartypants Romance

Chapter Twenty-Three

*DKM*

When Ernesto came back to the table, he plunked down two shots next to Paulie. “Here.” His voice was tight, threaded with irritation.

I looked at him and found his eyes fixed on me in a glare. What the hell? Was he mad about the guys at our table? We sent them along without issue. I felt bad for Paulie if Ernesto was this jealous.

Except, he wasn’t glaring at his husband. All his ire was aimed at me. Confused, I turned around to see if I could gauge Steven’s mood. What I saw was his face stamped with anger as he shoved a man away from him.

I stood up quickly and made my way to him. The man, who was practically on top of him, crowded him into the bar. A flash of distress crossed Steven’s face, galvanizing me to all but tear the man away from him.

I pulled his collar roughly as soon as I was within arm’s reach. “Back off!”

The man stumbled. A good look at his red hair and stocky build, and I knew this was King. If anything, this realization enraged me further.

He followed him here.

He touched him.

I took advantage of his stumble and inserted myself between Steven and King. “Stay away from him,” I shouted. I wanted to be heard over the music, but also to show I wasn’t messing around. I didn’t know if it would work. If my brief encounter with Nico’s stalker was any indication, forcefulness didn’t always work as a deterrent. I braced myself for an unhinged attack.

For one moment, the man’s face screwed up in rage, but the second his eyes connected to mine, his demeanor changed. The transformation from tense and confrontational to subdued and apologetic was lightning fast, and it confused me.

My own muscles stayed bunched, ready for a fight, even when he stepped backward and lifted his hands in a pacifying, defensive gesture.

“I don’t want trouble, I just thought he might want a drink,” he said, taking another step backward.

I felt Steven’s face next to mine as he leaned over my shoulder. “Fuck off,” he snarled.

King looked from me to Steven, and his surprised expression turned sad. “I just wanted to be friends with you.” His eyes came back to mine and he repeated, “I don’t want trouble.”

“Then get the hell out of here. Now.” I gestured to the door and took a threatening step toward him.

He hesitated, his eyes flicking from me to Steven. He seemed to be weighing his choices and measuring the two of us. After a moment, and without a word, he walked away.

I watched his back, making sure I saw him leave. Once he had, I turned to Steven, who was watching his exit as well.

He sighed, bringing his eyes to mine. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking but we held contact for a long minute, until he reached over to the bar, downed a shot he’d ordered and said, “I’ll order us a ride.”

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