God, why did everything he say sound like he was sneering? Darren hadn’t been keen on him before, but he certainly wasn’t now. Especially with the way he was leering at Marigold.
“Being a guest doesn’t give you the right to waltz in like you own the place with someone who was not invited.”
“Robyn is my plus-one.”
“And you know perfectly well there are people here who don’t want her around! Not only that, you let her loose on her sister while you come over to me.” Marigold was practically snarling. “If you think that’s respecting my space and time, you are insane.”
Trey sighed.
“Why can’t we just get along? It’s Christmas.”
“I would rather not get along with you after you lied to me.”
“I did tell you I didn’t do monogamy.”
“When did you tell me?” Marigold cried. “If you had told me in the beginning, I would have told you I’m not interested.”
“Well, you dated me. You didn’t seem to mind.”
“Only because I didn’t know!”
Darren had heard enough. Marigold looked like she wanted to take a swing at Trey. He took Marigold’s arm and eased her back.
“Marigold, enough. Mr Lofthouse, I would like for you to go and join someone else.”
“I’m just having a conversation, Hardwood.”
“And Marigold’s making it clear that she doesn’t want to speak to you. How about you remember to be a gentleman and go elsewhere.” Darren gestured at Robyn, who was sauntering over to CJ. The head coach saw her coming and turned away. “Your plus-one is going to get thrown out if she carries on like this.”
“Robyn doesn’t need a chaperone.” Trey shrugged. “She just needed a way in.”
“And you gave it to her in spite of knowing she wasn’t welcome? Do you want to be escorted out of here as well?”
Trey smirked.
“I’m one of your biggest benefactors. I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
“Try me.”
Darren would quite happily throw Trey out himself. He came here with Robyn to purposefully cause drama, and Darren wasn’t having it. Marigold was clearly upset, and from what Darren could tell as he looked around the room, Allison had already vanished. So had Leon and Stephen. Nobody wanted to deal with Robyn.
“Darren.” Marigold tugged on his arm. “He’s not going to go. Leave him be.”
“He’s harassing you.”
“And he’s not going to listen to us. I just want to go.”
That sounded like a good idea. Darren turned to her.
“I’ll give you a lift home. No arguments.”
Marigold looked like she wanted to protest, but instead she nodded. Trey sniggered.
“Oh, how sweet. Her faithful little lapdog is going to look after her.”
Marigold growled, but Darren tugged her back before she could go for Trey.
“He’s not worth it.” He whispered in her ear. “Don’t go down to his level. That’s what he wants.”