“Is there a problem?” Uncle Alex asked as he materialized beside his son, his eyes on me. My uncle was a very patient and calm man until someone fucked with his family. I didn’t want a bar fight to break out because Stanley was being a dick.
“No problem,” I said cheerfully, hoping he believed me. “We’ll be quiet, I promise.”
He hummed, his eyes narrowing as he turned his attention to Stanley. “Are you not happy with the service?”
“I don’t appreciate this little fucker flirting with my girlfriend while we’re on a date,” he replied tightly, making me groan.
“Stan…” He shot me a glare, and I shut my mouth to avoid an argument.
Alex didn’t miss the motion, irritation sweeping through him. “They’re cousins for starters, but you should learn to accept the fact people will like your girlfriend. She’s lovely, and it’s hard not to like her.”
“The little weirdo probably wants to fuck her still.”
“Maybe we should go,” I said slowly and went to get to my feet, but Alex blocked my exit.
“Don’t be silly. Have your meal,” he said firmly, his eyes flashing back to Stanley. “Enjoy your evening.”
They walked away, and Stanley scoffed. “Your family’s weird.”
I ignored him, picking at my salad, not at all surprised when he ended up eating most of my burger. I’d lost my appetite anyway.
The door swung open and Beckett walked in, Riley not far behind her.
I bit back a groan, trying not to draw attention to us, but it was like Riley sensed us. She always found me in a crowd without even knowing I was there.
Her eyes landed on me, and Stanley rested a hand on my leg, digging his fingers in to draw my attention. “You ready to go?”
“Oh. You don’t want dessert?” He always wanted dessert.
“You don’t need it.” Ouch.
I had no idea where the hell his attitude had come from, but I didn’t like it.
We slipped from the booth and he dropped some money on the table, my stomach twisting as I noticed he didn’t leave a tip. He was such an ass.
“Hey, Lou. Date night?” Riley asked flatly, and Beckett paused by the bar to glance back at us, hearing Riley’s tone.
“Yeah,” I mumbled. “We’re…”
“We’re just leaving,” Stanley bit out, dropping an arm around my shoulders to keep me close. “You’re a little homewrecking cunt, Donovan. I don’t think you should hang out with my girl anymore. You’re going to get her in trouble.”
Riley’s eyes were on my bare legs, and I knew my dress wasn’t hiding the finger marks he’d probably left there a moment ago. She slowly dragged her gaze up to my face, frustration sweeping through her before she looked at Stanley.
“If you weren’t such a piece of shit, you wouldn’t have to worry so much about losing her. Give her a kiss and tell me how I taste.”
He shoved me back and stepped closer to her with his fists clenched, but Beckett was suddenly between them, her knife against his throat. “I fucking dare you.”
I covered my mouth with my hand as if to cram a scream back down my throat, but Alex appeared beside me, his hand on my shoulder to give me a comforting squeeze while he spoke firmly to the others.
“Beckett, you know the rules. You can’t just pull that thing out whenever you wish. You’re scaring Luna too.”
Riley’s eyes jerked towards me, but Beckett sighed and stepped back. “It’s not my fault. People keep pissing me off. You saying if someone was threatening Landon, you wouldn’t do the same thing?”
“Put. It. Away,” he ordered, waiting for her to pocket it before continuing. “You’re lucky it’s only our regulars in here and they’re used to your bullshit.”
She shrugged. “I don’t see a problem then.”
Uncle Alex huffed, turning to assess me before speaking. “I’m due at yours in an hour if you want a lift.”