Page 155 of Savage Suit

“It was only a matter of time before you rubbed off on her, Quinn,” Timothe said.

“This is getting out of hand, people,” I interjected. “I don’t know what the hell I walked into, but we have a guest. Show some manners.”

They fell silent, the three looking between me, Noah, and Quinn.

“Okkkkaaaayyyyy.” Dakota flashed a phony smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Same here,” Logan echoed.

Noah gave a polite smile. “Thank you.”

Quinn returned to the table and sat beside Dakota, directly across from Logan.

An uncomfortable silence fell.

I eyed the set table and saw we were a seat short. I hadn’t informed Armani I’d bring a guest.

My nieces and nephews ate at the dinette set in the kitchen, so the adults could enjoy unfiltered conversation. It was the same reason they remained in their rooms until time to eat. It still rankled that Armani refused me a quick hello.

I pushed aside my displeasure. “We need an extra seat.”

“Armani thought only you’d be coming.” Timothe eyed me from his end of the table. “You neglected to inform us you’d bring your boss.”

“It was a last-minute invitation,” Noah said coolly. He put his arm around my waist and pulled me close to him.

My brothers raised their eyebrows. Timothe’s glower deepened.

“That’s our problem how?” he demanded. “Last minute or not, she should’ve asked us if we wanted an outsider at our table.”

Noah went rigid, but Quinn beat him to it even if he’d had a response.

“We should’ve been so fucking lucky with your ass,” she said sweetly. “Had Armaniaskedus, I would’ve banned your fucking ass from ever crossing the sill of that fucking door.”

“You didn’t have shit to say, Quinn,” Timothe replied curtly. “You were a child.”

“With the sense to know what a fucking dickhead you were from the moment I met you,” she snapped.

He threw me a small smile and gave her a bland look. “Your feelings still hurt that everyone but you and Ryan knew the truth about the car accident?”

Oh, but I couldn’t stand this fucking dickhead. Judging from his look, he wanted to hurt me. He’d succeeded by blithely confirmed Ingrid Warrington’s announcement. I believed Timothe. He was a fucking sadist, not a liar.Armanihad lied when she denied the truth. However, I wouldn’t give him or her the fucking satisfaction of a reaction. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t dignify his bullshit with a response.

I pasted on a smile. “If I knew I was bringing Noah in advance, babe, I would’ve told y’all. Do you understand the definition oflast minuteor should I explain it to you?”

“My presence has created an issue,” Noah said, his voice ice-cold. Although grateful, it shocked me he’d remained silent so long. “I don’t wish to cause any distress to Ryan, nor will I stay where I’m clearly not wanted.” He tipped my chin up and brushed his lips across my own. “Let me know when you’re done. I’ll send my driver.”

“I want you here,” I said. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t have invited you.”

“Youwant me here, Ryan,” he responded. “No one else—”

“Fuck him,” Quinn interrupted, nodding to Timothe. “I want you here too. It has been years since Ryan brought a man to dinner.”

“We wondered if you had what it took to get a man,” Timothe said. “I doubt you’ll keep a man like him, orhim.”

“A man like him?” Quinn chortled, stealing my opportunity. “Your bitch-ass wish you were a quarter of the man he is.”

“Show some respect to me if you want to remain at my table,” Timothe responded. “I can always invite you to leave.”

“And I can always call 911 for an ambulance to rush you to the hospital after I fuck you up.”