“Are you okay being in the same room as the jerk?”
Nodding, Autumn’s lips pressed together to form a straight line.
“All right, but if you wanna leave, just give me the word. We’re still going to Leroy’s for pie, even if it’s take out.”
Another nod, but this time, it was more relaxed.
Chains motioned to the waiter, who rushed over. “Another glass of red wine and another one of these,” he said, pointing to the empty beer bottle.
“I’m good,” Autumn said.
“You look like you need one,” he replied.
She let out an audible sigh. “Just one—that’s all.”
“I’ll be right back with your drinks,” the waiter said.
As they finished their dinners and sipped their cocktails, Autumn seemed to have forgotten about the bastard being in the restaurant. Even though Chains acted nonchalant about Bret’s presence, inside he was seething. He wanted nothing more than to drag the whiny fucker out of the eatery and into the alley for a well-deserved beatdown. Chains was pretty sure Autumn’s heart was breaking, and he hated Bret for being the cause of it.
While he was taking out his money clip to pay the bill, he heard the familiar voice.
“Autumn—I thought that was you,” Bret said. “How are you?”
Chains glanced up and glared at him. The woman Bret was with clung to him like a fucking leech. The smug expression on Bret’s face told him that his stupid brother loved that Autumn saw him with another woman. Without thinking, Chains reached over and grabbed Autumn’s hand, tucking it into his. Bret’s gaze darted from Autumn to Chains, then back to Autumn.
“You two look like you’re having a good time,” he said between clenched teeth.
“We are.” Chains’s jaw tightened.
Bret’s gaze cut to his. “I was talking to Autumn.”
“You need to be talking to me ’cause we got something to settle.”
Autumn squeezed his hand as if to calm him down, but Chains was chomping at the bit to deck his brother right then and there.
Bret stepped back from the table. “How’s business at the clinic,Autumn?”
Chains felt her stiffen, and before she said anything, he leaned forward and spoke, “Stop with the stupid questions. There’s no reason for you to be standing here, so move your ass and get the fuck away, or I’ll make sure you do.”
Bret whispered something into the brunette’s ear, and without another word, he pulled her behind him as they left the restaurant.
You always were a fuckin’ pussy.When they were young, Bret always ended up running to Daddy whenever Chains whooped his ass, even though most of the time his brother had started the fight. Of course, Chains was the one who always got punished—because in the eyes of their father, Bret could do no wrong, and Chains couldn’t do anything right.
“Thanks for that,” Autumn said as she pulled her hand out of his. “The only reason that asshole came over to the table was to flaunt that bitch. Did you see the way she looked at me—like she won. Won what? A selfish bastard? She can gladly have him.” Autumn’s voice hitched.
“My brother never had any class. And the chick he was with can’t hold a candle to you.”
“Thanks. He said he’d loved me, and he doesthis? Bret acts like I did something horrible to him. I don’t get it. I still don’t know why he broke up with me.”
“’Cause he’s a fuckin’ moron.”
A small chortle escaped through her lips. “I don’t mean to be a downer, but can I take a raincheck on that slice of chocolate cream pie?”
“Sure. Do you wanna go home?”
“If you’re ready. All of a sudden, I’m exhausted.”
Chains stood up. “Let’s go.”