Page 221 of Mayhem and Minnie

“There’s no need as there will not be much talking to be done.”

“But surely you’d like to catch up with your brother?” Minnie probes further.

Julien narrows his eyes at her.

“I said no. Cara will not go anywhere with you,” he states in a rough, almost menacing voice.

“Watch your tone, Julien. Minnie didn’t mean anything by it. She was just excited to know her future sister-in-law,” I add in an attempt to defuse the situation.

No matter how much I’d like to punch that smug expression off Julien’s face, this is still Mother’s birthday party and I wouldn’t want to cause her any distress.

“It’s fine, Julien,” Cara murmurs, forcing a smile. “I’m sure she meant well.”

He turns sharply to her.

“What did I just tell you?” he asks through gritted teeth. “Shut the fuck up when I’m talking.”

Her lips part on a small O. “I’m sorry,” she whispers, averting her gaze. She takes a step back behind Julien, using him to shield herself from view.

Both Minnie and I stare at them. Their interactions are…unsettling.

“You don’t have to apologize for anything, Cara. You did nothing wrong,” Minnie interjects. “If anything, a certain asshole should shut the fuck up,” she says in a sweet voice.

My lips pull up in a smile.

That’s my girl.

“I believe the saying is ladies first, isn’t that right, Marlowe?” Minnie asks.

“You’re right as always, love,” I murmur. “No real man would talk like that to a lady,” I say as I give Julien a pointed look.

He’s always been a prick, but goddamn, I never took him for an abusive bastard.

As Julien redirects his attention to us, I note a twitch in his cheek. His body is tense, and he appears on the verge of losing it. His nostrils flare and he’s visibly seething.

Cara tries to pull him away, but he slaps her hand aside and pushes her back. Taking a step forward, he attempts to get in Minnie’s personal space—an intimidation tactic, I’m sure. But I’m not about to let that happen.

Just as he moves, I slide in front of Minnie, blocking him.

“Who the fuck are you to talk to me like that?” Julien snarls. His shoulders are so tense, the seams of his expensive tuxedo are about to pop.

I narrow my eyes at him. Is he really doing this in front of everyone? Julien’s always been concerned with his reputation, and an outburst like this goes against everything he cares about.

“Careful with that tone, Julien,” I warn again. “If you’d like, I’m more than happy to recommend some anger management classes. It’s clear you need them.”

He bares his teeth at me.

“Fuck you, Marlowe. You fucking freak,” he grinds out.

I shrug. “Alas, I’d rather be a freak than a fucking abusive twat.”

His eyes flare up, and a shadow of worry crosses his face.

But as soon as it appears, it’s gone. He snorts as he leers at Minnie.

“At least I got myself a looker.” He laughs derisively. “Is she disfigured?” He nods at Minnie. “Is that why she’s covered? Or is she too ugly?”

“What did you say?” I grit out, grabbing him by the lapels of his tux.

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