Page 75 of The Billionaire's Heart

“Obvious choice for slut of the year? Yes, Mackenzie, youarethe obvious choice.” Sawyer’s voice booms from behind the bar. I had no idea he was even in here.

“Sawyer Gallo.” One of the girls, I can’t tell which one at this point, singsongs sweetly to him. “How nice to see you here. You are a saint for helping that poor woman whose shop was burglarized.”

“First, it wasn’t burglarized; it was vandalized. Get your story straight. And I’ll give you a thousand dollars right now if you can tell me her name. I’ll take just her first name if you can remember it.” He says, but none of them answers him. “That’s what I thought. Now, just to be clear, Aurora, Mackenzie, and Zara — my brother is marrying Mia McIntosh. They are in love. I’ve never seen my brother in love until he met Mia. She will be my sister-in-law and none of us care—no one cares, actually—if the three of you don’t get it. So, take your little asses out of this bar and go.”

“Awe, sweetie, we meant nothing by that. It’s the heat. It’s getting to me.”

“Don’t touch me, Mackenzie. Just leave.”

“But…”

“Leave before I make an announcement on stage about your little tirade.”

Suddenly, the tone of her voice isn’t sickly sweet anymore, but vicious. “You’re an asshole, Sawyer Gallo. Do you know that?”

“I do. Not the first time I’ve been told that. Now, get the fuck out.”

I hear the front door open and close. “You okay back there?” He calls from over the top of the booth next to where I’m sitting. His face pops over the back of the bench seat.

I nod to him. Apparently, he knew I was back here. “Yes, of course. They don’t bother me.” I try to convince him.

Sawyer studies me, so I school my facial features. I don’t want him to see that I’m about to burst into tears.

Chapter 34

Ian

Mia left the fundraiser about two hours ago. She didn’t look well, but she had assured me she was just tired from the game this morning and then being in the heat all afternoon. Florida heat and humidity are something that you have to get used to, but once you do, it’s no big deal. Mia’s not there yet; she’s still getting used to it.

It’s been great hanging out with my friends that I never get to see anymore. Then, seeing Hudson with Kate and how they love each other is something special. Especially after seeing that psycho-bitch, Renee, here today—he deserves nothing but the best and Kate seems to be the one for him. I’ve never seen him smile like he has been all day.

“Hey, Ian. Wait up.” I hear my brother call out to me as I make my way in the dark to my car. Thankfully, the press finally gave up and left. Whether it was the heat or that security wouldn’t let them near us, doesn’t really matter—they’re gone.

“What’s up?” I click the button on my key fob to unlock the doors and then lean against it, crossing my ankles.

“Just want to give you a heads up—I walked in on the Bitch-pack in the bar earlier this afternoon.”

“So?”

“They were bad-mouthing you and Mia.”

“Not surprised. They’re spoiled brats. So what?”

“Mia was sitting in a booth and overheard them.”

My stomach falls. I knew something wasn’t right with her when she left earlier. “Damn it!” I jump up and kick the ground.

“I asked her if she was okay, and she told me she was fine and that they didn’t bother her. But I suspect she was just trying to save face—me being the brother-in-law and all.”

“What did you say to them?”

“I kicked their asses out. What do you think I said?” He shrugs his shoulders, and I’m instantly grateful for his support.

“Thanks, and thanks for letting me know. I need to get home to Mia.” I climb into my car.

“No problem. Let me know if you need anything.” My brother says as I rev up the engine.

“Will do.”

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