Page 57 of Hold On Me

“Talk about her like that again, and I’ll make sure you’re left broke, broken, and in need of a hospital bed. Do you understand?” I’m seething, my words a forced hiss as I strugglenot to tighten my grip. “She’s not for you. Don’t look at her, don’t even think about her, or I’ll fucking destroy you. Is that clear?”

He nods as well as he can, his eyes dipping to my solid grip, and I release his throat as he slumps back into his chair, clutching at his neck and panting for breath.

Grabbing Penelope’s bag and coat from the chair, I head toward the bathroom to collect her. She startles when she sees me outside and then tilts her head in confusion when she spots her belongings in my arms. “We’re leaving.”

She doesn’t question me as I help her into her coat. I snatch her hand, interlock our fingers, and storm through the restaurant with a glower on my face. I don’t care if I’m not welcome back here, I hate the food and the atmosphere anyway, but I won’t sit and listen to anyone disrespect her. I can’t.

I’m so in my own head, I’ve stormed past the car waiting to take us back to our hotel and two blocks down fifty-first street before I realise I’m still clutching her handbag. Growling in frustration, I hail a cab, tell him to take us to the Aman, and snap the seatbelt in place across her chest before securing my own.

“Are you going to give me back my bag?” Her voice is irritated but also confused, and I slide the bag between us, avoiding looking at her. A sigh follows, but I ignore it.

Taking my phone out of my pocket, I fire off an email to my lawyer to cover my arse and make sure Kingston doesn’t try to make this into a thing. I’m certain he won’t. One phone call to his wife informing her about his ‘extracurricular non-work’ meetings he’s had with his many assistants would ensure his ‘fortune’ is decimated after their divorce. A gentle reminder that I’m the alpha in this world is all he needed.

I pay the cab and walk around the car to open the door for Penelope, but she’s already done it and is storming inside the hotel. Thankfully my strides are long enough that I can catch her by the lifts before she gets in them. She scoffs when my handlands on her lower back to guide her and moves away from my touch. I should pursue her, stand so close to her that all her senses are invaded by me, but I’m too pissed right now. I need a minute to gather my composure. Kingsley left me with a lot of pent up rage, and I know she’s annoyed because I haven’t told her what happened. But I just need a minute.

As the doors open on our floor, I stride out, hold my hand on the lift doors to keep them open, and shoot her a look that asks if she’s coming.

With an eye roll and a sneer, she leaves the small space and waits for me to unlock the suite. Without a word, she storms inside, bends to take her boots off—her arse looking fabulous in the tight dress—and walks into the master bedroom.

A loud sigh leaves my lips as my head drops down so my chin rests on my chest. I acted like a fucking caveman. A fool. In front of everyone in that restaurant. Because of her. She’s changed something inside of me, something I swore I’d never become, and I think it’s time I embraced it instead of trying to hide from it.

I step into the living area, grab the bottle of scotch from the bar, and pour myself a drink. This trip’s been a disaster. Story of my life.

30

SISTERS FROM OTHER MISTERS - GROUP TEXTS

Penny

Anyone around?

Edie

Oh my god. Is it magical?

Nicole

I love NYC.

Angie

You made Big Ben dong yet?

Edie

Oh my god… I was drinking tea. It’s everywhere.

Nicole

I fuckin’ love you, Angie girl.

Penny

Nope, and I won’t be anytime soon. He’s still blowing hot and cold. And I don’t have the energy for it. I’m done.

Angie

What happened?

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