Page 160 of Savage Suit
“She could’ve been damage control, though,” Timothe added.
Snatching my glass, I glared at him. Neither the water nor the wine glasses were filled. Sighing, I set the empty thing back on the table.
Timothe’s words annoyed me. He had no right to such an opinion. To me, he was my dead ass enemy, so I overlooked how similar I’d felt about Noah.
“Just saying,” he pressed. Either he didn’t believe Noah’s threat to ruin him, or he didn’t care, because he just wouldn’t shut the fuck up. “A reputed sexist hires you after an exposé about his work practices comes out is mighty convenient. Or maybe your ‘dating’ has something to do with it.”
My mouth fell open. Noah growled. Everyone else gasped, even Armani. Timothe threw insults and shade my way all the time, but implying I’d fucked Noah for my position, stooped to a new fucking low.
I glanced at Noah, intending to say something to him, but I’d never seen a scarier look on his face. Ever.
“Timmy,” Armani chided, her gaze roaming from Noah toTimmy. She swallowed. “Ryan is a very capable young woman. I’m sure her résumé alone swayed him.”
I slid my hand under the table and laid my palm on Noah’s thigh, hoping he calmed down.
“This is only Ryan’s second job in the field, but’s she amazing at her work, so you’re correct, Armani.” Shards of ice dripped from Noah’s words. He directed his attention to Timothe. “I don’t appreciate your implication. It’s an insult to me and to her. My priority is my company, and I don’t hire unqualified individuals. Your sister-in-law is a rising star with impressive ideas. As for the rumors, they are unfounded.”
Complete bullshit, but I grinned at his praise.
My reaction eased the malice on his face, and he gave me a small smile.
“Straight from the man himself, Timmy,” Quinn chirped around a mouthful of food, ignoring Timothe’s glare. “My sister is amazing at her job.”
Armani had her eyes glued to her half-eaten plate of food, a distressed look on her face.
“My house, Quinn,” Timothe said. “My castle, and I don’t appreciate being called names in it,”
Logan threw our brother-in-law a look as nasty as Noah’s. “It’s Armani’s house.”
Dakota shoveled the last bit of food into his mouth, then pushed the plate away. “And I have to draw the line at you implying Ryan slept with anyone for her job.”
I flashed a victorious smirk at Timothe. For all my siblings to defend me, he’d really fucked up.
“Everyone, please!” Armani exclaimed, her back stiff as a board, while Timothe looked ready to explode. “Let’s just drop the subject, shall we?” She nodded to the shepherd’s pie. “There’s still plenty left, if anyone would like seconds?”
“I do,” Quinn said, standing, “but I need something to drink. I can’t believe you’d let us die of thirst.”
“We have another baby coming,” Timothe said crossly as Quinn stomped out of the room. “We can’t afford to buy soda or alcohol.”
Armani shifted in her seat, glancing away.
Iwasstill hungry. Even though I had a bit of food left on my plate, I stood and added more. Armani knew announcing her pregnancy would soften me toward her. “Would you like more?” I asked Noah.
He nodded. Just as I sat after giving him another serving, Quinn walked back into the room. She carried a pitcher of ice water.
Timothe pinned Quinn with a harsh look as she went around the table pouring water into our glasses. She paused behind his chair and smiled. For a horrible moment, she seemed intent on dumping the contents of the pitcher over his big, fat head. She sidled next to him, and I sagged in relief, glad she’d fill his glass, too.
But no. Quinn lifted the pitcher over Timothe and tipped it. Water rolled off his head, raining down his face, onto the table, and into his lap. A slight shift on her part and she finished her waterfall onto his chest. It happened so fucking fast, we all froze, even that asshole who’d gotten just what he deserved.
“How dare you!” Armani shot from her seat and rushed to her husband as she screeched, ending with, “Quinn!” just as Timothe shot to his feet and yelled, “Bitch!”
For a horrible moment, I thought he’d strike her, so I hurried to her and pulled her away, aware Noah followed me. As I removed Quinn from any danger, he inserted himself between us, and Timothe and Armani.
Dakota stared at Quinn, mouth agape and eyes wide, while my sister and her husband screamed at Quinn. We were close enough to Logan for him to take her hand and guide her back to her seat. She was calm and collected, picking up the glass she poured for herself.
While Armani went to the server and opened one drawer for a cloth napkin, Quinn childishly took a swig from her water and smacked her lips together. Timothe snatched the napkin from Armani and scrubbed it over his damp face. Water soaked his shirt and the blossoming wet spot on his trousers made it seem he’d pissed himself. I hoped he excused himself to change, but no, the cretin sat again.
It was past fucking time to leave, however Quinn didn’t seem inclined, and I refused to leave her behind, so I sat. Noah glared at me but returned to his seat, too.
