Page 158 of Savage Suit
This was news that piqued my curiosity. “What do you mean, baby?” I asked.
“She means Thalia is a decent woman who was trying to do the job you’ve failed so horribly at,” Timothe said. “Help Quinn find some morals.”
“Fuck off, asshole,” I snapped. “Quinn is fine just the way she is, so shut the fuck up. Worry about your own fucking soul and leave my sister the fuck alone.”
“And you wonder why I don’t want my children around you,” Timothe sneered. “It’s the same reason Thalia doesn’t want you near her son.”
I flipped him off.
“It’s okay, babe,” Armani said to Timothe, before flashing Quinn a quick smile. “Ryan’s right. The kids aren’t in here, so it isn’t an issue.”
“In other words, fuck you,” I told him, wishing I could incinerate him for talking about Quinn. “Dakota, grow some fucking balls and defend your sister. Thalia has no right to tell Quinn how to live. Tell her I said to back the fuck off or else.”
“Mama Bear,” Timothe said without humor. “Pity it’s toward other women’s children and not your own.” He smiled at Logan. “You could’ve brought Sami.”
“She and Quinn had an argument,” Logan said. “Besides, she’s out of town with her family.”
Silence fell, giving us a respite from the petty bickering. I couldn’t believe I’d missed this bullshit. No, I couldn’t believe I’d missed Armani. Babysitting my nieces and nephews was one thing but socializing always brought out Timothe’s assholery and Armani’s overlooking whatever he said and did.
“I owe you an apology, baby,” Timothe said suddenly.
Discomfort washed over her features, and she pasted a smile on her lips. “Of course you don’t, my love. I can’t recall anything you’ve done that would call for an apology.”
“I insisted you invite your sisters over,” he said grimly. “When you were so furious with them. Ryan especially for goading an investigative reporter into sharing family secrets on live television. Don’t you remember, sweetheart? You said she got the comeuppance she deserved for always being so confrontational?”
“I-I-I…” Armani’s voice trailed off, and her guilty expression told me everything I needed to fucking know. “No, darling,” she said weakly, her eyes watering at my dark look. “I think you’re confused. I was mortified, but I didn’t wish her any ill-will.” She threw him a pleading look.
“My mistake, Armani,” Timothe said, his point made. “You must’ve meant someone else after Quinn called on her way to Ryan’s swanky office.” He grinned, not caring that his wife, my fucking traitor of a sister, had gone ashen. “I’m sure that reporter has been promoted several times over for her steely confrontation with your sister.” He shook his head at me. “That’s the breaks, kid. I’m sure you’ve learned your lesson and will steer clear of the indomitable Ms. Warrington.”
“Ms. Warrington,” Noah snarled, “may find someone willing to hire her in a newsroom in Antarctica. I promise you no one else will hire her. The same goes for her husband. And do you know why? Because she fucked with Ryan, something I don’t take kindly to. A phone call or two avenges her. Are you interested in finding out how thoroughly I take issue?”
“Wait a damn minute…”
“No!” Armani interrupted Timothe. She combed her fingers through her hair. “You’re blowing this out of proportion. Timothe and Ryan argue like true brother and sister.” She threw me a shaky smile. “Right, Ryan?”
Tightening my lips, I leaned back and folded my arms.
Timothe glowered at Noah and opened his mouth again.
“We invited everyone over because we wanted to share our joyous news,” Armani said hurriedly. “We’re pregnant!” She pursed her mouth. “So, tell Noah how you and my husband are such jokesters, Ryan.”
“Got to give you props, Armani,” Quinn said. “You can go from a backstabbing bitch to an emotionally blackmailing one without batting your fucking eyelashes.” She clapped. “Kudos, big sister.”
“Are…are you really having another baby?” Logan asked.
Armani nodded, then threw me an under eyed look. “If I said anything close to what my sweet husband said, it was only because of how badly I’d been suffering morning sickness. We don’t always see eye-to-eye, Ryan, but I would never say anything so cruel.”
“Do you see me having a hissy fit?” I asked. “Nothing you say about me or do to me is a surprise. If Timothe’s happy, you’re good.”
Quinn’s stomach growled. “Fuck,” she grouched. “I’ve been waiting all fucking day to eat Armani’s food, but that bitch is Judas, and I can’t break bread with her.”
Instead of storming out of the house, vowing never to return, madness gripped me, and I roared with laughter at Quinn’s indignation. We were all—um almost all—laughing. Only a slight smile curved Timothe’s mouth, a wonder in itself.
“Let’s eat, Quinn,” I said once we’d gotten a semblance of control. “Let’s forget the bullshit for now.”
She nodded. “You’re insane, woman,” she said, giggling. “Only you would laugh when I was dead-ass serious.”
“It was funny.”
