Vicious by Sinden West Page B

go take it the vet.” He pulled out his wallet and pulled out some cash, throwing it on the table.
    “I ’ll come with you,” Connie said, grabbing her purse.
    “Well, I guess I’ll head off too.” I started getting to my feet but Simon waved me back down.
    “No, enjoy your meal. It’s not fair that the stupid poodle ruins everyone’s night. If it dies I’m probably going to lose my job,” Simon moaned.
    Connie smacked a kiss onto my cheek. “See ya, babe.”
    Awkwardly, I was left staring at Tim who was rolling his eyes as they walked away from us. “Simon’s an idiot. He sucks up to his boss in the hope that he’ll get a promotion but it won’t happen.”
    “Why not?”
    “He’s not ruthless enough. Not like me. We graduated at the same time, but I’m doing far better career wise.” I had a hard time not grimacing at his arrogance. But I was saved from replying by the waitress coming over to ask if we wanted dessert.
    “No, thanks, ” I said quickly before Tim had a chance. Whatever he was thinking, I couldn’t tell. I didn’t see what kind of tip he left the waitress, but I gave her a smile on the way out  as an apology for his behavior.
    “Well,” I said, once we were out on the street. “Thanks for dinner. Bye.” I turned to start walking home but he stopped me.
    “Wait. I’ll give you a ride home.”
    No way. “Thanks. But it’s not far and it’s a nice night. I’d prefer to walk.”
    The easy going smile on his face coll apsed into a laugh of disbelief. “Are you kidding? I just bought you a meal that cost more than someone like you earns in a month, and you’re just walking off?”
    I stepped back. “Good night, Tim,” I said firmly. His hand came out and gripped my wrist, holding me firmly before I could react.
    “No, I know that you’re just as slutty as your friend Connie and I expect—“
    I laughed, cutting him off. His eyes narrowed as he looked at me. “What’s funny, bitch ?”
    Sill smiling, I said, “Y ou.” And then I swung at his face with my free hand. My fist caught his eye and he released my hand as he was knocked a few steps backward but he managed to stay on his feet. Pain jarred through my hand but I didn’t let that show. I stood ready for his retaliation. Several people around us laughed.
    He clutched at his eye. “Fucking cunt!”
    “Keep your hands to yourself and we won’t have this problem.” It was hard to stay still when he dropped hi s hand from his eye and moved forward toward me, but I had to stand my ground. I wouldn’t let him win.
    “Hey!” The doorman from the restaurant stepped in front of him, and Tim stopped, glaring at the man.
    Brody Nicolai appeared as well, looking calm and collected next to the dishevelled Tim. “I don’t have fighting outside my establishment.” He was the same height as Tim, but broader and it suited him. Tim’s eyes widened a moment, and whatever he was going to say died in his throat.
    “ She —“ His hand pointed at me accusingly  then he thought better of it. “Relax. I’m going.” He bent down to grab the keys he had dropped and turned.
    “Escort him to his car, plea se,” Brody told the doorman. The man nodded and moved closer to Tim, who gave me a glare before stalking off.
    My hand really hurt now, and I held it with my free hand, clenching my teeth. I felt Brody’s dark eyes on me and I met his gaze. “He deserved it,” I told him.
    “I’m sure he did. Do you need an ambulance?” he asked coolly, there was no concern there; he just wanted me off the pavement in front of his restaurant.
    “He’s the hurt one, not me,” I replied in just as cool of a tone.
    “Really? Because your face is completely white and you look like you’re going to faint.” I hated his tone, it was like I was nothing better than something on his shoe.
    “It’s fine.” I turned to leave. I did feel a little light headed, and my hand was screaming at me. I just concentrated on breathing and moving.