Page 20 of The Originals

A woman, with a plunging halter top a few sizes too small, grasped Mick’s forearm and nestled close to his chest.

“Hey baby. You want a drink?”

Meg pushed her way to Mick’s side, bumping into another man. When the woman glanced over, her lip curled in a mocking smile.

“Sweetheart?”

Meg looked up at him, but he wasn’t speaking to Meg. That hit her harder than it should’ve.

“Gonna get my own drink,” Mick said, and grabbed the woman’s hip, moving her aside.

There was definitely a familiarity between the two that had Meg loosening her hold on his hand. She wasn’t so naïve as to think Mick hadn’t been with other women. But it was a whole new thing to have it thrown in her face. Meg drew in a breath, fighting against her rising anger. This woman would only ruin Meg’s night if she allowed it.

Mick started toward the bar, clasping Meg’s hand and passing the girl. The woman smiled, though it seemed forced, and as she stepped away, she eyed Meg with a venomous glare.

Meg simply smiled. It was a bit catty but well-deserved. Mick chose.

And it’s not you, sweetheart.

****

Mick hadn’t had a specific game plan for bringing Meg to the party. He’d figured they’d hang out, have some drinks, give formal introductions to his brothers, especially those closest to him. Much like meeting her mother, Mick wanted to bring herinto his life. Meeting his brothers was his version of meeting his family.

They’d spent the last hour at the bar with Jack, Grain, and a few others. After the run in with Bebe, Mick sensed Meg’s annoyance and pulling away slightly. Spending time with his brothers seemed to ease her tension. Colleen walked over, smiling at Meg.

“Can I get you another?”

Meg glanced down at her beer and smiled, shaking her head. “No, thanks. I’m pacing myself.”

Colleen giggled as she sauntered away. While Mick kept his gaze respectable, the others followed her every move as she circled the bar and headed toward the front of the room.

“Anyone catch the train with her last week?” Dove asked.

Mick hadn’t but he’d heard about it. Colleen was young, much like Meg, in her mid-twenties. Stacked and showing everything she had to offer. Unlike the girl from earlier, Colleen didn’t make advances or flirt with Mick. If anything, her attention was more on Meg, offering her a refill when her beer was low and complimenting Meg’s earrings. While he didn’t necessarily foresee a lifelong friendship between Meg and Colleen, he appreciated the effort. It was as if Colleen recognized Meg’s nervousness and wanted to make her feel welcome.

“I’ve been on a train. I loved it. But really, I mean, who doesn’t love riding a train?” Meg chuckled.

Fuck.Mick brushed his hand over his mouth, concealing his smile. Her innocence was showing. Meg would never live that comment down. He shared a look with Jack, who was smiling at her. If anyone would show her a little grace, it was Jack Reilly. Unfortunately, he was the only one.

“Shepulleda train.” Grain snorted and grabbed his glass, shooting back the rest of his bourbon.

Meg’s brows knitted, and Mick saw her confusion. He would’ve loved nothing more than a swift change in subject, but Grain felt the need to provide a definition.

“She fucked the brothers one right after the other.” He arched his brow, smirking.

“She had sex with all of you?” Her jaw fell open.

“Not me.” Mick was quick to point out he hadn’t been a part of that train. It wasn’t to say he hadn’t in the past, but that wasn’t something he’d be sharing with Meg just yet.

Jack waved his hand and shook his head, and Grain slammed his hand on the bar. “We missed it ’cause of the fucking traffic. Son of a bitch.”

As for the others, there were a few who lifted their hands and quite a few nods.

“Why would she do that?” Meg whispered. Mick wasn’t sure if she was just asking herself or him, but unfortunately, it was loud enough for his brother to hear it.

Grain burst out laughing. “Said it yourself, everyone loves riding a train.”

Mick gave in to a chuckle. He wasn’t laughing at her, just the situation. In time, she’d be able to look back and appreciate her naivete. She quickly picked up her bottle and took a long sip, looking around but refusing to look at him. Mick rested his hand on her thigh, hoping to provide a little comfort.