Page 95 of The Curveball
“Get your hands off me,” he snarls.
“Me, or security. This is my event, and you don’t belong here.”
Clay shirks me off and adjusts his suit jacket. “Fine. Let’s go chat.” He turns to a guy who is talking to someone. He interrupts their conversation with a nudge to the guy’s shoulder. “Leon, let Mr. Pierson know I’ve stepped outside to speak with our host, Mr. Marks.”
The other guy gives me a strange look. Who cares? Let him run off to Wren’s dad. What matters to me is getting this man out of her vicinity.
Clay strides forward, heading for one of the side doors. I’m right on his heels.
“Griff?” Parker materializes from between a group of sponsors. He cuts off the conversation and hurries to me. Maybe he notices my face? I don’t know, but he comes next to me. “What’s going on?”
“Taking out an unruly guest.”
“No, I’m being removed forcibly because his girlfriend had a thing for me once and he’s holding it against me.”
I’m going to throat punch him. I clamp my jaw hard enough I’m positive a tooth cracks. “Not even close,” I bite out to Parker.
One of the best things about my friends is they know how to read a room. Parker tenses, but he doesn’t leave my side. Probably has it figured out I’ll need witnesses for whatever is about to go down.
It’s another chore weaving in and out of the crowd, but once we’re outside the doors of the banquet halls, I can breathe all the frustration at last.
“There, Marks,” Clay says, turning around, arms open. “You got me out. Now what?”
“Now, you’re going to leave. You’re not going to speak to Wren, and you’re going to count your blessings I don’t break your teeth for what you just said about her wanting you.”
“So violent.”
“Did this guy do something to Wren?” Parker’s voice takes a dark tone.
“Not tonight.” I jab a finger at Clay. “We don’t really know each other, but you and I both know you make Wren uncomfortable, and she’s what matters to me. Now go, man. Just go.”
“Our company was invited. This is completely ridiculous.”
“We’re uninviting you,” Parker snaps.
I love my guy.
“Pierson Co. is welcome to stay. You, as a part of them, are not,” I say. “Don’t make this more than it needs to be. Wren asked Grant not to bring you, so technically you were not invited. Then, I had your name on a list, and I’m curious how security decided to ignore it. I’d hate to think it was bribed off.”
“You’re going to be catching me up, right?” Parker mumbles.
I give him a quick nod.
“I don’t know what she told you, but clearly, she’s making a bigger deal out of something than she needs to be,” Clay says.
I shove my hands in my pockets, afraid if I don’t keep them contained, I’ll do something I’ll regret. “I’m going to let that go. For now. You have one more chance to go without an escort.”
With Parker, I take a backward step toward the banquet hall.
He’s going to go. Clay even begins to turn over his shoulder. I blow out a breath of relief and think I’m safe to start imagining dancing with the sexiest woman in there all night.
My mistake for being hopeful.
I’ve known a few idiot guys in my life. But never cruel men like Parker and Wren have known. The men who helped raise me were honorable, respectful, and fair. My coaches were stern, but always good leaders. The Kings, I can’t speak poorly about anyone in the organization.
So, when Clay doesn’t leave it there, when he opens his stupid mouth one last time, I’m taken back.
I’m short-fused.