“Staying.”
“I'm going. Call me tomorrow.”
Cathal's hand gripped her elbow. “I'll see you home.”
The bartender stuck a hand on her hip. “Perfect! Your boyfriend nearly kills a man and off you two go without even checking on the slimy bastard who just threw up on the floor?”
Cathal stopped, eyes narrowing at the bartender in such a severe way most women might have backed away. Not this bartender. She crossed her arms, expecting an answer.
“The slimy bastard as you called him is lucky he got the brother and not the boyfriend.”
“I knew it!” Katie squealed before covering her mouth. Selena ignored her. She'd try and play it off tomorrow and make sure Katie didn't say anything.
“Tell your boss they can find me at O'Keeley's Pub if they have any problems.” Cathal forced Selena to move to the door and out into the warm night. “I really think Katie is not a good influence on you.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Selena smarted back.
His lips twitched, but he didn't smile. “Are you sober?”
“Yes. I drove. My car is—”
“I'll handle your car.”
She hmphed. “Are the good looks to blame for all three of you being bossy as hell?”
“No. We were brought up to make sure a woman got home safely. You can thank our Ma for both, though.”
He opened the door to his silver Mercedes. Flashy. “Are you going to tell Brogan? About Simmons?”
“Of course.” He squeezed her shoulder, his voice turning softer. “Don't be surprised if he tries to see you tonight. He'll need his hands on you to know you're alright. Give him that.”
“It'll be almost two by the time I get ready for bed. I figure he's been asleep for a while.” He was so regimented with everything. Like a machine. A set time for everything. “Just tell him tomorrow.”
“The old man goes to sleep by ten if possible because he gets up to exercise so early. He'd kill me if I didn't let him know about Simmons immediately.” He scratched his jaw. “Plus, I might need to give him a heads up in case I get arrested for assault. I'll need him to come to bail my ass out of jail for avenging his girlfriend's honor.”
“About that. I think Katie heard what you said. You forgot to use my official title as theexclusiveVP of Advertising.”
Cathal shrugged. “Just tell her not to say anything. I think she's a smart woman.”
But Selena wouldn't mention it to Brogan. He'd run for the hills if he thought someone outside his family knew about them.
When she arrived home, Katie's sister was waiting at the door. “Sorry. I didn't think I'd be gone this long.” Selena wrote her a quick check and made sure she got to her caralright before locking the apartment. No way Brogan would come by at two in the morning.
She washed her face and put on pajamas. Her body still tensed when she replayed the way Simmons yanked her, his hands on her body. She would eventually get over it.
Her phone beeped.
I'm outside.
Crap. Brogan had shown up. Selena threw back the covers and walked through the living room. She unlatched the deadbolts.
The door swung open as soon as she turned the knob. Brogan was there, hands on her, crushing her to his chest.
She patted his back. “Cathal said he'd call you.”
“I'm surprised he even left the man breathing.” He looked down. His expression was unreadable in the darkened living room. He'd worn a t-shirt, sweatpants, and his sneakers were untied. His hair messy. He looked like he rolled out of bed just to check on her.
“Cathal said he saw him grab you.”