Page 116 of Lovers' Dance

“I’ll go find, Matt,” Bella said kindly. “Then we can leave.”

“He’s gone off with Adam,” Grumps advised, before glaring at us. “Help me up, Madison.”

I was so shocked over his use of my first name that I jumped into action and did as he ordered. When he stood on his own two feet, I started to pull away but his grip on my arm tightened.

“Tell Matthew I’ll be taking her home,” Grumps said. “It’s time I left anyway. Come on, my driver will be out front waiting.”

My eyes widened. I wanted to leave, but not with Grumps. I looked at Bella, then tried to ease away from Grumps. His grip didn’t let up. Damn. He was strong for someone his age.

“Uh, I think I should go with Matt, Mr Bradley,” I stammered, reaching for my clutch.

“Nonsense.” Grumps ignored my words. “He’ll most likely be talking business for the rest of the night and you can’t stay here looking like this with photographers lurking around. It’s unbecoming and the stench of alcohol on you is off-putting. My driver will take you home.”

Medusa. I was ditching the Aphrodite title. Matt’s ex was ugly on the inside and out. Medusa smiled sweetly at me.

I faced Bella. “Can you let Matt know I’ve left with his granddad? I didn’t bring my cell so I can’t call him now.”

“Of course, Madi,” she agreed, before pulling her phone out and walking off.

With a shake of my head in Louisa’s direction, I took a deep breath and smiled at Grumps. “Shall we?”

He nodded and we started walking out the marquee. What a way for my first date with Matt to go. At least my night was ending the way it started: on the arm of a Bradley. This one though did absolutely nothing for my libido.

I took four steps with Grumps, then stopped. “Excuse me, Mr Bradley. I need a moment.”

His left eyebrow shot up suspiciously as I flashed him a tight smile and turned on my heels. Louisa was still by the table, her back to me, probably cackling to herself. She must have heard my approach because she turned around with a smile on her face. It died when she saw it was me. I walked up to her, glancing around to confirm there were no photographers around.

“Listen here, you big-boobed Barbie bitch,” I started in a low voice filled with barely controlled rage. “I’m going let this go because I don’t want to cause a scene that would embarrass my boyfriend. But tonight was strike two, strike one being you putting your bloody hands on my man. Yeah, he told me—”

“How dare you speak to me like that?” she hissed.

“Shut the fuck up, I’m not done talking.” I narrowed my eyes until they were brown slits of fury. “Two strikes. You’re on borrowed time now because, I swear to you, if you do anything, anything at all, to piss me off, I’ll—”

“You’ll what?” she challenged, smirking at me.

I smirked right back. “I’ll lay you the fuck out, and if that expression is too American for you to understand, let me break it down for you: I. Will. Kick. Your. Ass.”

She snorted in disdain. I said I would let it go, but she snorted. A response was needed.

I smiled sweetly, closing the distance between us. My nearness made her uneasy but, before she could step back, I planted my palm against her shoulder while hooking a leg behind her knee. She hit the ground with a shriek.

“Oh my gosh!” I said loudly, jumping back. “Are you all right?”

Louisa glared up at me. People were noticing her on the ground, turning and coming over.

“You poor thing,” I continued in a loud voice and holding a hand out. “Let me help you up. You’re clumsy on those heels tonight, aren’t you? Spilling drinks on me, now this.” I chuckled lightly, exchanging friendly looks with the couple closest to us. She glowered at me for a split second before taking my outstretched hand. I helped her up and we both plastered fake smiles on our faces. Appearances needed to be maintained. I was a lady.

“Thank you,” she said, waving away the concerned bystanders. She really meant ‘Fuck you.’

“You’re welcome,” I replied, tightening my grip on my clutch. I really meant ‘Fuck you, too.’

“I’ll tell Matt you said goodbye,” she called coyly after I’d turned to take my leave. I paused for a second taking a deep calming breath, then continued to walk over to where Grumps stood. He’d seen it all and that eyebrow of his was arched. He held his arm out. I took it.

“Feel better now?” he asked.

“Yes, actually I do.”

We didn’t look at each other as we walked out the marquee. Shit. Grumps would think I was a crazy ass.

---