Page 137 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

“Please, hon,”

“Close the door on your way out.” Matt commanded.

“I’ll be right outside,” she said timidly. “I’ll be waiting right outside, Matt. Don’t do anything foolish.”

“Madison.” he dragged out and she fled the room. Once the door closed a cold smile spread over his face. “I was wondering how long it would be before you tried it on with her.”

“Fuck ye, Bradley.” McGregor glared at him, his fists clenched tightly as they eyed each other.

Matt took another step in his direction. “A coward,” he sneered. “Only a coward would attempt to seduce another man’s wife.”

“I’m not a damn coward.” McGregor growled, taking a step towards Matt.

“I’ve been on to you since the night of the auction.” Matt said conversationally. “You were like a bitch in heat when you saw her.”

McGregor’s pallor darkened with anger at Matt’s words. “She deserves better. She shouldnae be with the likes of ye.”

“Well, she is,” Matt said, fighting the growing urge to wrap his hands around the man’s neck. “And you seem to have forgotten she was already mine when you first met her. Now she’smywife, McGregor. I’m the one shagging her. Every, single, night.” Matt smirked at him, knowing his crude, brutal words pained the Scotsman. It gave him perverse pleasure to remind Dougal of that. “Most days too, if I’m honest.”

“Bastard.” McGregor rushed him and Matt welcomed it.

He wanted to smash the man’s face in, but knowing Madi, she would be right outside the door. Matt evaded the punch McGregor threw and grabbed him violently around the neck.

“Stay the hell away from my wife, McGregor. Don’t contact her. If you see her at a function walk the other bloody way. If I catch you ever looking atmywife again, I will beat seven shades of shit out of you then ruin you! Do you understand me? I will takeeverything your family has worked for and piss it away. Try me, McGregor. You try me, and you’ll regret it.” Matt shoved him back. He watched dispassionately as McGregor stumbled before finding his footing. “We will not be having this discussion again. You’ve been warned. Madison no longer exists for you.”

With a final warning glare, Matt stormed out the room. Sure enough Madison stood outside the door, fidgeting from one foot to the next.

“Matt-”

“We’re leaving.” He gave her a look and the corners of her mouth dipped. Matt turned on his heels, the long strides he took meant she had to quicken her steps to keep up.

“Matt, hon,” Madi began. “Can we just talk about-”

“We’ll discuss it once we’ve left.” Matt bit out tersely and automatically slowed his steps when he saw the grimace of pain on her face.

Brushing past numerous guests, they walked silently through the property until they were outside waiting for the valet to bring his car around. Madi tried to slip her left hand in his. Matt cocked his head in her direction before deliberately putting space between them. Did she think she could flutter her thick eyelashes with that remorseful look on her face and all would be forgotten?

“Matt, I-”

He held a hand up, not wanting to hear the sincere plea in her soft voice. The valet pulled up in Matt’s car and left the driver’s door ajar as Matt hurried forward to take his keys. Madi kept peering nervously at him as the valet quickly circled to open the passenger’s door. Hesitating, she chewed her lower lip and eyed the Bugatti with trepidation.

“Get in, Madison.” Matt ordered with a lowering of eyebrows. She knew she was in for it. She bloody well knew…

A plan was needed. One that would absolve me of any wrongdoing. Hell,Ihadn’t done anything wrong. Frigging Dougal McGregor. Why did he have to kiss me? We’d been in the car for five minutes. The way Matt gripped the steering wheel indicated how furious he was. He was clutching the wheel so tightly his knuckles were white, Matt better ease up on his grip before he broke the thing. His side profile also revealed the seething anger coursing through him. I definitely didn’t like the clenched jaw, it looked as if he was grinding his teeth.

“Matt-”

“Did I not warn you, Madison?” he interrupted with that calm question. He’d been interrupting me ever since he walked in on the kiss. He wouldn’t even let me explain my side of what just took place. “Did I not say,” He sent me a cold sidelong glance as the car cruised along the road. “Numerous times, mind you; that McGregor wasinterested in more than friendship?”

“It’s not my fault.” I exclaimed. “How was I to know Dougie would kiss me?”

Matt growled in anger at the reminder and gave me another hard look. “I told you, Madison, but you refused to heed my words. I told you he was a cad who wanted you, and you persistently ignored my warnings. Spouting complete nonsense about you two just being friends. Friends my arse!”

Ok. The level of his voice had increased a few decibels. I was on dangerous territory now. “I think he just had too much to drink-”

“You’re making excuses for him?” Matt’s incredulous shout made me jump.