I finish my business, wash my hands, and wipe under my eyes to catch any stray mascara. I’m slathering on some lip balm when I hear low murmurs coming from the other side of the door. Opening it slowly, I see Masen talking to Red. She walks away before I hear what they were talking about. “Everything okay?”

His eyes shift down to me. “Yeah, she was letting me know Michael and Nicole left...”

I can tell there’s more. “And?” I question.

“And, Roxanne and her friends just got here,” he answers, sounding tired.

“Did you want to leave?”

He shakes his head. “No, Little One, I don’t want to be cruel to her, but she needs to stop. I just don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

I wish Nicole was still here, I think ruefully. “Alright, let’s go on back.” I’m not looking forward to this. Masen tucks me close and kisses me briefly before he walks us back to our seats. Knowing she’s here, my eyes can’t help but search for her.

I don’t need to look long. Her large group has taken the tables closest to ours. Neither group acknowledges the other until we move past them to sit, that is. Roxanne’s head snaps up, and she looks at me from head to toe before leaning to the woman on her right and giggling. I know she’s talking about me. Masen’s body is between their table and me as we pass. None dare say anything now that we’re so near.

Now that Nicole and Michael are gone, the table is much more subdued. I plaster a smile on my face and ask jokingly, “So was she able to walk, or did he have to carry her?”

Sniffer’s the quickest to understand. “Ah, it was a bit of both actually. She wanted to wait for you, but she was falling asleep in his lap.” He laughs quietly.

A voice from behind me says, “I didn’t know he’d tell her about carrying me home.” Next, in a mock whisper, she adds, “Do you think he told her everything he’d do to me once we got home, too?” She fakes outrage. “Maybe he’s had to teach her a few things. He always loved it when I would...”

Masen’s fist slams the table so hard it cracks, wood splintering all over as chunks rain to the floor. Other than the music playing in the background, the bar is silent. Every man at the table looks pissed, but Masen looks murderous. His eyes are black. I can see the tips of his canines. Her table is behind us, so I can’t see her reaction. I won’t turn to look, I’m not giving her the satisfaction. I will whoop her ass for all this snide bullshit.

I place my hand on Masen’s face and turn it to me. “I’m done with this. It needs to be taken care of. You just watch, no involvement.” To Sniffer, I say, “In here or outside?”

They all look confused before he responds, “How much damage we talking?”