Filthy English (English #2) - Ilsa Madden-Mills Page 0,77

hands, we made our way to the back of the bar. But with each step closer to Dax, Hartford grew tenser, as if something inside him was building. Bubbling.

Dax watched us approach with hooded eyes.

Hartford came to a halt in front of him. “Came to say our goodbyes although we’ll probably see you soon.”

Dax arched a brow, his voice cold. “That so?”

“Your house? We’re headed there now.” He wrapped an arm around me. “You might want to give us a head start though. We’ve got some catching up to do now that Malcolm’s gone. Remi’s hot for it tonight . . . can’t keep her hands off me.” He leered at Dax. “If you catch my meaning?”

“I see.” Dax paled, his hand white around his pool cue. Gray eyes found mine.

I gripped Hartford’s arm. Appalled at his words. “Let’s go. Please.”

He ignored me, shaking me off. “And thank you for getting Remi her bracelet.”

Dax tensed, his eyes flicking to my wrist.

“A bit odd to go to all that trouble for someone you just happened to run into in London. I mean, you must have been in contact with the police? And pawn shops?”

Dax’s face was a mask, his body held in tight control. “I saw how much she missed it. She was hurting in London.” He paused, a flush rising on his cheekbones. “Because of you, arsehole.”

Hartford’s face twisted. “I think you’ve got a hard-on for my girl. Stay away from her.”

“She isn’t mine. She’s with you,” Dax replied softly.

Hartford stepped into Dax’s personal space, his voice like sandpaper. “I knew her moving in with you was a terrible idea, and you can damn well bet she’ll be moving out of your house. Tonight.”

I felt dizzy. Hartford was losing it.

Dax’s control snapped, a dark look on his face as he glared down at Hartford. “You’re on dangerous ground, Omega. Tread softly or I will hurt you. You’re lucky I haven’t already.”

“Hartford,” I called, my voice thin and shaky. “I’m leaving. With or without you.” I pivoted and took long strides to the door. If he didn’t come, I’d walk or call a cab or go back in and find Lulu.

I heard him muttering something to Dax, and then he followed me outside to his car.

I put on my seat belt as he got in the driver’s seat.

“Reming—”

“No. Just take me home. Now.”

He stared out the front windshield. “I saw you follow him in the bathroom. Your dress was messed up when you came out. I’m not stupid.”

I blanched. “I—I’m sorry.”

His teeth clenched. “What happened in London?”

I sucked in a ragged breath. “I slept with Dax.”

“Goddammit!” He banged on the steering wheel with his fist several times, making me flinch. He stopped, his chest rising. “Fuck me, I knew something was off at his house. I can’t believe you—and him—” He rubbed his face. “I have to get out of here.”

He cranked the car, squealing out of the parking lot.

Neither of us spoke during the ride, the tension thick. My face was hot, my hands clenching the armrest as I stared out my window. As soon as he stopped the car at the curb, I unsnapped my seat belt and jumped out.

He got out just as quick, taking long strides to keep up with me as I practically ran to the front door.

“Don’t leave like this. We have to talk,” he said, his voice tight.

Shaking my head at him, I fumbled around for my keys. “No. I—I can’t. We’re both too upset. Just go home.”

“You were with him!” he yelled. “You’ve always acted like you barely tolerated him. You’ve been lying to me since London. You’ve been screwing him since you moved in!”

I flipped around to face him. “You dumped me, Hartford! You wanted a break, and I gave it to you! I wasn’t aware there were rules to go along with it.” I shook my head and took a step back, wanting to calm down. The neighbors could probably hear us. “And you posted a picture of you and that girl on our wedding night. How do you think that made me feel?”

“I wasn’t with her. All I could think about was you! I was just confused and scared.” He groaned. “I made a mistake.”

I believed him—but it didn’t matter.

“Are you . . . are you in love with him?”

I inhaled. “I can’t explain it, but we—have something.”

God, there was so much I wasn’t saying.

His face morphed to utter anguish. “Stop,” he said, pulling at his hair. “You’re fucking killing