Bradford Brawler (Bradford Bastard 2)

They become locked in a heated stare, and I can’t help but glance across the table to Addison. Hudson’s hand is firmly on her, and judging by the look on her face, she’s not happy about Orlando’s proximity. Hell, I’m still surprised she showed up, but Hudson dragged her along, promising that a night out with friends was exactly what she needed. I agreed with him—right up until this moment.

“Walk away,” Tanner warns. His hand shakes with rage against my waist, making it damn clear something more is going on between them. Damien takes notice immediately and pushes out of his chair. I don’t know what Damien’s been able to piece together, but he’s intuitive, and more than that, he’s protective. And right now, he’ll have our backs despite not knowing what the hell is going on.

Orlando laughs, arrogantly holding his arms out wide. “This is my party, Morgan. If you don’t like my presence here, then I’d be happy to show you the door.”

Tanner’s jaw clenches as something passes between them, and Tanner backs down, stepping away and reaching for his drink. He throws down what’s left in his glass before loosening his grip around my waist. “Whatever,” he says. “This party blows anyway.”

Damien catches my eye, his brows furrowed, unsure what’s going on. I shrug my shoulders, right there with him, all too aware of the way Logan, Jax, Riley, and Hudson watch the show, each one of them more than ready to bust out of their seats. The fact that Orlando is the groom isn’t enough to deter them from beating the shit out of him, especially after the hell he’s put Addison through. Orlando better watch himself; he’s playing a dangerous game and these guys won’t hesitate to put him in the ground.

“That’s right, keep drinking my drinks,” Orlando tells Tanner, trying to exercise some kind of power over him. “Enjoy your night … Who knows when it might all come to an end.”

My gaze snaps up to Orlando and I shove myself between them, my ass pushing Tanner back a step. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

Orlando simply laughs as Damien moves in closer, more than ready to step in if need be. “Oh, sweet girl. I don’t think I got a chance to tell you how breathtaking you look in your dress. Simply stunning. You should consider taking care of yourself more often. A pretty little thing like you would be a grand prize.”

Disgust filters through my veins. I’ve never gotten a creepy vibe from Orlando until this very minute, and I sure as hell don’t appreciate it, and apparently Damien doesn’t either. He shoves a hand against Orlando’s chest, forcing him away from me. “Where the fuck do you get off talking to my sister like that?” he spits, his tone low and threatening, reminding me of just how lethal he can be. After all, you don’t grow up in Hope Falls without escaping unscathed. “She’s a fucking kid.”

“A kid?” Orlando says, his eyes flicking back to me. “I hardly think so. Look at her. She’s a woman.”

Tanner’s hand tightens in mine to the point of physical pain, and I’m forced to pull my hand free. I step forward, deciding to handle this on my own before Tanner or Damien turns this wedding into something else entirely. “Listen here, you disgusting piece of shit,” I seethe, speaking low enough for the rest of our table to struggle to hear. “You ever leer at me like a piece of meat again, and I will personally put you in the ground. No woman in her right mind would ever want to be with you, so don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re anything special. My mom is fucked in the head for allowing this bullshit to go on.”

“Careful now,” he warns, moving in closer, his dark eyes eating me up like his next meal. “You’re toeing the line of a dangerous game you’re not prepared to play.”

I scoff. “Don’t fool yourself into a false sense of security. After the shit you pulled during Addison’s case, I have everything I need to end your career with nothing more than a flick of my wrist. Asking a witness to provide a false alibi … don’t get me wrong, I’m no lawyer, but I know a criminal offense when I see one. Tell me, how many lawyers are out there who’d be happy to take a stand against you? How many victims still have rapists and murderers walking free because of the shady bullshit you pulled during their cases? How many dirty judges, cops, and payoffs? Don’t fool yourself, old man. One statement from me is all it will take to get the ball rolling on your demise, and I would have a whole army at my back making it happen. When I am through with you, the whole world will know how much of a dirty fraud you really are. Your name will be destroyed, and you’ll be the laughing stock of the twenty-first century. Not to mention, every case you’ve ever worked will have to be reopened. All of those assholes you allowed to walk free will be locked up, right beside you.”