" My roommate has a gerbil,” Ryan said, grinning. “The little guy got loose and crapped all over my bed. It’s just been a crazy day.”
Nodding at his silly story, I heard a familiar voice. “That’s fucking fascinating,” Judd said from behind me. “Then, what happened?”
Judd was stalking me apparently.
He pulled a chair to the table. “What are we having for dinner?”
“Who are you exactly?” Ryan asked.
“Tawny’s man. I don’t do names or handshakes, so save it, kid.”
When Ryan looked at me for help, I shook my head. “I have no control over him. If I did, he wouldn’t be here.”
“Oh, don’t be like that,” Judd said, caressing the back of my hair. “I like that sweater on you. Very autumn. Looks good with your eyes.”
“Please, go away.”
“I can’t. I’m your ride tonight.”
“Should I leave?” Ryan asked.
Judd glanced at my date. “Just catch onto that, did you?”
Ryan stood up. “See you around, Tawny.”
“Can’t you stay and ignore him?”
Judd’s eyes narrowed. “No, he can’t.”
“We can still talk,” I said, praying Ryan would stay. “He might leave if we treat him like static in the background.”
Ryan considered staying until Judd’s amused expression faded. “She’s not fucking you, if that’s what you’re holding out for. In fact, you ain’t even getting a goodnight kiss. Well, unless you want that to be the last thing your lips ever do before I rip them off your face.”
“I’m going to leave,” Ryan said, giving me a tight smile. “See you around.”
“If you see her,” Judd growled, “you just keep on walking.”
Nodding, Ryan hurried away, leaving me alone with Judd who switched into the seat across from me.
“Alone at last. "

― Bijou Hunter , Damaged and the Knight (Damaged, #2)