Page 131 of Let Me Keep You

“Did you know about this, Robert?” Gemma asks in an accusing tone, crossing her arms over her chest. “This is low, even for you.”

The room is tense as hell, and I gently grab Gemma’s arm and pull her back so she’s not too close to Victoria.

“I had no idea,” he claims, huffing as if he’s insulted she’d even ask.

I move closer, putting space between him and Gemma. “Cut the shit, Robert. You knew exactly who she was. Fuck you.”

“And fuck you too,” I say, turning to Victoria.

“We’re not staying here.” I grab Gemma’s hand to lead her out of here, knowing exactly how dangerous it is for us to be around Victoria. Seconds later, Gemma jerks away. Our hands break, and Robert has her pulled close to his body.

“Let me go!” she shouts.

“I didn’t know, Gemma.” Robert pleads with his eyes.

“Bullshit,” I say.

“I didn’t!” He raises his voice, and I catch sight of Victoria watching us with amusement. We argue back and forth before Victoria walks over to us with her wine glass in hand.

“He really didn’t know,” she admits, drinking her alcohol as if she’s having the best time.

“And why should I trust a goddamn word that comes out of your mouth? I learned my lesson already.” I scowl.

She flashes her million-dollar smile. “Believe what you want, Tyler. I wanted to find you after I saw your name on that witness list. Which was far too easy, by the way. I knew we’d meet again, though honestly I didn’t think it would be this early in the game. It’s a nice surprise, even more so that it involves some weird love triangle.” Victoria’s obviously proud of herself as she arches a brow with a cunning smirk.

“Mission fucking accomplished,” I throw her way, blocking Gemma from both of them. Victoria’s dangerous and so is Robert.

“My previous sentiment still stands,” I say. “Fuck off.”

Gemma and I move toward the door as Robert follows us, begging her to stay like a little bitch. He continues to mutter Gemma’s name under his breath as the exit of the restaurant comes into view. Once we’re outside, he cries for her to stop. Gemma sucks in a deep breath and breaks away from my hold.

“I have to talk to him,” she whispers.

I plead with my eyes not to give in to him, but she does, though she keeps her distance.

“Honestly, I didn’t know,” he says again. “You have to believe me.”

Watching with my arms crossed, I’m ready to pounce if he lays a hand on her.

“Maybe you didn’t, but as you mentioned before, there’s zero trust between us. I don’t think I can believe anything you say anymore, Robert. Not that it matters since we’re no longer together.”

He acts as if she slapped him in the face, but Gemma continues. “She’s dangerous. And if you’re as smart as you claim to be, you’ll walk away from her and that deal now before she turns on you too.”

Robert opens his mouth, then shuts it. “I’m not scared of her.” His eyes snap to me. “Or you.”

Gemma shrugs. “Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’m leaving.”

“You’re not going anywhere. You agreed to have dinner with me tonight. We have other things to discuss.” Robert growls.

He must have a death wish if he’s talking to her that way.

“No.” She doesn’t explain herself and takes the ring off her finger. She steps closer, then hands it to him.

“If you go, you’ll be sorry,” he threatens, studying the diamond he thought would be enough to make her happy.

Gemma shakes her head and smiles. “Ready?”

“This isn’t fucking over, Gemma!” Robert yells from behind us.