[///ON HOLD///] Animal House (Rendezvous #2)

Chapter 23

Gloria stomped towards them, her eyes icy with rage as she shouted, "I told you to get your hands off of them!"

The security guards immediately backed away, their cheeks flush with embarrassment.

"We meant no harm, Ms. O'Good."

She scoffed. "I expect men like you to hold your temper better compared to a pair of boys." Gloria pierced her glare on Ace and Dane. "And you two should know better than to purposely provoke security personnel!"

The twins weren't affected by Gloria's scolding. Neither were they grateful for her interference.

"And who the hell are you?" Dane said.

Gloria sneered. "Still haven't learned your lesson?"

"She's Gloria," Nora explained, putting a hand on one of their arms each. She, too, stared with wary eyes. "Our aunt."

Her brothers immediately became guarded once more. Ace clicked his tongue. "Another snake."

Gloria twitched, and prepared to make a retort. However, Ava gently scolded the twins.

"That's enough, boys. She helped us. Picking more fights will only put you in more trouble."

Ace and Dane hesitated, but they relaxed their stances and shot apologetic looks towards Ava. Nora's eyes remained on Gloria, and if she had blinked, she would've missed it. But it was undeniable.

Gloria was hurt. Because the twins had disregarded her, yet listened to Ava.

The woman had no right to feel that way. Ava showed more care towards them in just a few days compared to the lifetime opportunity Gloria had as their aunt. And yet, Nora felt her chest constrict at the sight of the proud and powerful woman hurt from the indifference of those she had just defended.

"These filthy boys deserve to be kicked out of this establishment!" one of the instigators shouted, and the other vocally agreed.

Nora was about to demand an apology from them, but it seemed she was always one step behind those around her.

Gloria barked in laughter without humor. "Oh, please! If there is anything I have learned after spending weeks with this group, I can guarantee you two spouted nonsense that you had no business saying in the first place."

If the older women's jaws could hang any lower, they would literally be on the floor. "That is not true! We were simply having a friendly conversation!"

"Calling someone dirty is considered friendly to you people?" Dane sneered.

"What lies! We never said such a thing!"

Ace snorted. "After all the shit talk about Declan, you still said he could do better with someone who had a clean slate. If you can't figure out the implication, then you're either idiots or crazy. Probably both."

"Do you hear the words coming out of their mouths?!"

Gloria narrowed her eyes at the two women. "Get out."

"What?!"

"But Gloria—!"

"You will either leave willingly, or it will be done by force. Make your decision."

They sputtered in outrage but knew when a battle had been lost. Together, the two women stormed out of the building, and Gloria sent a chilling look to the crowd gathered around them. Like a herd of antelope, they dispersed and ran away from the lioness in the room. When the building emptied, save their circle of people, Gloria turned her attention back to them.