The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 58

"Shut up." Garnett didn't even glance at him, his lethal gaze fixed solely on Tobin. "Drink every last drop. And apologize to Lavinia."

Sigrid stepped into the room, her voice soft and placating. "Garnett, don't do this. You guys have been friends since college."

Garnett shot her a single, freezing glare. Sigrid swallowed the rest of her words.

"I will say this one last time." Garnett's voice wasn't loud, but every syllable hit like a hammer. "Finish the wine, and apologize to my wife."

Tobin looked at the decanter, then back at Garnett's face. He knew there was no way out of this. He grabbed the heavy glass and tipped his head back, pouring it down his throat.

Dark red liquid spilled down the corners of his mouth, soaking his collar. He drank too fast, choking and coughing violently, but he didn't dare stop. After several agonizing attempts, he finally drained the massive vessel.

The heavy glass slammed against the table. Tobin collapsed into his chair, his face violently purple, barely able to keep his eyes open.

Duncan rushed around the table to check on him.

Garnett shrugged off his suit jacket and threw it over Lavinia's shoulders. The fabric still carried his body heat, completely shielding her drenched blouse.

"We're going home."

He clamped his hand around her wrist and dragged her toward the door. His grip was absolute iron; she couldn't break free.

Garnett hauled her out to the hotel entrance, his face as dark as a brewing hurricane.

The night wind whipped past them, and Lavinia shivered violently.

Sigrid came running out after them, her voice frantic. "Garnett, Tobin passed out! We need to call an ambulance!"

"He brought it on himself." Garnett didn't stop walking.

Sigrid caught up, shooting Lavinia a look overflowing with perfect, theatrical concern. "Lavinia, please don't be mad at Garnett. He rushed all the way across town the second he heard you were drinking with Tobin."

Lavinia refused to look at her. She said nothing.

Garnett stopped dead in his tracks and glared at her. "Do you have any idea what you're doing?"

Lavinia kept her lips sealed tight.

He reached out and forcefully yanked his jacket off her shoulders. The freezing wind instantly bit through her wet clothes, making her shudder.

He grabbed Sigrid's hand, turned his back on her, and walked away.

Sigrid glanced back over her shoulder. The look she gave Lavinia was a perfectly calculated mix of pity and triumph.

Lavinia stood alone at the hotel entrance as the night chill soaked through her wet shirt.

Suddenly, a tailored suit jacket was draped over her shoulders, carrying a deep, complex woodsy cologne.

She didn't even need to look to know it was Charley.

He stepped in front of her, gently pulling the lapels of the jacket tighter around her.

She was completely enveloped by his warmth and his commanding presence. She looked up at him, her eyes perfectly calm.

She wasn't crying. Her eyes weren't even red.