Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 469

When Tarquin strolled into Blissful Uncle's Bar, he found Keaton cozied up in a booth with his latest flame, practically glued to his side and playfully jostling him around.

At the sight of Tarquin entering, Keaton nudged his girl, "Hey, call Tarquin over."

It was well known among their circle that Keaton and Tarquin were as close as brothers could be, even more so than blood.

Seeing Tarquin was always a big deal, given his notorious temper and the 'legendary' status he carried around. The girlfriend was a bundle of excitement, nerves, and fear all rolled into one. "Um... Tarquin."

Tarquin didn't spare her a glance, just made his way over to the sofa opposite Keaton, lit up a cigarette, crossed his legs, and leaned back, puffing away.

The girl, feeling the sting of rejection, looked at Keaton with puppy eyes, a hint of tears brewing, "Keaton."

Keaton, ever the charmer, pinched her cheek and slipped her a credit card, "Don't mind him, darling. He's like this with everyone, acts like the world owes him a fortune. Go enjoy some shopping, I've got business. I'll catch up with you later."

Her mood instantly lifted at the sight of the card, and after planting a quick kiss on Keaton, she got up to leave, even throwing a timid bow Tarquin's way as she went. Tarquin, for his part, didn't acknowledge her at all.

Now alone, Keaton also lit a cigarette, "Man, you could be a little nicer. That's my girl, after all."

Tarquin scoffed, "Why should I be nice to your girl?"

"I'm your brother!"

"She's not my woman."

The implication was clear: Tarquin reserved his kindness for his own woman.

Keaton bit his lip, "Saw right through you, you're going to be whipped."

Tarquin simply rolled his eyes.

It wasn't that he wanted to disrespect Keaton's relationships; it's just that Keaton went through girlfriends like seasons change. Why bother getting attached?

"Using my sister against me, that's low," Keaton grumbled.

Tarquin just smirked, unbothered.

Keaton rolled his eyes, "Fine, you win. Here's the deal: Zane's got a thing for Elysia, always has."

That caught Tarquin's attention.

"Zane's been carrying a torch for Elysia since college, but ended up with her best friend, Winona, instead. Despite that, he's been nothing but a model husband and son-in-law, keeping his true feelings for Elysia under wraps.

But I dug up something juicy. Remember Gage Slater's sudden downfall a couple of months back? That was all Zane's doing."

Tarquin's brows knitted together, "Because of Elysia?"

"Yeah. Gage had been harassing Elysia, and Zane took care of him."