The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 10

James cast a glance at Magnus' increasingly dark face, teasing him further. "You've been cooped up for years now. Maybe you should dip your toes in the water. It's not a bad idea to let a woman get to you."

James' words earned a round of hearty laughter from Chase and an involuntary twitch at the corner of Carter's mouth.

Magnus picked up his wine glass and suggested smoothly, "I hear Silent King's been pretty idle lately. There's a mission in Chile that needs some attention, something about encountering primitive orcs in the wild. Seems like it's right up your alley."

James' eyes widened in astonishment as Magnus casually picked up a set of keys from the table.

Chase, in his impatience, failed to grab the keys. "I remember you've got a couple of Rolls-Royce Phantoms just sitting around at your place. I'll have Linden pick them up and give them a good cleaning!"

James quickly intervened, patting Magnus on the shoulder. "Come on, man. A desert is no place for a man to be. And what happens if you run into a female orc? Will you still have your buddies?"

"A female orc? That's right up your alley, I remember you had a strong taste for threesomes last year. A single orcis nothing for you!" Magnus countered coldly.

James shivered at the thought of a large, imposing female orcs overpowering him in the desert. He quickly flattered Magnus. "I know you're a man of restraint. You wouldn't let any woman get to you. Let me pour you a drink!" James decided to be more careful with his jokes around Magnus.

Suddenly, the sounds of shattering glass came from the neighboring booth. Magnus furrowed his brows, gesturing to Chase.

Chase stood up abruptly. "Who the hell is causing a ruckus in my territory? They're asking for trouble!" He stormed off to the neighboring booth.

Inside the booth, Lucius was drunk, being propped up by two bodyguards. He swung a punch at one of them, sending him crashing to the floor. The wine bottles and glasses on the table smashed to the ground.

The bodyguard wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said, "Mr. Lucius, you've had too much to drink. Ms. Lillian asked us to take you home."

"Home?" Lucius barked out a laugh, "Does Morgan even consider me family? He gave my woman to that cripple! I hate him!"

Chase walked into the booth and threw a warning glance at Lucius. "This isn't your playground, Lucius. The next time you decide to throw a tantrum, do it somewhere else."

Lucius pushed away the bodyguards and glared at Chase. "Who the hell do you think you are, meddling in my business?"

Chase kicked Lucius onto the sofa, swiftly dealing with the two bodyguards who tried to intervene. He grabbed Lucius by the collar. "I'm warning you! Keep your tantrums out of my territory. You're nothing more than a coward, and you dare to insult me? I'll have you picking up your teeth off the floor!"