My jaw dropped as Liam shoved the man to the ground, his face lined with rage.His eyes quickly swept over me, sharp and focused, not ogling like earlier but instead likely checking for injuries.Protective in a way that hit me straight in the chest.
Once he seemed satisfied that I was okay, he turned back toward the jerk, who was scrambling to his feet.Liam’s jaw tensed, his fists clenched at his sides, and his eyes blazing with fury.A circle had formed around us, people eagerly watching, waiting to see what unfolded.Phones were already out, ready to record a fight.
My stomach twisted.I didn’t want a scene.I didn’t want Liam arrested or the star of some viral video of a club brawl that would remain on the internet long after this night was over.
Liam stepped toward the other man, and I grabbed his arm.“Liam, I’m fine,” I said, hoping to diffuse the situation.
“Fucker needs to learn to keep his hands to himself,” he growled furiously.
The man stood upright again, and while a bit unsteady on his feet, he looked pissed.Thankfully, he remained in place, not brave enough to take a step forward.Not when Liam was several inches taller and probably had at least thirty pounds of muscle on him.
“He’s not worth it.”My voice shook.I hated that show of vulnerability, but adrenaline was fading fast, leaving me trembling all over.“Please, Liam, let’s just go.He’s not worth another second of our night.”
The desperation in my voice must have penetrated his anger.He looked at me, seeing that I was barely holding it together, then glanced back at the other man.“You got lucky this time, asshole,” Liam snarled at him, then turned away, taking me gently by the arm and leading me off the dance floor.
People parted to let us through, and while I was grateful that Liam had shown up when he had, embarrassment seeped into me.I was definitely rattled by the other man’s grabby behavior and I just wanted to go home.
But when we got back to the table, it was empty.
“They’re at the bar,” Liam said, answering my unvoiced question.
He grabbed my jacket off the back of my chair and held it open for me to put my arms through, his gaze searching my face as his fingers grazed the side of my neck as he adjusted the collar.
“You okay?”he asked, his voice low and gruff, even as his thumbs gently skimmed along my jawline.
I nodded, swallowing hard.“Yeah.Thanks for…that.”My words came out steadier than I felt, but I didn’t step away, the proximity making it hard to ignore how his presence grounded me, even as it stirred up everything I’d been trying to push away.
His expression softened just a fraction.“I didn’t like seeing him touch you like that.”His tone was possessive and rough around the edges, and the way his eyes held mine made me shiver.
“I can handle myself,” I assured him.“But, I’m glad you were there.”
“Me, too,” he replied, giving me a small nod, his anger mostly dissipated.“Come on, I’m getting you out of here.”
Leaving was exactly what I wanted, but I couldn’t just go.“I can’t take off without letting Whitney know.”Though, by the looks of things, she was once again flirting with Henry, oblivious to what just happened to me.
Liam took my hand and led me in their direction.When we reached them, he caught Henry’s attention.“There was an incident on the dance floor.Some asshole got handsy with Morgan.I’m taking her home.”
Whitney turned immediately, her eyes widening with concern as she looked me over.“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I said quickly, squeezing her arm to reassure her.“Just an asshole who wouldn’t take no for an answer.Liam handled it.But I’m ready to call it a night.I’m a little shaken up.”
She frowned, glancing between me and Liam, her worry clear.“I can come with you.We don’t have to stay.”
I shook my head.“No, really,” I insisted, managing a small smile.“You should enjoy the rest of the night.You deserve to unwind.”
Whitney hesitated, biting her lip, but then nodded.“Okay, but if you need anything, call me.And be safe.”She pulled me into a quick hug, whispering, “Text me details later.”
When we pulled apart I rolled my eyes at her.There would be nodetailsto share.Not the kind she was insinuating, anyway.
Henry clapped Liam on the shoulder.“I’ll keep an eye on Whitney.”
I smirked at my friend.“I’m sure he will,” I said, leaning close to say the words in her ear.“Textmelater.”
She just grinned.
Then Liam was guiding me toward the exit.We didn’t speak as we walked across the parking lot toward his vehicle.His hand stayed on my lower back, steady and reassuring.I told myself he was just making sure I was okay.That it didn’t mean anything other than offering me comfort.
But the warmth of his palm through my dress, the way he stayed close, felt like more than just concern.His touch was both protective and unmistakably intimate.His attentive focus on me felt like something we were both still trying to pretend wasn’t real.
