For all Damien’s bravado, he was only brave around women he could beat into submission. I could smell his fear and while I should hate myself for it, I was glad. Pleased as punch. Especially when hearing Damien struggling to breathe. I had no idea how Sasha was doing it, but he wasn’t breaking a sweat while holding Damien above the floor.
“I would ordinarily handle an issue of this nature in ways taught to me by my father and uncle. However, in deference to the lady and her kindness, I’m going to call the police instead. This fuck won’t ever bother you again.” Sasha was still smiling, enjoying every moment.
So was I.
Did that make me a bad person? If so, I just didn’t care at that moment.
The concern reflected in Sasha’s actions created flip-flops in my stomach. He cared about me. A stranger. A man I’d barely talked to, although my fantasies about him predicated knowledge of his strength and prowess.
Seeing the fear in Damien’s eyes shouldn’t thrill me. That meant I was a very bad girl. Oh, well.
I thought about the press and everything I’d be forced to go through if he followed through with doing so. Including being forced to relive the worst experience of my life. I couldn’t do it. Not only because of the anguish I’d go through, but also what it would do to my mother and father. “No, Sasha. Calling the police won’t be necessary. Just let him go. He’s not worth exerting the energy or wasting the time. It’s over, Damien. Just like I said. No more lying. No more accolades in front of the press.”
Sasha turned his head, narrowing his gorgeous eyes. They were the color of the deepest portion of the Arctic Ocean, so blue they were hypnotizing. With his strong features and thick almost pitch-black hair, I could do nothing but enjoy looking at him.
Doing so was certainly calming.
“He needs to pay for what he did,” Sasha said, a switch flipping from the determination in his voice to the softness that created a wave of tingles dancing down every inch of skin.
“Don’t worry. Karma has a way of handling men like him.” I could tell he had a half dozen questions, but pulled back, nodding once.
But he wasn’t ready to let Damien off the hook, still debating whether to honor my wishes.
“My promise to you remains, Damien. I will hurt you in the most unfathomable ways if you lay another finger on her. In addition, I’ll have no qualms destroying your career. Trust me, I have the clout.” He dropped Damien like a rock, still glaring at him as if daring the man to try anything. I was surprised how giddy I was for simply having someone come to my defense.
Damien stumbled away, rubbing his neck with one hand. He quickly glanced in my direction as if to say this wasn’t over, but he was terrified of Sasha. My former fake boyfriend even hadthe nerve to shove aside poor Bernie with his shoulder before storming off like the child-man I knew him to be.
“Get your shit and leave the premises before I change my mind.” Sasha’s deep growl finally pushed Damien into reacting.
Bernie mouthed a thank you to Sasha before shoving Damien into the corridor and closing the door, giving us some privacy.
Slumping against the wall, I finally gave in, allowing my body to react with violent shivers.
Sasha exhaled, raking one hand through his long hair. Maybe it was ridiculous to think this way, but I realized I’d rarely seen the handsome Russian with his hair down. He usually wore it in a low ponytail to keep it out of his face.
Right now, he looked more like a movie star orGQmodel than Damien could ever imagine being. “Are you alright?”
“I will be.”
“Men like him deserve…” He didn’t finish his sentence, but he didn’t need to. I’d sensed his anger.
“Thank you for protecting me,” I said, hoping to break the tension. The tough girl I’d hoped to return had almost acted like the child-woman I’d been made out to be, telling him to mind his own business. But something deep inside told me he was someone I could trust. How very strange.
“You’re welcome. No man should ever treat a woman with disrespect. Are you certain you’re alright? Would you like to go see a doctor?” He gazed down to my feet as thousands of men had done before, yet not to undress me with his eyes. To ensure that the bastard hadn’t hurt me.
“Not necessary. I’m just a little winded.” When I rubbed my neck, he took two long strides toward me, gently but forcefully lowering my hand. He shook his head, growling in such a way that allowed a series of goosebumps to float across my skin.
“Fuck. That bastard. You’re going to bruise.”
“I assure you I’ve had worse.” As soon as I said the words, I regretted them. I was certain Sasha was going to go after Damien and carry through with his promise. He crowded my space, tenderly rubbing the tips of his fingers from one side of my neck to the other.
“He’s hurt you before.” Even though I’d just been accosted by a man and should want nothing to do with another, his closeness was comforting, even a little exciting.
I knew in my heart and soul that he’d never harm me.
“It’s okay. He doesn’t like being told no.”
“Neither do I, but I won’t abuse a woman just because she tells me no.” I could feel his rage lingering just below the surface.
