It’s the look on my face, or I don’t know, Tyler is psychic, because his expression hardens. “Is that him? One of the guys who attacked you?”
“Don’t do anything,” I say in a panic, which sounds utterly weird. I never show alarm. “I mean it, Tyler. You’re escorting him out. He’s leaving. It’s a nonissue. Don’t make things worse.”
I’m so close to paying off the money. I just want this over with, and they’ve left me alone as long as I make my payments. If I turn this man in to the police, would it make things worse? Would he or his partner come after me again? Or my family?
It’s not worth it.
Tyler leans forward, his hand finding my waist. The pressure of his touch is possessive and warm. “He made it an issue when he put his hands on you.”
Chapter Seventeen
Tyler
That piece of shit Blue axed is one of the assholes who hurt Mira?
Motherfucker.
They issued me a wand and I have a permit to use Mace while in uniform, but I’d like to take this guy with my bare hands and fuck him up. The only thing holding me back is that if I lose my job, I can’t look out for Mira in this cesspit.
“Jesus Christ,” I mutter to the ceiling. Deep breath.
Mira peels her shoulder off the wall. She holds her head high, but her eyes are glossy and frightened. “It’s fine. He’s gone.”
Fuck, it’s not fine. She’s not fine. I’ve never seen Mira so scared. The only time I’ve seen her this way was in the woods and right now. Goddammit.
I go to reach for her, but she steps away, walking shakily down the hall. She glances back in the direction of the asshole who frightened her, before steeling her features and knocking on a door. A woman greets her and she enters the office, the door closing behind them.
I turn toward my charge, anger burning inside. I’d like to rage all over this guy, but I need to keep a cool head.
I jog to catch up to him and slap a hand on his shoulder. “Easy, buddy. Not going anywhere without your armed escort.” I’m not really armed, but I wouldn’t mind using my wand on his kneecaps.
He glares at me, then stares ahead.
“What’d you say your name was again?” This fucker needs to be put behind bars for what he did to Mira.
“Didn’t.”
Easy enough to get the information from Blue. “That girl back there?” I say. “Stay away from her.”
Asshole gives me a crooked grin. “She’s not your type. Too much spunk. Girls like that enjoy a strong hand.”
I squeeze my fists together until my knuckles crack. I thought this position would be the perfect way to make sure Mira was safe, and I was right. Look who popped up on her first day—the very guy who made it necessary for us to live together.
Even if this guy hadn’t hurt Mira, I could use an excuse to bash something in. The guilt I carry over Colorado, living with Mira—they have me wound up tight. Add in this fuck, and taking out pent-up aggression while performing my “job duties” doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Maybe this is the perfect job for me after all.
I assess the dude. He’s not as tall as I am, but he’s bigger in the shoulders. “Your hands go anywhere near her and I’ll remove them. From your body.”
Asshole chuckles. “Big threat.” He glances at me out of the corner of his eye. “That little girl you’re protecting got herself into some serious trouble. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay away from her. Nothing good comes from hanging with girls like that. But don’t worry. I’ll take good care of Mira when the time comes.”
I pull out my rubber wand and crack the back of his knees.
Asshole crumples to the ground, laughing. “Good one, buddy. You forget where you’re working? That stunt will have you walking the plank too.”
Fuck, I forgot about the security cameras. I don’t bother to look around. Doesn’t matter. Worth it. “Get up and keep walking.”
He chuckles again as he ambles to his feet. My detainee doesn’t make any more inciting remarks as I escort him to the exit, but he looks over his shoulder as he walks out the glass doors. “I’ll be sure and tell Mira you said hello the next time I see her.”
Keep it together. I let out a slow breath.
