“Oh, please.I’ve seen the way you look at me.You want me just as much as I want you.”His hand skims lower and trails down my leg.When he brings it back up, he brings the hem of my dress with it.
I try to shove him away and fix my dress, but he steps forward, wedging his knee between my legs so he can free up his hands.
“Stop it!”I scream, not caring about causing a scene anymore.I don’t care if his face is splashed across every newspaper in the morning, I just want him to stop.To step back and give me some space.To never come near me again.
“Stop acting like you don’t want this,” he growls.“I know you do.”His fingers dig into me so hard, I swear I'm going to have bruises in the morning.I whimper as the first tear trickles down my cheek.I don’t know what else to do to get him away from me.“I hope you like it r-”
He doesn’t get to finish his sentence.Instead, he’s ripped away from me and thrown on the floor.Everything after that is a blur.
Chapter 28
Covey
IwatchCiciwalktowards the bar.She’s so much different than any other woman I’ve met.She carries herself with this grace and confidence that’s so hard to find anymore.I’m obsessed with it.
I love that she’s not looking to me for reassurance or to build her up, not that I wouldn’t if she needed it, but she’s already so sure of herself.
Turning back to my conversation with Smithy, I try to pay attention, but there’s an unease in the pit of my stomach.I glance towards the bar again, trying to find Cici.I don’t see her anywhere.
“I need to find Cici,” I murmur as I stand.
“Is everything ok?”Smithy’s brows pinch with concern.
“I… I don’t know.”I scan the bar again and at first I don’t see her, but then I spot a flash of blonde hair.There’s a guy standing right next to the woman though.A little too close for comfort.
It takes more time than I’d like to make my way over.There are so many people here and it’s not like I'm a tiny man.I’m having such a hard time getting through them.
“Stop it!”I can barely hear the scream over the noise in the bar, but I know that voice and she sounds terrified.
“Move,” I boom, pushing people out of my way.
Everyone glares at me until they realize who I am, then they back away slowly, their wide eyes watching my every step.
I don’t know who this man is, but he’s pressed up against Cici and his hands are gripping her hips tightly.I catch a peek of her face and there are tears streaming down her cheeks.
I grab his shoulders and throw him on the ground as hard as I can.Meeting Cici’s eyes, I silently ask her if she’s ok and she shakes her head as she wraps trembling hands around her middle.
Without a second thought, I straddle the man’s waist and punch him in the face.It’s then I realize who he is.This is Josh.The man who was all over her when I brought her lunch.She’s been complaining about him for months.I guess he figured if he couldn’t get to her at work, this was the next best thing.
“Everyone out!I already called the police!”A voice booms.I glance around to find Blake standing on the bar with a scowl on his face and thick arms folded across his chest.
Josh tries to wiggle out from under me, but I punch him again.He’s not going anywhere.I won't let him get away with touching my girl.
“Alright, Covey.Don’t kill the guy.”Blake places a gentle hand on my shoulder and glares down at Josh
“He touched Cici,” I growl.
“I know.How about you go comfort the pretty girl and I’ll make sure he doesn’t move.”
I nod my head and as I stand, Blake places a heavy boot in the middle of Josh’s chest.Josh winces as Blake pushes down a little harder.
Instead of worrying about him, I gather Cici into my arms and hug her against my chest.My hand cradles the back of her head and I hold her as tightly as I can.
“I’ve got you, baby.He can’t hurt you anymore,” I murmur.
The way her body is shaking in my embrace breaks my heart.She’s crying so hard she can barely breathe.
“Why don’t you take her back to the office?She doesn’t need to be out here with this scum,” Blake hisses.
