Hamish swung a fist, but the guy dodged it and caught his arm. The second guy grasped his other arm, and the two of them pushed him so he was bent over the hood of the car.
Callie gasped. “Let him go.” She gripped the first guy’s arm, but he was too strong.
Hamish tried to buck them off, but it was two against one. The first guy shoved Hamish’s head to the hood of the car, hard. “Hey, do you like that, freak?”
“Stop it!” She tried to grab him again, but it didn’t seem to matter how loud she shouted or how hard she tugged; he wouldn’t listen.
“You’re pathetic,” he yelled at Hamish. “You know that? Doing yoga and Pilates like a little bitch to get this whore’s attention.”
“Get off him,” Callie cried. “Now!”
Asshole Number One lowered his head. “You’re a sad excuse for a man.” He shoved Hamish’s head against the car a second time, and Hamish growled in pain.
“Stop!” she shouted louder, yanking at his arm again.
He swung his arm, sending Callie flying. She screamed as she hit the road, and a car came around the corner. Its wheels squealed, and it screeched to a halt inches from hitting her.
Her heart beat hard as two doors opened.
Callie’s jaw dropped when she saw the two men climbing out. One blond shaggy-haired guy, the other with dark hair and tattoos down his right arm. Both men were large, with thick arms and chests…and familiar.
Antwan and Jesse, members of Lock’s former Ghost Ops team.
Antwan raced forward and grabbed the asshole by the back of his shirt before slamming him hard against the driver’s-side door. “What the fuck is wrong with you, throwing her to the ground?”
The guy tried to get out of Antwan’s hold. “I didn’t—”
“Youdid,” he growled, not releasing him.
The second bully released Hamish and stepped back.
Jesse held out a hand, helping her up. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. These guys are just being jerks.”
“We can see that,” Antwan said through gritted teeth. “I should throwyouin front of a moving vehicle and see how you like it.”
The guy’s jaw clicked.
“What’s your name?” Antwan asked. When he didn’t answer, Antwan got louder. “What’s your name?”
“His name is Lucian,” the second guy said, almost looking scared that he was next.
“Fucking fitting. I’ve never met a Lucian I liked.Go. But if I see you messing with her again, you won’t get away unscathed.” Antwan let the man go and he straightened, a scowl on his face, before he slid into the car.
They stepped back as the two guys drove off.
She looked at Hamish, seeing the red bruise already forming on his temple. “Are you—”
“I’m fine,” he said, cutting her off. “Thanks for the help.” He didn’t look at any of them before heading down the street.
Her heart hurt for him as she watched him walk away. He was embarrassed. He shouldn’t be, but he was. God, she hated those bullies. And why on earth had Hamish approached them? To prove he could? He didn’t need to prove anything.
Jesse touched her arm. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m all right.” Her frown turned into a slow smile. “And you’re here.” She tugged Jesse into a hug. “How are you?”
His long arms wrapped around her. “I’m good.”
