I fold my arms across my chest and glare at the man, barely holding onto my anger. “I know no such thing. Now get out of my bar, or I’ll call for the bouncer and havehimshow you the door.”
“And I’ll call the police.”
This asshole’s posturing is getting old. “Gabby—” I emphasize her preferred name. “—is an adult, asshole. You can’t make her do anything she doesn’t want to do. Which brings me to another point.” Stepping into Preston’s personal space, I walk forward until I back the man against the bar, bracing my arm at his throat. Not to hurt but to make my point about the way he attacked Gabby. “If you ever put your hand on her or any other woman again and I find out about it, I’ll put your pretty face through the nearest wall.”
Preston’s complexion grows pale. “You can’t prove a damn thing.”
“I don’t need to. I’ve seen you in action, and I’d trust the word of any woman over a piece of shit like you.” I drop my arm and step back. “I take it we have an understanding.”
Preston shrugs and fixes his collared dress shirt. “Her parents will never allow her to walk away.”
I snort. “You clearly don’t know her very well. Now get the hell out of my bar beforeIcall the cops.”
Preston’s cheeks turn red, and he spins on his dress shoes and walks away.
“What a dick,” Cal says, coming up behind me.
I nod. “I’m leaving.” I want to make sure Barrett doesn’t figure out where Gabby is staying and make a stop on the way home.
I might have spent the last week avoiding the combination of minx, flirt, and innocent that is Gabby, but things have changed. Preston’s appearance, trying to stake his claim, has me reevaluating what I want from my houseguest.
CHAPTER FOUR
Gabby
Iyawn. Istayed up watching a movie on television in the family room. The couch is comfortable, and once the walls are painted the warm cream, based on the samples already on the walls, combined with the wood trim, the room will have a homier feel.
I rise to my feet and walk into the kitchen where I pour a glass of water and finish the drink just as I hear the front door open and close again. My stomach flips at the sound.
Knowing Maddox is home, I can’t deny the anticipation that courses through my veins. The week here has flown by. Staying at his house has worked out. He accepts my presence and though he keeps his distance, I feel him watching me when he thinks I’m not looking. I understand, because I’m always aware of him, sensing his presence before I know for sure that he’s nearby.
More than once, I caught his heavy-lidded gaze and hoped he was suffering with the same suppressed desire I am, knowing he was in his bedroom, a short walk across the house. Eventually, I gave in. I slipped my fingers into my shorts and stroked my wet sex. I pretended it washisfingers arousing me and sliding inside me. That it washistongue on my clit as I came. And afterwards, as I caught my breath, my body pulsing but still somehow empty, I wondered if he was in his bedroom, masturbating while thinking of me.
“Gabby?”
His voice startles me despite hearing him come in. I place my glass in the sink before heading out of the kitchen and meeting up with him as he locks the front door.
“Hi,” I say.
He turns, his gaze darkening as he takes in my bedtime outfit, a camisole and matching shorts. They’re my favorite pair, decorated with pastel-colored stars on a white background. I thought I’d be in my room when he returned. Hadn’t planned for him to see me in the barely-there pajama set, but I can’t deny I like knowing my skimpy outfit affects him.
“Hey,” he says in a gruff voice that causes goosebumps to pop out on my skin.
I clear my throat. “How was work?”
“Interesting. Had a customer asking Cal questions about you.”
My eyes open wide, and my heart begins racing. “Who?” I can’t imagine either of my parents showing up at The Back Door which leaves just one person, and the thought makes me nauseous.
“Preston Barrett, III. He came in making threats, posturing and claiming you were his girlfriend and then fiancée.” Maddox’s voice sounds low, pissed, and if I’m not mistaken, possessive.
“What did you do?” Worry tinges my voice, and my throat grows dry, making me wish for the water I left in the kitchen.
His expression softens as he meets my gaze. “I made sure he knew what would happen if he didn’t learn thatno means no. I also reminded him you weren’t his girlfriend or his fiancée and he’d better leave you alone.”
“Thank you.” I breathe out the words, grateful for Maddox and his protection. “Does Preston know I’m staying here?”
He shakes his head. “But he knows you hang out at the bar.”
