Scoffing, Terry rolled his eyes. "Right.Boyfriendwas what you said. That's generous! You've known this guy for like three days." He glared at Maverick. "And you. Who the hell do you think you are, stealing Leo from me on my engagement trip?"
I saw red. I was livid.
"I donotbelong to you," I said. "And our engagement is over. We're done, Terry." I linked my arm with Maverick's to prove my point. "I've found my fated mate. So buy a ticket home and save yourself further embarrassment."
Maverick hadn't said anything yet, but he shot me a victorious smirk as he placed his hand over mine.
But our physical display of affection only pissed Terry off. His face twisted into an ugly snarl.
"Come on, Leo, get over it already! I was kidding when I broke up with you. You should know my sense of humor by now. You didn't have to go overboard by getting all your crap picked up from my condo."
His desperate words weren't winning anyone over. I shook my head. "Don't waste your breath. I don't want anything to do with you ever again."
Maverick let out a rumbling sound like a quiet chuckle. I guessed he liked it when I stood up for myself. Hell, I liked it too. Before meeting Maverick, I'd never had this much confidence in myself.
"I believe this conversation is over," Maverick said calmly. "Please escort yourself from my property, Terry."
But Terry wasn't so easily swayed. The fact that Maverick didn't childishly reply to his taunts infuriated him.
Terry reeled back his shoulder and took a swing at Maverick.
10
Maverick
Humans are so predictable.When they cannot have their way, they resort to violence.
I saw the flimsy punch coming from a mile away. I dodged it. Without a target, Terry swayed on his feet and stumbled. I moved Leo gingerly out of the way as Terry fell on the ground.
"You bastard," Terry said as he got back up. His face was so purple with anger that he resembled an eggplant.
By now the whole restaurant was gawking at the situation. What a pity. I didn't like the fact that this interloper had ruined their pleasant morning.
But even more than that, he was upsetting my dear Leo. And that was one thing I would not abide.
"It's time for you to leave," I said to Terry firmly. "Now."
"Fuck you," Terry spat. "Leo, last chance. Let's go. I'll even buy your return ticket."
A cold laugh burst out of me. "Nope. Not gonna happen. See ya."
"You dumb—"
Before Terry could finish his rude statement, Maverick picked him up by the shirt collar so that he dangled a few inches off the ground. His speed was like lightning. I'd never seen anyone move so fast.
"I will not allow you to insult my mate," Maverick muttered in an authoritative tone. He put Terry down like he was dropping a sack of trash. "You are banned from my resort and my island. Security, take this man to the airport, please."
A slew of men and women in suits appeared out of nowhere, streaming towards Terry and escorting him away from us. They were quick and efficient, and despite his last attempt at cursing us out, soon Terry was out of sight forever.
Maverick faced me seriously. "Are you all right, Leo?"
"I'm totally okay."
He dusted himself off. "I'm sorry you had to see that. I couldn't help myself when he started mouthing off about you. I nearly shifted and ripped his head off."
I grinned at the mental image. "Well, there's a lot of witnesses around so I'm glad you didn't. I don't want to lose my fated mate to jail when I just found him."
Maverick chuckled. "Don't you worry, Leo. I'm not going anywhere."
