Paige doesn’t notice me.She’s frozen in place, having spotted Hummel.
It’s subtle but I catch it right away.Hummel barrels toward her, no sign of the mousy man we’ve both seen to this point, and I hustle to get between them before he can do any damage.
With me blocking his way to Paige, the asshole is smart enough to stop advancing on her.Confused, he takes a few beats to place my face.Joel Hummel knows who I am.
I’ve deliberately attended most of the meetings between our lawyers and he’s been there too.Recognition dawns when his brow furrows and eyes widen.
Paige releases my name on a quiet exhale and I spare her a single glance, barely a second because I can’t be derailed by the sight of her.The days away from her have unleashed a longing I never knew was possible and the glance is enough to stoke the raging fire within me.
She gifts me a small, shaky smile as her arms fold around her middle in an uncharacteristically nervous way and I reassure her with a confident smile of my own.
“You’re in violation of the peace bond.”I glare at him while the taller of the two security guys starts dialing what I hope is the police.
“That fucking bitch is ruining my life.”His oily face reddens with each word and he inches closer.
“You stay the fuck away from her.All communication is to be done through the lawyers.”I’m loud for the benefit of those listening and I’m too generous in trying to use logic with this guy.
But I am fully aware of the building security starting to take note and the people staring.We have witnesses and Hummel won’t get to play the victim because someone reads the situation incorrectly.Although as of now, he’s shed himself of the stammering mealy-mouthed persona he’s clung to from the first day he met Paige.
His beady eyes narrow and his jaw tenses.“I’ve done nothing wrong, but I can’t rent my properties.I’ve had two tenants end their leases.”
I don’t bother to hide my growing smile.I’ve been busy making sure all his current and prospective tenants are fully aware of his charges and history and I’ve been smart to make sure none of it can be linked to Paige or me.
“She has nothing to do with any of that.”I step in closer to him and lower my voice.“Stay the fuck away from her or I promise you, I’ll make prison sound like a vacation.”
Jail time is a real threat with the charges brought against him although the duration will likely be an insult.I don’t even want to think about the possibility of him walking away with community service, a slap on the wrist, or worse, nothing.
As if he’s deaf or has a death wish, he bares his teeth and snarls, peering around me to get a good look at Paige.
“I might as well do something to the cunt for all the shit coming my way.”Spittle flies from his mouth and he jabs his finger in her direction.
She shudders behind me, releasing a strangled whimper, and I’m done with him.Taking another step toward him until we’re less than two feet apart, I scowl and sharpen my tongue.
“Let me make this really simple for you.I’m already your enemy and you have no clue what ruining your life looks like.You don’t want me any more pissed off than I already am.If you so much as think about her, I’ll make it my life’s mission to end you.”
Two police officers approach and I clear back as one takes Joel by the arm.He flinches and briefly resists.At first, I stay close, offering information and answering their questions.Then I motion for Mike to speak with the cops so I can go to Paige.She’s in a corner beside Larry and as if sensing my intentions, the man nods at me and then makes himself scarce.
Mybeautiful, wide-eyed girl.
I’m usually calm and in control, yet the days without seeing her have set me on edge, and Joel Hummel only added fuel to the fire.I’m no longer satisfied with laying eyes on her.I need to touch her—it’s the only thing to bring me any peace.
In three strides, I capture her face in my palms and kiss her.She pushes onto her toes, clinging to my biceps, and I vaguely make out the chatter of people around us as I plunder her mouth.
My tongue is hot and demanding and she melts into me.I adore her, worship her, and consume her with my mouth, more than relieved to know she’s safe and I got to her before any harm could be done.
“Thank you,” she says breathlessly, leaning into my body, flush and drunk on my kiss.
24
Zach
“Hello.”I dip my mouth to hers again.
This time, I restrain myself from going any further than a taste.We aren’t alone and if I pass the point of no return, I won’t be held responsible for taking her right now, in the lobby.
Her hairis tied back in a complicated braid like a fish tail and she’s dressed in a one-piece, wide-legged pantsuit.Tomato red and sleeveless, it is striking with her dark chocolate hair, eyes, and warm skin tone.
She runs her hands down my arms before stepping back with a frown.It deepens further and her fingers skim her pursed lips.My hand encircles her wrist and we stand staring at each other, something taut and heavy between us.
