“No need. I’m invested now, especially after someone hurt her. Did you not see her cheeks the other day?” Davis was being smart, using the abuse Chris had caused me against him.
“Of course I saw that. She’smyfiance. I know everything about her.”
“Perfect, then you know that she will not trust some stranger to teach her. I’ll continue to teach her as promised.”
I had to fight the smirk that threatened to pull at the corner of my lips. Davis was being as clever as a fox as he spoke. I didn’t know that he could handle a situation this way, with clever logic and not just fists. Chris’ anger showed clearly by the tick in his jaw as he looked at Davis.
"Fine, but I'll come too."
"I don't know you enough to invite you into my home. Are you really so insecure that you can't let Lisa come train on her own?"
Chris was too proud of a man to want to appear jealous. He clenched his teeth as he looked between Davis and me, searching for any indication something was amiss. His eyes met Davis' with a fury. I was starting to believe that Chris thought he was stronger than he actually was. That or he was plain stupid. He was staring at a man that could beat his ass ten ways to Sunday without any fear. Surely he could tell he'd lose a fight with Davis.
"I'm not insecure. I just don't know you. You could be after Lisa."
"Trust me, if I wanted Lisa, you'd be on the ground and she'd be over my shoulder, dragged back to my house."
The imagery he painted had oddly turned me on. I wanted to see Davis beat Chris. I wanted to be draped over his shoulder and taken into his house like a sack of potatoes. That sounded hot as fuck.
"Jesus Christ. Fine, she'll keep training with you. Lisa, let's go. Follow me to our house," Chris commanded.Our house.
The words made my stomach drop. I didn't want to go. I know this isn't over. My mind was racing with a million different ideas of what Chris would do to me once he got me to his place. Determined not to show my fear, I placed a stoic mask over my face, seeming indifferent to it all, even though I was far from it.
"I'll see you early in the morning for our run, Lisa," Davis said loudly. I think he wanted Chris to know that someone would be looking for me early in the morning. Perhaps he hoped it would keep Chris from hurting me too badly. "Remember what I've taught you so far if anyone tries to give you trouble?"
I nodded my head at him, trying not to show him how scared I was. He leaned down, opening my car door for me.
"Tell me now if you don't want to go with him. I'll keep you here. I'll keep you safe, Lisa. Say the word and I'll beat his ass,” he whispered to me so Chris wouldn't hear.
"Thank you, Davis. I think I can handle myself better now. No one is laying a hand on me." I looked at Chris as I spoke the words, letting him know I won't let him hit me again.
"Good." Davis nodded his head, closing the door after I climbed in.
I watched him through the car window as he stepped back. His eyes never left me as I followed Chris' Ferrari back to his home. I watched Davis through my rearview mirror until I could no longer see him.
My heart sank, missing him a million times over already. I barely knew anything about Davis, aside from the fact he fights, has a daughter, and makes me feel safe and cared for. He wasn't like any guy I had ever been with.
I was nervous as I pulled into Chris' driveway. Today's training was fresh on my mind, reminding me I had what I needed to defend myself if I have to. I parked beside his precious cars, finding myself being dragged out of my own by Chris' hand. He gripped my arm so tightly that I was sure it would bruise if he didn't let go soon. I pulled my arm out of his grip, causing his brows to pinch together in fury.
“What the hell was your problem?!” I yelled at him, staring back at him as if I wasn't intimidated at the moment.
“You are!” he seethed through his teeth. "Why would you go to some guy's house like that? You're meant to be my wife. You shouldn't be around any other guy, especially not alone."
"For fuck's sake, we were training. This is a forced marriage, Chris. It's not like we're madly in love," I reminded him, rolling my eyes.
His large hand instantly held and squished my face tightly. He squeezed so hard my cheeks were digging into my teeth. His face was so close to mine that I could smell the alcohol he must have been drinking earlier.
"You're going to be my wife, Lisa. You better start getting used to the idea of being solely mine. No more guy friends, mentors, or trainers. The only guys in your life will be me, your dad, and your brother. All other men will no longer exist to you." He let go of my face with a push, causing me to take a small step back. I rubbed my sore cheeks, wishing I could hurt him back.
"Are you insane? How am I supposed to avoid every man on the planet?"
"Stop calling me insane. Get in the house Lisa. It's time to learn your place."
"No!" I yelled furiously, crossing my arms angrily. "I'm not stepping into that house. Not with you like this."
"Lisa, you can either walk inside on your own or I can drag you. Either way, you're coming in." His eyes were dark, showing me his stony heart.
"You don't control me, Chris. I'm going home."
