I just walked.
Slow.
Certain.
Like the outcome had already been decided.
He noticed me at the last second and tightened his grip on her waist.
Like he thought he had a claim.
Cute.
I stopped right in front of them.
Met his eyes.
Calm.
“Appreciate you keeping her company,” I said evenly. “I’ll take it from here.”
He smirked. “Yeah? She doesn’t look like she’s yours.”
Sage’s breath hitched.
I didn’t break eye contact.
“Try me,” I said quietly.
Not loud.
Didn’t need to be.
Something in my voice must’ve landed, because his smirk faded fast.
He stepped back.
Hands up.
“Relax, man. She’s all yours.”
Damn right.
I took her hand.
Firm.
Certain.
Not asking.
She followed like she’d been waiting for me to.
Out the back door.
Into the warm night.
Cedar shingles cool at her back.
