This wasn’t a good idea for either one of us. I reacted without thinking, lunging toward the same door. As quick as my reactions had been, by the time I made it from the room, Star had already been tackled by two brutes.
“Get off me,” she snarled, using everything she had to try to break free.
“Let her alone,” I commanded.
They ignored me, but the quick glare tossed in my direction from my dared interference gave her a slight opening. She jerked free, issuing a hard punch to the jaw of one and elbowing the other with a brutal enough jab he was pitched backward.
When she tried to escape again, I made a calculated move, grabbing her arm and swinging her into my arms.
“Get off me!” she hissed as she pummeled both fists against my chest.
“Calm down,” I said, keeping the volume low but the tone commanding. While I tried to connect in a way that would both calm and send a message, she was having none of it, continuing to fight.
The commotion had brought a crowd, including the man who believed he’d won the bid.
“Don’t touch what’s mine,” he growled, immediately reaching for his belt buckle. His voice was almost unrecognizable. “For that infraction, Star, you’re going to be provided a lesson you will never forget.”
“Fuck you!”
He glared at me, daring me to interfere in any way.
“Calm the fuck down,” I told him.
“Mind your own business. There are plenty of other women.” He grinned as if he was the winner.
She continued struggling in my arms, hissing at him until he ripped the leather strap from his belt loops and dared try to take her from me.
That was it.
I’d had enough. I pushed her aside, giving her one last quick commanding look. The bidder managed to grab her arm with one hand, lifting his other, preparing to strike her with the belt.
My days as a rodeo star might have been short lived, but there were certain skills I hadn’t forgotten. Now at least they wouldn’t go to waste. I snatched the belt with one hand, jerking the man until I was able to wrap the thick leather around his neck. As I pulled him down by a few inches, enjoying his choking sounds, I could tell I’d gotten the attention of everyone in the room.
Including Lucifer.
Who began to clap as he walked toward me. “Nicely done,” he stated. “You should know better than to initiate an act of abuse within our club, Shadow. Our merchandise is precious commodity.” Shadow. What a ridiculous moniker for the abusive bidder. “That being said. Shadow appears to have the winning bid and the right to take possession of his prize.” He stared me directly in the eyes, assessing what he would do.
And how I would respond.
I smiled in response, a knowing gesture that forced him to narrow his eyes.
“There’s one problem with your thinking, Lucifer. The bidding had yet to be completed.” I twisted my hand, allowing Shadow to feel the burn. While the bouncers were ready to jump in if necessary, Lucifer waved them off.
“Interesting.” He seemed confused at first at my statement, even conferring with his auctioneer in a whispered conversation. Lucifer didn’t seem overly happy, his heavy smirk full of ire. “Very well. Finish the bid on this one, but first, release Shadow. I do value the safety and wellbeing of our members.”
It would seem he’d grown annoyed.
I refused to comply immediately, the music unable to hide Shadow’s agonizing choking sounds. When I finally relented, I tossed the belt aside. He could go crawling for it if he wanted.
“Bastard.” He acted as if he was going to try to take Star with him until I stepped in front.
All I needed to do was to cock my head for him to back off. Smart boy.
“Just leave me alone,” Star spit out.
Turning toward her, I placed my index finger across her luscious lips. For whatever reason, this time as her eyes searched mine, I could sense some understanding. As if I was trying to help her.
“Do we have any other bids on unit four-five-seven?”
