I struggle to leave his grasp. “All that? Right, the inconvenience I caused. Well, joke is on all of you because I have the best child humanly possible.” Wiggling, I grunt mydiscomfort.
“Lainey, don’t be so offensive. It all worked out.”
“Then let me go.”
Before Jones can answer, he is pushed to the side, freeing my arm. It happens so quick, but he ends up pressed against my car with an arm locking him in by his chest.
I blink a few times to understand the situation, but I see clear as day that it’s Tyler.
“Don’t fucking touch her,” Tyler grits out.
“Relax. I was just trying to talk to her. We go way back.”
Tyler only holds him down tighter. “And I don’t fucking care. Don’t threaten her or touch her, and even better, don’t go near her.”
Jones does his best to fight back, but it’s useless. It’s Tyler. His entire career is throwing people against the boards. “Dude, relax.”
I attempt to touch Tyler’s arm, because we don’t need to waste time. But Tyler is too engrossed in his current state.
“I won’t relax. When a woman says let her go, then let her fucking go. I have no problem killing a man for that. So don’t get near her or I swear…”
“Tyler, stop.”
His icy eyes slide to me, and he takes a breath before focusing on Jones and letting him go.
“Geez, man. What the hell is up with you?” Jones’s gaze travels between Tyler and me while he rubs his shoulder. “Ah, I see. Well, Lainey and the kid are your problem now.”
Tyler clenches his fists hanging at his sides, but luckily, Jones walks away like an animal who lost a fight.
I rub my face, taking in the last few minutes. The feeling of a soft hand on my arm brings my attention to the man in front of me who has concern written all over his face.
“Are you okay? Did he hurt you?” Tyler seems to survey my body.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” But there is a mixed bag of emotions happening inside of me. I actually just want to cry.
“Who was that guy?”
“Long story. Why are you here?”
He rubs his palms along the length of my arms. “It’s a maintenance day, so no practice, and it pains me to say it, but the market has knitted scarfs and jam that my aunt likes.”
I try to stretch the line on my mouth because of his admittance, but I can’t. I feel sick, and it’s causing me to grow quiet.
“It’s a good thing I was here. Who is that guy?” He is insistent on asking.
Ignoring his gaze, I try not to answer. I can’t even comprehend because a hot tear pools in my eye. “I-I’m just going to go home.” I begin to fumble with my key.
Tyler blocks me when I pivot on my feet. “Not like this you’re not.”
“I’m fine. Really. Let me just go home.”
He sighs reluctantly. “It’s a short drive. I’ll follow you in my car.”
“You don’t…” I peer up to his face that is filled with worry. “Okay.”
I guess he’ll be waiting for me there.
CHAPTER 7
