“—fact, I’m s-seeing s-somebody else.”
My brows pull together at the slight hitch in her voice as she says the words.
I remember that sound from high school.
For a woman who claims she’s changed, she sure as hell doesn’t sound like it.
I hold my breath as I listen carefully. The silence that fills the space feels deafening even in the loud bar. The guy’s back stiffens, his fingers curling into a fist as he lifts his hand.
The sudden motion has me seeing red. My muscles tighten, ears buzzing as my blood rushes through my veins. Cursing under my breath, I move before I can think my actions through.
Stepping forward, my shadow falls over them. “Is there a problem here?”
Both of them turn to me. Jessica’s eyes are wide, a mix of surprise and panic evident on her face. Her boyfriend, on the other hand? He looks pissed.
The dude gives me a once-over his eyes narrowing into tiny slits. “How about you mind your own goddamn business.”
I quirk my brow. “You pushed the lady against the wall, so it’s absolutely my goddamn business.”
He spins on his heel, his finger pointed at me. “Listen, asshole, I’m…”
“You’re what?” I stand taller, using those few inches I have on him to my full advantage. “Bullying a woman? The lady told you she’s not interested, loud and clear.” I shift my gaze to Jessica and extend my hand. “C’mon, Trouble, let’s get out of here.”
This time, she doesn’t protest the nickname. No, she slips from around her boyfriend, her hand sliding into mine. A zap of electricity snaps between us as our palms connect. Her lips part at the touch, eyes flaring, as a wave of heat slams into me.
“This is how it is, huh?” the asshole grinds out, contempt dripping from his every word. His gaze zeroes in on our linked hands before he lifts his gaze. It lands on me before it shifts to Jessica, fury shining in his eyes as he spits out, “First that asshole at the bar, and now this guy? How many people are you‘seeing’?” He snorts, but there is no amusement in the sound. “More like spreading your legs for.”
I take in a sharp breath, my nostrils flaring as I growl, “You’ll apologize,now.”
The smug bastard smirks at me as he takes a step closer. “Or what? What are you going to do, pretty boy?”
“I wouldn’t test me if I were you,” I mutter quietly, glaring down at him.
“Don’t.” Jessica’s fingers dig into my skin, pulling me back. “I don’t have to justify myself to you anymore, Damien.”
The asshole turns to her, and I swear I can see the fumes coming out of his ears as he leans into her. “You have to justify yourself if you’ve been whoring around behind my back. I’m no one’s fool!”
He starts to reach for her hand, but I pull her behind me. “This is your last warning. Step back.”
“Or what?” he hisses into my face, his chest bumping against mine.
I push him back and pull out my badge. “Or I’m going to throw you behind bars and force you to chill the fuck out.”
My muscles grow stiff as I ready myself for him to swing at me. I know guys like him. I’ve dealt with far bigger and far worse than this prick. However, me being in a bar fight is the last thing I need getting back to the sheriff.
He grits his teeth, his whole body shaking with anger. He lifts his hand, pointing his finger at her. “This isn’t done.”
He marches away, checking me with his shoulder as he passes.
Fucking asshole.
My fingers clench into a fist, but I hold back my rage.
From the corner of my eye, I catch sight of Jessica closing her eyes for a second as she lets out a shaky breath. When she opens them again, a mask of indifference is firmly in place.
“I’m so sorry about that.”
She’s… sorry?
