“I don’t think I was talking to you, buddy.” Marcus narrows his eyes, staring at Kash.
“I don’t think I fucking care who you were talking to,pal.” Kash sneers.
If I had better sense, I would be trying to diffuse it, but as it is, I can only focus on how attractive an angry Kash is.Not helpful, Mila,I scold myself.
Marcus swings his gaze back on me. “Do you know this guy, Mila?”
Kash takes a few steps closer, towering over Marcus by a good six inches. “Yeah, I’d say she knows me because she lives inmyfucking apartment, so I suggest you forget that she exists.”
“Kash...” I warn. Glancing around, I see Joelle creeping closer to witness the drama. God, I wish the floor would swallow me up.
“It’s okay, Sweet Girl. I just need him to understand that there is no reality where the two of you are happening.” Kash moves behind the counter and stands next to me. He looks at Marcus in disdain while putting his arm around my side. “This girl is my wife, so do me a favor and fuck off.”
Marcus’ eyes dip to my hand, where he no doubt notices the lack of jewelry.
“We just went out and you’re married already?” Scoffing, he looks toward Kash. “What’s the matter? Couldn’t afford a ring because you were too busy paying for someone to color on your skin?”
Kash bristles beside me, and that makes me angry. “For yourinformation, Matthew, I took it off because I was working. I take care of the things I love. Perhaps you should leave now.”
“My name is Marcus.”
“Like it fucking matters.” Kash snorts beside me. Leaning into him, I lightly pinch his side in warning.
“Fine. Have fun with this thug. You were a lousy date anyway.”
Oh shit.
Kash slowly pulls out of my grasp and presses a soft kiss to the side of my head.
“Kash...” I hiss in warning.
“It’s fine, Wifey. I’m good.”
Walking around the counter, he sits his takeout bag down. “If you want to keep any of your body parts intact, I recommend you apologize, then leave and never return. You should also forget that this place and my girl exist.”
“And if I don’t?”
“Then I’ll pull your tongue out of your stupid mouth, since you can’t seem to stop running it, and bury it so far up your ass, you’ll be able to taste your insides.”
I have no idea if any of what he just said is possible, but I don’t have time to contemplate the logistics.
“I think what my friend here means to say is that you’re not welcome. Now get the fuck out of my shop,” Mara’s voice cuts out.
Swinging my gaze toward her voice, I feel heat creeping into my face. I don’t know how long she’s been standing there. I don’t know how to explain any of this.
Realizing he now has an audience, Marcus wisely chooses to leave without saying anything else.
Kash and Mara watch him stomp the entire way across the lobby and out the door. As soon as it closes, her eyes swing toward me, then Kash. Shaking my head, I silently warn her now’s not the time.
Taking a deep breath, Kash switches his gaze to me. “Sorry, Mila. I couldn’t let him talk to you like that. I’m going to leave. I’ll see you later.” Leaning down to my ear, I shiver as he whispers, “Read my note.” Then he grabs his takeout bag and waves. “Later, Mara.”
As soon as he’s out of earshot, Mara turns to me, brows arched. “Anything you want to tell me, Little Elf?”
“Yep. I guess I won’t see Marcus ever again.” Like the coward I am, I turn and run back to the kitchen. There are no words for what just happened, and I need a minute to decompress. It’s not a normal response, but I’m unbelievably turned on right now. There’s something about Kash’s protective streak that’s so sexy.
Eyeing the flowers on their shelf, I pull the note he wrote from my pocket.
Sweet Girl,
