Page 46 of No Fear

“Thank you,” she said softly.

Donnie glanced at Simon. “You lay one finger on her....”

He let the words hang in the air as he walked out and took a seat at the bar.

“Everything alright?” Daniel asked, placing a Corona in front of him.

“Yeah. Thanks for the heads up.”

Daniel nodded. “Anytime.”

Donnie didn’t take his eyes off the conference room door. Every fiber of him wanted to go back in there, but Simon would be an idiot to touch her now, knowing he was out here waiting. He understood Charlie not wanting to talk to Simon in front of him. He just hoped the slimy bastard wasn’t weaving his way back in. How could he talk to her like that, grab her like that, when he loved her? Taking a long swig of beer, he tried and failed to relax.

Finally, Simon walked out, face like thunder. He glanced angrily in Donnie’s direction but turned toward the main entrance. Oh, no, he wasn’t getting away that easily. In a few long strides, Donnie was in front of him.

“Get out of my fucking way, asshole,” Simon spat.

“Does she know you’re using?” Donnie said calmly.

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

“You’re high. I guess nothing’s changed with you, huh?”

Simon wiped his brow with his hand. “What I do is none of your goddamn business. However, you getting cozy with my fiancé is my business.”

“Charlie and I have known each other since we were kids. You know that. What I don't understand is why a beautiful woman like that is settling for someone like you.”

“What’s the matter. Jealous?” Simon sneered.

Donnie was, but he wasn't going to let Simon see that. “You didn't answer my question. Does she know you’re using?”

“I don't need to answer to you. Get out of my way or I’ll fucking—”

“You'll what?” Donnie growled and stepped closer. He was a good few inches taller than the little shit.

Simon’s face was red, the sweating increasing. He sidestepped around Donnie and headed for the exit. Donnie let him go, turning back to the bar, eager to find Charlie and make sure she was OK. He was headed for the conference room when she appeared in the doorway. Her eyes searched the bar until she saw him. He went to her. She didn’t move as he approached and the sadness on her face tugged at his heart.

“What can I do?”

He wanted to hug her. Squeeze her to him and reassure her everything would be OK. But he didn’t want to overstep and break the connection they’d made today.

“I’m sorry you saw that,” she said quietly.

“You have nothing to apologize for. Tell me what you want to do? Do you want to be alone?”

“I... I don’t..” Tears streamed down her face and Donnie stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. Fuck overstepping.

“Ssh. It’s OK. I’ll walk you back to your room.”

Tucking her into his side, he walked them to the elevator. She kept her head down against him and he stayed quiet as they rode to the twentieth floor and walked to her room. Only then did she pull away to open her purse to get her keycard. When the door opened, she stepped inside and turned to face him.

“Thank you for what you did tonight. And for being...well...so kind.”

It killed him to see her this sad. “Can I get you anything?”

“No. Thank you. I just need to be alone.”

“Of course.” He hesitated then said, “Give me your phone.”