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“Come on, Juniper,” I say, jerking my chin back toward the car. “Let’s get out of here.”
“She’s coming home with me,” Joshua says and to my shock, he grabs her wrist.
I didn’t think he’d dare get physical in public and granted, he’s not hurting her, but fury lights a fire inside me at the sight of his hand on her.
I don’t bother with words, instead lunging at him. He’s so startled by the time my hand is around the front of his throat, he lets her go instantaneously. Even though she’s free, I’m still burning with rage and I push him backward, right off the sidewalk. I slam him into the side of a parked car and tighten my grip so hard, his eyes bulge.
“Doesn’t feel good to be choked, does it?” I ask menacingly as I lean into him. “Sucks having your air cut off. Hurts, doesn’t it?”
Joshua’s hands slap and push at me, but I’m driven by a need to avenge Juniper in some small way. I also know that if I really hurt him, I’m going to get in trouble… possibly land in jail and I can’t protect her there.
I release him just as suddenly, although he makes a big deal of gasping and choking when he’s free. I step back onto the sidewalk, keeping myself between Joshua and Juniper. When I glance at her, she doesn’t seem bent out of shape by my actions.
Good.
“I’m going to kill you,” Joshua snarls, pointing a shaky finger at me. “Keep your fucking slut. She’s not good for much but she gives a mighty fine blow job—”
I start after him again, intent on drawing blood and hopefully knocking some teeth out. But Juniper jumps into action, latching onto my arm with both hands and pulling with all her might. “Please don’t, Callum. I don’t want you to get in trouble.”
Joshua smirks at both of us, happy to have gotten a rise out of me.
Juniper leans to the side so she can glare at her husband, but it’s to me she talks. “And don’t listen to what he says about blow jobs. His dick is super tiny and he has an issue with premature ejaculation.”
I have to choke back a laugh as Joshua’s face flames red. “You goddamn bitch. You never had it as good as you did with me.”
Juniper is now the one taking offense, and this time she steps in front of me with her hands on her hips. “Please… you couldn’t find my clit if someone gave you the damn GPS coordinates.”
That was just as funny, but I notice something happen with Joshua that makes me realize it’s time to stop this street drama. His eyes flatten of all emotion and he stares at us blankly before something new flickers across his face.
Cold calculation.
It’s at this moment when I realize Joshua’s not just a lot of bluster. He’s not just a bully who likes to hurt those who are weaker, and he’s not just dangerous. I think he actually might lack a conscience because if looks could kill right now, Juni and I would both be dead.
Reaching out, I take her hand in mine and I don’t care how it looks. I want her at my side. “Come on. Let’s go.”
I have to tug her, and I think she might want to stay and lob more insults, but I see she’s frozen in place as she takes in the way Joshua appraises us.
Like we’re his next meal.
That’s fear on her face and my arm goes around her shoulders. “Let’s go, Juniper,” I murmur, turning her away from her husband and leading her down the street.
I glance over my shoulder and see that Joshua still stares at us as we walk toward my rental. We cross the street and I open the car door for her, then close it as soon as she’s settled. He stands there, arms slack at his sides and that creepy look leveled our way as I get behind the wheel.
If my mom weren’t in the hospital, I’d take Juniper back to Pittsburgh right this minute, but we are unfortunately stuck until she’s discharged.
I realize that Joshua knows the hotel we’re staying in, and I’ll change that as soon as we leave here. I’m also only getting one room because I’m not letting Juniper out of my sight.
“Did you see that?” she asks as I pull away from the curb. We have to drive by Joshua who just watches us like a creeper as we pass him.
I grimace as my eyes go to the rearview mirror and still, he doesn’t move. Just watches us drive out of sight. “You mean the deranged look on his face?”
“Yeah. I’ve never seen that before.”
Her voice tugs on my heart. She’s scared and sounds so alone.
But she’s not.
I reach over and take her hand, lacing my fingers with hers and resting our entwined digits on the center console. “He’s not going to hurt you. He’s not even going to get close to you because from now on, I’m by your side at all times.”
