“Yeah?” His brows life. “Well, Lainey is, and she’s had it tough. She doesn’t need…”
“Doesn’t need what exactly?” I grind out.
“Someone who’s going to take advantage of her.”
Rage rises up inside me so quickly I have to clench my hands into fists to keep from throttling my asshole teammate.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” I hiss.
He just holds my gaze.
“Fuck you,” I mutter, glancing away, looking back at Lainey.
Christ, I know I’m no good for her. It’s why I’m propping up this wall still instead of following her over and charming my way into her bed. It’s why I haven’t done more than talk with her when I want to touch and kiss and stroke every inch of her luscious body.
“I only speak the truth.”
“You’re still an asshole.”
“That’s true enough.” Gray pushes off the wall and starts toward his woman, telling me over his shoulder, “And you’re only pissed because I’m right.”
I don’t reply, and I don’t follow him.
Because, asshole or not, he’s right.
Instead, I let myself have one more glimpse of her.
Then I leave.
Or I try to, anyway.
Oh, I get into my car, and I turn on the ignition, but I can’t make myself drive away. Not as the parking lot empties out. Not as Faye and Gray and the others leave. Not as Lainey comes out, a bag in one hand, a smile on her face, and?—
“Fuck, no,” I growl, popping open the door and getting out.
The cool spring air clings to my face, but I barely feel it.
Because another asshole has his hands on Lainey.
“No!” she cries, swinging out with her bag.
The guy grunts right as I reach them and I grab his shoulder, shove him back. His eyes are crazed, something terrifying rippling across his face and he launches himself at me.
And suddenly, I’m fending off fists and a big body and trying not to hurt him.
Then I wonder why I’m bothering.
I cock back my arm and punch the fucker in the face.
He drops like a bag of rocks.
“Lainey—” I begin, immediately turning toward her. Only she’s not there. “What?—?”
But, I realize a heartbeat later, she’s coming back with help, her phone glued to her ear.
“Are you okay?” she asks breathlessly.
I drop my foot onto the asshole’s back, shove him back down when he tries to get up. “I’m fine. You?”
