Her brows pulled into a frown over her tumultuous hazel eyes, and she touched the side of her thumb to her mouth as though she was having similar questions roll through her mind.
The whoops and teasing softened into a low din over the group that had gathered in line for both Linc and Russ.
“Fuck.” Russ’s voice sounded miles away, and Linc refused to break eye contact with the smoldering woman standing in front of him until he absolutely had to. “I think I just came. That was hot as fuck. I feel like I need to pay you both for what I just witnessed.”
Every guy hasthatfantasy where a stunning woman grabs their shirt and stops them with a kiss. That kiss was better than all his fantasies combined. Would kissing Lizzy feel like that? Guilt stewed in his stomach.
Johnny’s cruel, hard voice broke the spell. “Well, well. Looks like our chica gordita found a way to get her rocks off with a Pirate after all. Hope she enjoyed it since the only way any of us would touch her with a fucking barge pole was if she paid us.”
Raw agony flickered in her eyes for a beat. Her jaw twitched, she blinked, and when she reopened her eyes there was nothing but cool indifference. She tilted her head, as though waiting for Linc to defend her honor, but before he could move, or think, or breathe, she turned on her heel.
“Pendejo.”
Fucker.
Did she mean Johnny? Or was she talking about Linc? If he reacted, it would put Cleo on Johnny’s radar even more. He’d know she was a soft spot to press when he wanted to get at Linc. But could he live with himself if he let the asshole get away with calling her fat once again?
He didn’t have time to mull it over before Russell had Johnny pinned against the wall. “Once was bad enough, but twice? What the fuck is your deal?”
Linc hadn’t seen Russ so mad in a long time.
“Do you want to bone her? Is that your deal? She said no, and now you’re fucking butt hurt?” He pressed his arm against Johnny’s throat. “’Cause let me tell you man. God help the man who ever calls my fucking daughter fat. I’ll tear him limb from limb with a smile on my face.” He leaned his weight against his arm.
“Russ, that’s enough.” Linc reached out to touch his shoulder, and Russ yanked out of his grip, releasing Johnny.
“Do you know the kind of shit women deal with about their weight? That woman has probably beaten herself up enough about it over the years. Maybe she got bullied in high school. Hell, maybe she’s happy as can-fucking-be and doesn’t give a shit what you think of how she looks. Thatstilldoesn’t give you the right to say a goddamn word to anyone about their appearance.” He jabbed a finger into Johnny’s pale face. “It’s pieces of shit like you that make people like her depressed, suicidal, or develop fucking eating disorders. Watch your fucking self, asshole.”
Linc’s stomach dropped and fear seized his chest at Russ’s words.
“All right guys, let’s break this party up.” Finn stepped forward and clapped his hands. “We’re going to take a short break, but we’ll be back later for more smooches.”
The women in the line stepped forward one at a time, dropping their money on the table where Russ had sat. Some said thank you, some mouthed it, and some merely met his gaze with sad eyes. Russ’s nostrils flared and his jaw and shoulders were taut.
He was right. When stories came out about people taking their own lives it often stemmed from bullying. Johnny was toxic and a bully. Linc had seen the deep-seeded pain of trauma flare in Cleo’s eyes before she took off.
He mentally smacked himself for not acting faster. For being concerned about Johnny picking on her further. If he’d stood up for her the first time, maybe Johnny wouldn’t have breathed a word to her again. Except Will had told him to knock it off and he’d continued regardless.Shit.He raked a hand through his hair. He had no idea where she’d run off to, but he needed to find her. He needed to make sure she was okay. And he made a mental note to check in with Miss Bennet later, too. Just in case.
Chapter 10
Lincoln
Elizabeth: You home from the gym? Doing okay, Mr. D? You’ve been quiet today.
Her message stared at him from his screen. Was he okay? Guilt and discontentment swirled in his stomach threatening to bring his late dinner up. While he didn’t regret kissing Cleo, his growing fondness for Elizabeth tugged at his chest. Not to mention Russ’s words about the consequences of fat shaming women had Linc worried about every woman in his life.
He’d spent the evening in the rink training with the team, but not even ice time with his brothers managed to pick up his spirits. He should be honest with her, she hadn’t yet run at the glimpses of his squishy insides, maybe if he let her in a little more she’d stick around.
Linc: Honestly, Miss Bennet. I don’t know.
As soon as he pressed send he itched to take it back. He rubbed the back of his neck and loosened his jaw.
Elizabeth: What’s up? Something in the air today, I’m having a funky kinda day.
He tugged the towel from his waist and ran it over his hair before collapsing into bed.
Elizabeth: It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it. I just… I’m worried about you. It’s not like you to be ‘off.’
Linc: I don’t usually talk to people about my feelings.
