So much so that, mixed with her smooth-as-silk palm in my calloused one, I feel unstoppable.
Though as my mouth opens and words begin to flow out faster than my mind can compute, I think delusional might be more accurate.
CHAPTER 2
TOMÁS
“I hope you enjoyed yourself,” I spew with ample sarcasm to the asshole who touched her without permission. His brows quirk up in confusion. “Considering this will be the last time you ever step foot in here,” I say, meaning it with every ounce of my being. There’s no way in hell this prick is ever going to step foot in here again. I’ll make sure of it.
The man scoffs. “Who gives a fuck? It’s New York City, this isn’t the only place like this in town. Besides, she’s a b?—”
I click my tongue, interrupting him. “I’d stop right there if I were you.”
“Oh yeah, tough guy? What the fuck are you going to do? And while we’re at it, who the fuck are you anyway?”
Shit.I didn’t think this through. Technically, I’m no one to this woman that I felt this instinctual urge to swoop in and protect. But the truth isn’t going to help me any right now.
I don’t know if it’s because the conversation with Trent from minutes ago is still fresh on my mind, or the exhaustion I’ve learned to muddle through has finally caught up to me, along with the alcohol not allowing me to think straight, but what happens next truly feels like an out-of-body experience.
“I’m her husband,” are the first words that come to my mind and fly out of my mouth. A stunned expression flashes across the man’s face, as I step to him with her hand still in mine. My shoulder square, chest puffing outward by default as I unintentionally size him up. “Why do you look so confused? You asked who I am, didn’t you? I told you. I’m. Her. Husband,” I reiterate, fully committing to this outrageous lie.
“Bullshit,” he mutters, “I don’t believe you.” The man averts his attention to my bare ring finger, and then to hers. “If you’re her husband, then where’s her ring?”
I think fast on my feet. “At the jeweler.”
He looks unconvinced.
“Being upgraded,” I add.
“Right, and let me guess, that’s where yours is too?” Before either of us can come up with yet another lie, he drones on. “Besides, what kind of self-respecting man allows his—” He pauses to air quote. “—wifeto dance at a place like this?”
A level of anger arises in me that causes my vision to tunnel. The only thing able to snap me out of it is a tug for attention at my arm.
I lower my head, as she whispers in my ear, “Say whatever you need to, but I need him gone.”
“You got it.”
I straighten my posture, looking him in the eye again. “Let me make myself clear, I will not tolerate you, or anyone else for that matter, disrespecting my wife. Ever. Especially not in my presence. How she chooses to spend her time is just that,hertime to spend however the fuck she wants. As long as she comes home to me at night, that’s all I care about. So, you have five seconds to get the fuck out of here or I’ll press charges.”
“For?”
“Touching what doesn’t belong to you,” I say with such vigor that no one would guess I’m lying through my teeth. “Youwanted to know the kind of man I am. Well, I’ll tell you. I’m not the kind you want to mess with.”
Amusement flashes upon his brow. “Is that right?”
“Do I look like I’m lying?”
Before he can respond I motion to the bouncers and they escort him out.
Relieved that he’s gone my gaze drifts to my hand, expecting it to be occupied by my mystery woman’s, but it’s empty.
Panic, or maybe disappointment, or a combination of both fill me, and as I scan the room, searching for her, but she’s nowhere to be found.
Great. I scared her away.
My foot lifts ready to leave the way I came – alone – when I’m pleasantly distracted by the sound of high heels scuffing my way.
“I’m sorry about that, I just —”
