Page 34 of Queen’s Gambit

“Let go, please. I want to stand up.”

“Just take the shot, you’ll see.”

“No, I’d rather do it on my own,” I said more firmly.

“Don’t be like that, Yuli. Just take the shot.”

“My name is not Yuli. Please don’t call me that, and back away. I want to stand,” I said.

“So what, only Ed gets to use a nickname?”

“Yes, actually. Now move,” I commanded this time, pushing up with my body as hard as I could.

“What the fuck!”

Lawrence was still over me one second, and the next, he was gone. I jumped as Eddie growled and slammed him up against the wall.

“What the fuck are you doing to my girl?”

“I was just trying to help her. She didn’t know how to take the shot.”

“She asked you to get off of her. I heard it, you can’t deny it, and you didn’t move.”

I’d never seen Eddie like this. He was always so sweet and gentle or teasing, but right now…there was a dominance exuding off of him that was as alluring as it was unnerving. Lawrence glared at me and then back at Eddie as he held out his arm toward the table.

“Fuck, I just wanted her to take the shot so she could see. I wasn’t hitting on her. And as far as I’m aware, she’s not yours until your name is on a marriage contract,” Lawrence said.

Eddie sucked in a deep breath.

“What the hell did you just say to me?”

“Guys, knock it off. It’s been a long day, and we should get back. It’s already midnight. Just apologize, Lawrence, and let’s get the hell out of here before we’re thrown out,” Marcus said, placing his hand on Eddie’s shoulder.

Lawrence rolled his eyes but looked at me.

“I’m sorry, Yulianna, I really only wanted to help.”

I wasn’t sure that I believed him, but I nodded anyway. My only priority was to try and stay out of trouble so I didn’t get yanked back home.

“It’s fine, Lawrence. Thank you for trying. Like Marcus said, it’s been a long day.”

Eddie didn’t release Lawrence even when I touched his arm.

“Come on, Eddie, let him go. It was a misunderstanding. I may have overreacted.”

He didn’t look at me, but he dropped his arm, only to poke Lawrence in the chest.

“Don’t fucking test me. I’m your friend, but I will put you in the ground if you touch her again.”

Lawrence held up his hands like he was surrendering.

“Sorry, man. Fuck, if I knew you were going to be this much of a pill, I wouldn’t have come.” Lawrence marched away, grabbing his hoodie off a chair as he went.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to start anything,” I said as Eddie looked down at me.

“Don’t be. There are other ways he could’ve helped you. That was a dick move, and he knows it.” Eddie smoothed back my hair and kissed my forehead. “If he ever does anything like that again, tell me.”

“But….”