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I stop talking to take another drink, the anger I felt when they accosted her makes my hand tremble. I’d never felt a strong desire to hurt anyone until they tried to take her. The fear I’d felt rushing to get there before it was too late has my heart pounding.
“I told him to let her go. The other guy pulled a gun because they decided to take me too. I was pissed. Like, so mad everything got hazy. I just wanted to hurt them worse than they were hurting her. I disarmed the guy and told the other to let Imala go. He said he didn't care that I had the gun because I'm not a killer. People have called me nice my entire life and I'm fine with it but not when a woman is in danger. Not when I'm trying to save my woman…"
I drink again. Oran remains silent, the fury set in, but there's nothing he can do with it. I've taken care of it, so I continue.
"I let the guy go. The other one called me a pussy and I told him to come get the gun since he wanted it that bad. He pushed Imala to the guy I let go. I hit him in the throat with the butt of the gun when he got close. The hit made him lean over to cough then I uppercut him and knocked him on his ass. I pointed my gun at the other guy and told him to get his fucking hands off her. He let go but the one on the ground tried to kick me. I bent, putting all my weight on him. I told him I wasn't a killer, but I'd fuck up his life so bad, he'd wish I were one. I told Imala to call the cops but the guy I'd let go tried to rush her."
Emptying my cup in a gulp, I add more with a shaky hand. After another sip, I meet Oran's eyes.
"I shot him in the back before he could reach her. The other one swung at me. We fought, struggling for the gun. All I could think about was saving her. He'd threatened to sell her already so when I had the chance, I shot him as well. In his dick." I didn't realize I was shedding tears until one hit my desk. "I'm disjointed, Oran. I did what needed to be done. While I didn't think I was that guy, part of me knows I'd do it again." I swipe the tears. "Sorry, I guess this is a side effect of saying it out loud for the
first time."
"None of this is anything you'll ever have to apologize for to me or anyone else. I felt capable of killing my own dad because he attacked Karessa. We have no idea what would have happened if I had access to a gun. Hell, I gave the okay for him to be killed." He waved his hand around. "And it wasn't even for any of this stuff. It was because he jumped on my woman. I don't need to explain what I felt when I heard her scream because you lived it. Elmer would have raped her. Those guys would have done that to Imala and more. You are a nice guy, but you were the man she needed at that moment. Never. Apologize. For. That." He emphasizes each word by tapping his knuckles on the desk. "You shot to save and not to kill. You are a hero."
I stand when Oran does. I'm done for the day. I shrug into my blazer then turn to face Oran once he moves around my desk. He smacks my hand when I try to shake his and pulls me into a hug I didn't know I needed. His support makes me feel better. Pulling away, he grabs my shoulders and his gray eyes bore into mine.
"Here are some truths: I'm proud of you. I love you. I approved of the marriage the moment I found out but find it's more fun to fuck with you." He smiles when I laugh. " Now I know for a fact she's in good hands. In the same way I threaten to kick your ass, I'll do much worse to anyone who would hurt you because I consider you the brother I've never had."
His confession makes me happy since my own brother never wanted me.
"Thank you. I really appreciate you telling me that. Now you do have a brother."
"Dallas is an addition, not a replacement." He informs me with a pat on my back. "I'll send you the information to that asshole I'm forced to see every other week."
"Asshole? He must be really good."
Oran laughs as he leaves my office. I release a breath I didn't realize I was holding. It feels good to get it off my chest. My mind shifts my thoughts to my betrothed. I have something I want to tell her.
I text her once I'm in the parking lot. She emerges from the bank in a navy pleated skirt that swallows her and a pale blue color shirt to match. Her ponytail swings behind her as her ballet flats carry her to me. Imala pushes her clear frames up her nose then smiles up at me.
"What brings you by, Mr. Hale?"
I pull her to me, the urge to touch her much too great to pass up. Her soft lips part in surprise and are too irresistible to pass up. I take a kiss but meet in the middle of our expectations. It's more than a peck but less than the kind of kiss I'll expect after we're married. My bottom lip slides between hers as I take just enough to satisfy me but not go too far.
She's much redder when I pull back. Her dark eyes are warring between surprise and desire. Her delicate hand flies to her lips like it'll protect the memory of our kiss. Her eyes dart around searching for spectators.
"Our upcoming wedding is all over the news. Us kissing won't be a scandal, Caterpillar."
"Is that why you came?"
"No. That was a bonus." I smile at her, but she sees through it.
"What's wrong?"
"I just came to thank you."
The way her face tugs with confusion is the cutest thing I've seen today.
"For what?"
"Not fearing me."
Imala smiles at me, her soft hand cups my cheek. "Never." The mischief returns to her eyes. "Only scary thing about you are the suggestions you send me."
Tighten my grip on her hips. "Oh, once we're married, you'll love those."
Chapter Eleven
