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Blake took one step toward him before Everly gasped, drawing his attention. Her ponytail was half pulled out and disheveled where it had been a perfect placement of curls only minutes ago.
Minutes. No, seconds. That's how long it took Blake to black out in fury.
David spewed curses and threats as he scrambled to his feet. Blake looked away from Everly long enough to plant his shoe on David's shoulder and shove, sending him falling back to the ground.
Blake stood over David, disgusted and furious. "If you ever think about touching her again, I won't have mercy."
David wasn't a small guy. He'd played his share of full-contact sports before becoming an agent, but something in Blake's warning must have hit home. He knew the look of fear, and David's wide eyes were full of it.
Behind them, a woman shouted, "Security!" It had to be Ava with that authority in her voice.
Ridge stepped up beside Blake. Barely controlled rage filled the air with tension. "Don't move."
"This is crazy." David pointed at Everly. "She—”
"I know you're not trying to blame this on her," Ridge said, his words filled with surety that no one could stand against.
Blake was by Everly's side in an instant. "Are you okay?" He studied her from head to toe, looking for injury. Pink was already spreading over her cheek. Aside from what he could see, she had to be shaken up.
Revenge pulled him toward David, while concern kept him rooted to Everly’s side.
"I'm fine." She looked up at Blake, her expression relieved. "Thanks for coming."
"I know you told me not to, but Megan came to check on you and called for me."
"I'm sorry. I needed a minute to wrap my head around everything, but I never expected him to be here. Megan wouldn't have wanted him at her wedding."
Blake wrapped her in his arms. "I'm glad you're okay. I'm so sorry. Sorry for everything."
Blake and Everly stepped to the side as Officer Asa Scott pushed through the people who had noticed the commotion and come to see the action.
"What happened here?" Asa asked, carrying an air of command in his slacks and button-down as much as in his law enforcement uniform.
David scrambled to his feet, keeping a healthy distance between Ridge and himself. "This is a private conversation."
Asa looked at Everly hugged tight to Blake's chest. His gaze scanned her from head to toe, noting her disheveled hair, the dirt on her dress, and her broken heels. "I don't think this 'conversation' is private anymore."
David lifted his chin. "Who do you think you are?"
Ridge hooked a thumb toward Asa. "This is Officer Scott. He'll show you the way out."
David's chest heaved as he looked from Ridge to Blake to Everly. "Fine." He wiped the front of his suit, smearing red down the dirt-stained white. "I'm leaving."
"Hey, David," Blake shouted.
David turned, glaring at Blake.
"Don't come back. Ever."
David turned quickly and stalked toward the parking lot. Whoever he'd conned into letting him come as a plus one was going to need a ride home.
***
Hours later, Everly sank onto the worn couch in the living room at the main house. "What a day."
Blake took his seat beside her, reluctant to leave her for even a second. "Are you sure you're okay?"
Everly sighed. "I'm really fine. I can't believe he showed up today."
