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Erica points at my arm that's locked around Presley's neck. "I don't think he can speak."
I stare at her for a couple of seconds before I realize I'm behaving like a rabid beast. Aye, Presley deserves to be throttled, but it's not worth going to jail over a scunner like him. I release my choke hold, but before Presley can run away, I grasp his wrists and use my hands to cuff his behind his back.
Presley spits blood. The skin along his jaw and around his left eye has begun to turn faintly purple.
My jaw aches, though not only from clenching my teeth. Presley had gotten in one good punch before I caught him.
The twat glowers at Erica, probably because he can't turn around enough to aim his fury at me. "Scotch Tape attacked me for no reason. Your pit bull's out of control, babe."
Erica anchors her hands on her hips, seeming remarkably calm, though I know her well enough to realize she's putting on a brave face. "Answer Lachlan's question, or I'll cut the leash and let my pit bull tear your throat out."
She wants me to batter the slimycacan? My lips tick up at the corners as I gaze straight at Erica. Her lips tick up a little too.
I jerk Presley's hands, making thecacanbellow. "Once more, ye filthy bawbag. What are ye doing in mah woman's house?"
"Door was open when I got here," Presley says. He struggles against my hold, then sags his shoulders. A deep scowl tugs his brows down. "I came in to check on Erica."
"Gimme a break," she says. "First, you try to force me to let you inside. Then, we catch you spying through my bedroom window. And to cap things off, you've broken into my house."
"Did not."
"Stop lying. I don't swallow your crap anymore." She stalks up to him. "I know you broke in."
He juts his chin up, lifting his nose too. "Prove it."
Erica clasps a hand around her left arm, and everything about her wilts, from her posture to her expression.
"Did ye call the police?" I ask her.
She rubs her arms, shoulders hunched. "No."
Presley sniggers. "She knows."
What hold does this bastard have on her? I wrench Presley's hands so roughly that he whimpers and his face contorts in pain. "What do ye mean she knows?"
Erica sidles closer to me and lays a hand on my upper arm. "Let him go."
"What?" I shake my head and huff out several short breaths. "Ye cannae mean it. This bastard is tormenting ye."
"Yeah, I know, but you have to let him go." She squeezes my arm. "Please, Lachlan. I'll explain everything later."
I stare at her for a long moment while anger hardens me into concrete. The scunner should not be allowed to get away with committing a crime and harassing an innocent woman.
Erica keeps her hand on my arm and her gaze nailed to mine, but something in her eyes convinces me she wants me to release the bastard. Why, I have no idea. But I will do what she wants because I'll do anything for her. Anything except stay forever.
I shove Presley away.
He sprints out of the house.
And I pull Erica into my arms, noticing that tears glisten in her eyes. I hold her face with both hands, tracing circles on her cheekbones with my thumbs. "Why, lass? What hold does he have on you?"
"There's a lot to explain." Erica glances at the sofa beside us where blood stains dot the fabric. Wincing, she scratches her arm. "Would you mind if we continued this conversation in the bedroom?"
I usher her down the hallway, shutting the front door along the way.
Erica is about to confide in me, but I should tell her not to do it. I need to know, though not for any reason that makes sense. I will let her share her pain with me.
For tonight, I will be what she needs.
