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“A what?” Libby calls from across the room.
Jaxson frowns before he breaks into a smile. “Virtual date. I can’t be there, but I for damn sure want to see you, Scotlyn. Please don’t make me beg.”
His eyes dart from the phone to the road so much that I fear for him getting into an accident. “Yes, okay. A virtual date.”
“Good.” He nods, then licks his lips. “Christ, I wish I could kiss you again. This is going to be fucking torture.”
“You say fuck a lot!” Libby yells out as she finishes gathering her things and leaves before he can respond.
“She’s a firecracker, isn’t she?” He laughs, and I can’t help but agree. Libby says precisely what’s on her mind all the time. “You going to be up around nine tomorrow night?”
“For you, I could be.” I bite my lip. I wasn’t raised to be coy or shy, but with him, I am. I haven’t decided whether that’s a good thing yet or not.
“Great. You choose what we’re having for dinner, and I’ll make sure I’ve got it.” I acknowledge that, and his face turns serious. “I’m going to miss you, Scotlyn.”
“We hardly know each other.” I roll my eyes and play glib, but inside, I feel the same way. I’m just afraid of getting my heart broken again.
“One day, real damn soon, you’re going to tell me why you guard that pretty heart so closely.” I swallow at his astute observation.
“And one day, you’re going to tell me what you do that drags you out of town,” I throw back at him.
“Private security,” he replies. “I work for my dad, but this case is different. Normally, he’d send someone else, but it’s a little more personal this time.”
“Well, that doesn’t worry me at all.” It sounds so cryptic. Like something my brother or one of my cousins would say.
“I promise to explain when I get home, okay?” The sincerity has me acquiescing. “I’ve got to go for now, but I’ll call you tonight once I’ve gotten settled.”
Nodding, I blow him a kiss. “Bye, Jaxson, be safe.” He looks crushed that it’s not a real one.
“I’ll talk to you later, Scotlyn.”
After hanging up, I feel confused. I’m not sure how long I sit on the floor staring at my phone, but when I get up, my ass is numb.
Jaxson brings up so many emotions in me. All of them good. But I’m not sure how I feel about that. Just yesterday, I was insistent with Libby that I wasn’t ready yet, and now, I’m disappointed that he’s leaving town.What gives?
Walking out of the studio towards the dressing room, my head is tilted down, looking for my key card, so I don’t see the man as I run into him.
“Shit, I’m so sorry,” I mutter without glancing up as I drop to the ground to pick up my bag, water, and towel. Thankfully, nothing embarrassing has spilled out.
“Is no worry,” the stranger growls, and I finally look up to see him watching me. “Who are you?” He barks out the question with so much force that I’m surprised I don’t get blown backwards.
“Scotlyn Rivers,” I answer, standing and hugging my bag to my chest.
Recognition enters his gaze and is gone so quickly that I’m not sure I even saw it. “Ah, yes. You are one of mine.”
Frowning, my jaw tightens. “I assure you, I’m no one's. Please excuse me.” I attempt to circumvent the burly man, but he grasps my upper arm so tightly, I feel like it’s going to pop out of my shoulder. “Let go,” I grit out.
The man’s upper lip curls back, and he stands taller, trying to be more intimidating. “No. You belong to me.”
Wrenching my arm back, he doesn’t release me. “Listen, I will call for security if you don’t let me go right now, buddy.” Saint always told me, never allow my fear to show. Bullies will thrive on it. And this man is most assuredly a bully.
He throws his head back, laughing loudly, as his hand drops. “I like you,” he says, his accent thick, as he takes a step forward, pushing me back into the wall. “But do not deny me, prima.”
“Hey, Scotty, are we–oh, uhm, am I interrupting something?” Libby bursts through the dressing room doors.
The stranger's head turns, and I see a deadly glare in his eyes as he spots my friend. Taking my chance, I slip away from him and rush towards her. “Yup, let's go.” I push her through the door and flip the deadbolt as I slam it shut behind us.
“Who was that guy?” Her hand grasps my arm just below where he did, and without looking, I know his fingerprints were left behind, marking me. “What an asshole.”
