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But what made it worse was how, every so often, when she got too comfortable with another man, she would glance at him, and smile softly. It was like a never-ending game, but somehow both sides were winning. She could flirt all day long while he sat in silence, pretending he wasn't jealous.
He couldn't help himself, though. His eyes were always on her when he saw someone else looking at her or when she heard someone calling her name. And as much as he didn't want to watch those interactions, he couldn't look away either.
He could see her blush out of the corner of his eyes. He could also see how uncomfortable she felt as he stared at her with those same dark green eyes. Her hands fidgeted, twirling a strand of hair around her finger absentmindedly. It was almost cute how embarrassed she could make herself feel.
But then, as their eyes met again, it was obvious that she hated this moment as much as he did. They seemed to be having a silent conversation, neither of them willing to break eye contact first. Eventually, though, their eyes wandered away from each other, but not before she gave him a small smile and a nod. Then they both turned back to watching the others.
Ben sighed heavily, his shoulders sagging slightly as the realization hit him. He was an idiot. How could he not have noticed sooner? He was in love with her, but that meant nothing. It wouldn't change the fact that he was supposed to kill her when everything was over with, no matter how badly Ben didn’t want to.
There was still some part of him that hoped things would go differently. Maybe, he could stay by her side longer than he originally planned. Maybe he'd get a chance to apologize for getting her involved in his business in the first place ... for failing her.
However, if he stayed, that hope was slowly being torn apart by reality. She was going to die, whether he liked it or not. So Ben resigned himself, knowing that the one chance they would ever have was gone forever.
His heart clenched at the thought of losing her. This was only the beginning, after all.
After a few more minutes passed, Ben's attention was drawn back to the poker table. Everyone seemed to have finished with their drinks and were clamoring for Liz's attention. Ben found himself sitting there, staring down into his drink. He had no idea why he was even here.
Sure, it was the last place he wanted to be, but now that he was here, he didn't know what to do. Normally he would just sit and observe until someone invited him over, but he had no desire to interact with anyone else tonight. He needed to be alone.
He pushed back his chair quietly, grabbed his glass, and headed to the bar. Before leaving, he took one last longing look toward the poker table. He watched the men as they made their comments and grabbed at Liz as she walked by them. Ben almost lost control when one of them dared to slap Liz on the ass when she passed him. His knuckles began to turn white as anger overtook him. His teeth ground together as his fists tightened into balls, and he fought the urge to charge at those fuckers right in front of Liz.
He didn't, knowing that if he stepped forward, it would only make things worse. But he wanted those bastards dead. If they touched her, he swore he would kill them. He would give her the world if she asked for it, but he knew that wasn't going to happen. Not anymore, anyway.
As soon as she walked by, he turned, marching back to the table where he knew Moretti would be. He downed the remainder of his drink in one gulp, slamming the empty glass on the counter and walking toward her. She was talking with one of his cousins, Angelo.
He leaned against the wall by the door, arms crossed, trying hard to seem casual. He was pretty sure he managed, seeing as how most of the group had already gone elsewhere. A couple of people glanced in his direction, noticing the way he was staring. Ben rolled his eyes inwardly. Of course, they noticed him. Why wouldn't they? It was hardly any secret.
His gaze shifted back toward Liz, who was laughing as Angelo said something. She was smiling and laughing as she listened attentively. She didn't notice as he slipped past her and moved over to stand behind the table. He could hear Liz's laughter fade as she continued to talk to Angelo.
Even as he watched, Angelo reached for her arm, grabbing her elbow in his hand as he smiled mischievously. Her cheeks reddened slightly as she pulled away. He smirked before letting go of her elbow.
Angelo nodded once to Liz before turning to walk away, taking care to avoid touching her again. The second she was alone, Liz's shoulders slumped. Her body language told him that she was exhausted. It hadn't been easy to keep a straight fac
e while surrounded by that many rowdy guys. It seemed like she hadn't even realized how far she had come.
As she looked up, he met her eyes. A flash of confusion appeared in her expression. Her head tilted questioningly, probably wondering why he had followed her. Ben just shrugged in response. She shook her head.
Whatever he had done must've been funny if she was still laughing. With a grin, he waved her off, and she responded with a shy wave and a smile, making her way to the bar to refill her drink.
Ben stood there for a minute after she left, leaning on the edge of the bar. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting it out through his nose. After opening his eyes again, he scanned the room for Angelo, finding him at the opposite end of the bar.
He watched, his jaw clenched, as Angelo spoke to some of the other guys he knew. He seemed fine. But he kept glancing at Ben, who was still lingering by the pool table.
After a few seconds, he seemed to decide it wasn't worth his time anymore. Instead of returning his attention to his friends, he turned, giving Ben a dirty glare as he approached. Ben glared right back, his hands tightening their grip on the edge of the table. He refused to let Angelo intimidate him.
He may be angry, but if the bastard wanted to pick a fight, he better get ready because he wasn't backing down anytime soon. He stood taller, glaring defiantly at the man that seemed intent on hurting his girlfriend.
He watched as Angelo pulled Liz onto his lap. He could see the lusty looks Moretti was giving her. Even with her blushing cheeks and flushed lips, she smiled happily. It hurt to see that beautiful smile when someone else was the cause of it.
Ben's jaw flexed as he balled his fist, ready to strike when Angelo put an arm around her neck, pressing their bodies closer together. Liz's expression changed to one of shock, and Ben's grip on his beer glass tightened even further.
Liz's hand reached up and grasped at Angelo’s arm, trying to pry it off her. That only angered him. "What are you doing?" he asked, his voice low and rough. Ben could tell he was angry, which only fueled his need to hurt Angelo. Angelo’s grip didn't budge, only tightening instead.
"Answer me, girl!" he yelled, shaking Liz. She whimpered and struggled harder against his grasp. "Liz." Angelo’s words sent a shiver down Ben's spine. His voice, normally warm and smooth, seemed to come out harsh and cold. The tone was familiar to Ben, but he couldn't figure out why.
"Don't touch her!" Ben shouted at his cousin before taking two large strides toward them. Angelo laughed mockingly, his grip loosening momentarily to allow Liz to escape.
Once she did, she ran around the table toward Ben. She threw her arms around him, clinging onto him for dear life. He wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder. He closed his eyes as he felt her head rest against the side of his. He heard her soft sobbing, and he held her closer to him.
