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“Right. Coincidence,” he sneers, flicking his cigarette away as he walks toward the desk. His laugh is cold and brittle.
I push to my feet, wondering whether I can shoulder charge him and get to the door. Before I can react, he grabs my arm and yanks me toward him. His hot breath hits my face as he leans in, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity as he tightens his grip.
Adrenaline pumps through my veins as I struggle to break free. I'm no match for Chopper, but I won't give up. “What did I do to you? I don’t even know you!”
A soft shuffling distracts me, followed by a low growl. My heart skips a beat as a dark shadow looms over me.
“Let her go.”
I'd know that deep rumble anywhere, and my head whips around to see Atlas. He's a formidable sight with his lips clamped into a tight line and lightning flashing in his eyes.
This is the wild version of Atlas. There are no traces of the gentleman in the suit and snazzy hat now. This is the beast I knew was hiding inside, waiting to break free.
Driven by righteous anger, Atlas has transformed into an unstoppable warrior monster, and he is beautiful beyond belief. His glowing, lustrous skin is thick and tough as a shield. His cruel dark eyes shine with feral intensity.
His body is warped into a monstrous, superhumanly strong form. His muscles are stretched and contorted into impossible shapes, so he looks strong enough to uproot a mature tree single-handedly.
Atlas is ready to do whatever it takes to protect me, just like he said he would.
Chopper’s grip loosens, and he raises his hands in the air. “I don’t want trouble.”
“Celeste, leave now and shut the door,” Atlas grits through clenched teeth.
Whoops. Sorry, Chopper, but I don't think Atlas believes you.
******
Satisfaction washes over me when the police arrive and take Chopper to the station. I turn to Atlas, a fierce pride swelling in my chest. “You’re amazing.”
His eyes scan my face. “Are you okay?”
I nod. “I'm fine, thanks to you.”
Atlas is regaining control. The transformation back to his usual self is swift and appears effortless. He's like my own personal Jekyll and Hyde, and I'm grateful because I know losing control was difficult for him.
He studies me for a moment. “I'll understand if you want to call it quits after seeing me like this.”
I gaze at him adoringly. “I didn't see anything that would scare me away. I only saw a sensitive, loving man who cares for me deeply.”
Okay, he was sporting a few extra bumps and lumps, but I love everything about him and think he’s perfect. At least, he’s perfect for me.
“I'll always protect you.” Atlas scoops me into his arms, cradling me against his solid chest as we leave the bar.
Atlas has my back, and it means everything. Gratitude fills my heart, and I smile reassuringly. “I know you will.”
“But I'll understand if you change your mind.”
He surprises me. “Why are you saying that?” I lean back to look up at him, seeing a mix of passion and vulnerability that takes my breath away.
Atlas holds me firmly in his arms as we make our way through the parking lot. He moves quickly as if I weigh nothing, and the cool night air hits my face. I feel a warmth spreading through my chest as he speaks again.
“Because I love you,” he says simply.
I look up at him, my eyes wide with surprise. Love is a feeling that I don't expect. It is something that I don't even allow myself to dream of.
“I love you, too.” And with those three little words, I know I want to stay with him forever.
“So, you'll stay?” he asks.
