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"Come on, we've got a table," Mike tells me. He moves to wrap his arm around my shoulder, but I panic and sidestep him.
I might not be happy with Billy at the moment, but that doesn't mean I want another man touching me.
I look around as we walk in, taking in the night club vibe of the place. My stomach drops. This isn't a standard restaurant. In fact, it's not the type of place I would imagine many business meetings are held in.
It seems too...seedy.
"So, Posh, tell me more about yourself," Mike says, his eyes raking over as we settle into our seats.
"About my work, you mean," I correct him as I pull out my portfolio.
Mike waves a hand dismissively. "Yes, yes, whatever you want to talk about, babe."
I cringe at the moniker. Billy never calls me "babe." It's always "doll" or "baby," and I don't like the way it sounds coming from Mike.
I pull out my portfolio and spin it to show it to him. I flip through a few of the pages, explaining my reasoning behind some of the designs I chose, trying my best to showcase my skills.
But Mike isn't looking at my designs.
I feel his gaze on me, and when I look up and meet his eyes, my heart falls.
He's looking at me likeI'mwhat's on the menu tonight.
Billy was right.
My god, I'm such an idiot.
I'mnotgoing to get a promotion by sleeping my way to the top.
As if reading my mind, Mike smirks. "No, I don't think I want to talk about your work, Posh. Or at least, not yet." He leans forward, his eyes trailing from my face down to my breasts and then farther down. He eyes my body slowly and intensely, and I can't help but squirm in my seat.
I try to tamp down the fear that's bubbling up within me.
It's not like he's going to throw me up against the wall and rip my clothes off.
I wish Billy was here. He would make this all better. I don't care if he didn't believe in me.
I need him.
Tears rush to my eyes, and I move to stand. "This was a mistake," I murmur, but then Mike's hand shoots out and bands around my wrist like a shackle.
And that's when all hell breaks lose.
Suddenly, Billy is there. I don't know where the hell he came from, but he's got Mike hauled up out of his seat faster than I can blink.
Billy is standing close to Mike, his face inches away from Mike's, and I can see the fire in his eyes as he glares at him. Mike flinches back, obviously intimidated by Billy's sudden outburst. I can feel my heart racing, and my body shaking. I didn't know Billy had it in him to be so violent. For a moment, I'm scared of him, but then he turns to me and takes my hand, pulling me up from my seat.
"Let's go, Jessie," he says, his voice deep and soothing, and I instantly relax at hearing him speak my real name.
I nod, grateful for his presence. As soon as we step out into the cool night air, Billy pulls me into his arms, holding me close to him. I can feel his chest rising and falling against mine, and I close my eyes, savoring the warmth of his embrace.
"I'm sorry, Jessie, baby," he whispers into my ear. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have let you walk away from me. I knew." His voice breaks. " I knew, and it's not that I didn't believe in you, honey. It's just that I knew what he was after. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed me."
I shake my head, tears streaming down my face. "It's not your fault, Billy," I say, my voice choked with emotion. "I should have known better than to trust Mike. I should have trusted you, and you were there when I needed you. If you hadn't come when you..." my voice catches on a sob as what could have happened finally hits me.
"Ssh," Billy quiets me. "Don't talk about it, baby. I'm here now, and I swear to you no one will ever hurt you, honey."
He pulls back to look at me, his hands cupping my face. "You don't have to do this alone, Jessie," he says, his voice low and intense. "I'm here for you. Always. That's why I wanted to tell you...I've been waiting for the right time to tell you."
