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I want to look away, not meet his gaze, but I stand my ground. There was a time, a few times on this trip even, that I considered what I would do or say if Derek ever wanted me back. I wish I could say I would never take him back, but that would be a big fat lie. Until Theo, I probably would have let him crawl back into my arms, into my bed, but I’m not that same woman. I don’t need him. And I don’t want him.
“Wow,” Derek scoffs, rubbing his forehead. “I didn’t think you would turn me down.”
“Maybe Mindy will take you back.” I offer, not knowing what else to say.
“This can’t be the end for us.” His blue eyes find mine.
“But it is.”
Before I have a chance to react, he is upon me, wrapping an arm around my waist pulling me close to him. He has my chin in his other hand and he is kissing me. I squirm, fighting him to release me, but he is much stronger than I am. I pound on his chest with my fists, trying to tear my face from his but he is now holding the back of my head firmly in place, and touching places he shouldn’t.
“No!” I manage to yell in between forced and unwanted kisses, but not loud enough for anyone to know I need help.
I push him once more, giving it all of the strength I have, and this time he lets me go. But when I open my eyes, I quickly realize his letting me go wasn’t my doing.
I must have forgotten to close the suite door because Theo has a hold of Derek by his shirt collar. Derek throws the first punch, but Theo somehow avoids it and lands one of his own across Derek’s jaw.
Derek is sprawled on the floor, rubbing his face, anger flashing in his eyes. He is back on his feet in a flash and channels the collegiate football player in him and slams his shoulder into Theo’s torso, tackling him to the floor.
Theo might not have played football growing up but being an active outdoorsman has given him speed and agility. Theo recovers quickly, flipping Derek on his back and landing a solid punch to Derek’s face. Theo looks like he is about to take another shot at Derek.
“Theo,” I yell, and he stops mid-punch. His green eyes are burning, pinned to Derek’s just as furious blue ones.
Theo jumps up and steps away but doesn’t turn his back to Derek. Derek rises slowly, clutching his chin in his hand.
“Get out.” I have never heard Theo’s voice boom in such a dangerous and protective manner before. I hold myself, tucked safely behind Theo’s body.
Derek glances once more my direction before brushing himself off and walking out of our room, slamming the door behind him. With that, I know that chapter of my life is over. And I have no plans to revisit any of it.
Chapter Eighteen
We stand in complete silence for a solid minute, just listening to each other breath heavily. Theo finally turns around, his eyes have softened, but I can see how worried he is. He lifts his fingers to cup my jaw but hesitates. As if he is afraid to touch me without permission.
I lean my face toward his hand, accepting him. He bows his head, so our eyes meet.
“Are you alright?” Theo’s voice, which had been dangerous a minute ago, is barely a whisper. “Please, tell me you’re ok.”
I bob my head and that is when the tears flow down my cheeks like a breached dam. I bury my head in his chest and he wraps his arms around me, holding me like he will never let go. I feel his fingers stroke my hair and he plants a kiss on top of my head.
“I’m so sorry, Cate.” Theo breathes softly, his chest rising and falling at a calming rhythm.
“If you hadn’t gotten here when you did…” I choke back a sob. I don’t want to think about how far Derek would have taken things.
“Shhh,” he squeezes me gently. “I’m here. He won’t ever touch you again.”
Thoughts, images, feelings. They are shooting at me all at once and it feels like I am drowning. I try to draw in a breath, but it is shallow, and I push away from Theo.
He immediately recognizes I am having a panic attack and he slides a hand along my jawline, meeting my gaze. His eyes are so soothing. Theo inhales deeply and exhales, helping me to find the rhythm. In and out. In and out.
Hell. Hell to the umpteenth power.
I close my eyes. I feel Derek’s hands on me, his lips touching mine, and I shake my head viciously.
“Look at me.” I hear Theo say, although he sounds like he is miles away. “Catalina.”
Like a sailor to a siren, he draws me back. My eyes open and my breathing starts to level out. I follow his lead, breathing in and out, until he brings me home.
“What do you need from me?” Theo asks, his gaze refusing to waver from mine.
