AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Jacob stops beside the man. He looms over him now, although I have no idea how either will fare when the stranger stands.
“Get up,” Jacob orders.
The man turns, surprised. His gaze flicks over Jacob, top to bottom, and his upper lip curls. “Just walk away, buddy. This is between me and her.”
“She’s got no business with you—but I’m about to. Get. Up.” Jacob ispissed. His voice is darker than I’ve ever heard it. The anger is barely concealed in his face, the tightness of his jaw. He grabs the guy’s shoulder and practically rips him out of the seat, sending him sprawling to the floor.
The train rattles as we go around a corner, but Jacob doesn’t so much as sway. He kneels and snatches the guy’s wallet out of his pocket, flipping it to the plastic ID card. He takes a picture and tosses the wallet down beside his head.
My harasser seems to have gotten his bearings, shock giving way to anger, and he scrambles to his feet. He comes rushing at Jacob, stopping nose to nose.
Jacob doesn’t. Even. Flinch.
“Holy shit,” the guy says. “You’re Jacob Rhodes.”
There’s a quiet little murmur that sweeps through the train car. It’s slowing as we approach the next stop.
“And you’re dead if you ever so much as look at another woman wrong,” Jacob says, stepping closer and pitching his voice low. “Butespeciallythis one.”
They both focus on me.
I can’t breathe. I don’t know what I’m doing, what my face is doing, but the guy actually pauses.
“I’m sorry, man. You’re my favorite player. I had no idea—”
Jacob turns away from him, effectively silencing the man, and holds his hand out to me.
Déjà vu sweeps through my mind, brushing away fear. Not with him here. Not with his hand outstretched like a peace offering or safety.
Why do I feel safe around him? He’s anything but safe.
I take his hand anyway, letting him help me to my feet and guiding me around the guy. He stoops and picks up my phone, which lies in the aisle. He checks the screen and tucks it in my back pocket. Quick, easy. His hand stays around my hip until we’re on the platform, and I glance over my shoulder. The man is watching us, and he waves again just as the train lurches into motion.
And carries him out of sight.
It’s only when the train is gone that the trembling starts.
“Hey, hey, you’re okay.” Jacob stops me. He runs his hands up and down my arms. “Did he hurt you?”
I turn into his chest and throw my arms around his waist. He seems to hesitate for a split second, then hugs me back. A weight comes off my shoulders at that. He hugs mehard, like he’s not afraid to break me. His chin rests on top of my head, and his hand strokes my back. Then higher, touching the back of my head, his fingers running through my hair.
I close my eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for texting you—”
“Don’t be.” His hands pause, his fingers flexing on my scalp. “Ever.”
After a moment, I’m able to rein in my tumbling emotions. I step out of his embrace and clear my throat. I go to swipe at the tears that have collected on my lower lashes, not really falling yet, but he beats me to it. His hands cradle my face, and his thumbs sweep under my eyes.
“Don’t spare that piece of shit any of your tears, songbird.”
My heart skips.Songbird?
“Why—”
He drops his hands and steps back. The tenderness I thought I just saw is gone.
“Where are you headed?” he asks. “Can I escort you?”
My cheeks flush. The heat blooms across my face, and I stride for the stairs. He keeps up with me, although he doesn’t prod me for an answer. Not until we’re streetside, and I have a decision to make.
