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No more bad boys for me.
Logan saunters a few steps and then casually crosses my path, blocking my way as if everything is cool between us.
"Hey, Drea. I was looking forward to seeing you here."
"Logan." My lips draw his name like it's poison. I cross my arms and try to pull away. "I'd be lying if I told you the feeling was mutual."
My words don't hurt him or even seem to affect him. Logan takes a step toward me and reaches out a hand, brushing my elbow with his long, slender fingers.
"We need to talk," he whispers. "Drea?—"
"Don't do this," I say, my voice shaking. "We have nothing to talk about. Just finish your set and leave me alone."
Anger flashes across Logan's face. I step back and bump into a strong form.
The panther…
Damien's hands grip my hips, anchoring me. I immediately feel at ease, a sense of security washing over me. This is new—the feeling of being protected, truly protected.
Growing up, I never had that. My dad's rages left me cowering, bracing for the next explosion. Mom checked out, lost in her shattered dreams. I learned to fend for myself, to never rely on anyone for safety.
I walk on eggshells even with Brandon, who feels like a father figure. One wrong move could trigger his controlling behavior. His "protection" is a gilded cage, keeping me small to possess me.
But Damien...his touch sparks reassurance, not fear. I glance up at the intensity in his eyes, the muscle ticking in his clenched jaw. His focus is on the threat—Logan charging forward—shielding me with his body.
My hand covers Damien's, where it grips my hip. Solid. Steady.
I whisper, "Thank you."
Our gazes lock, the world fading into the depths of his eyes. I'm drowning in their olive intensity, their smoldering promise of...what?
Protection, yes, but also...desire?
My breath catches at the banked heat I see there.
"What the fuck—" Logan's voice shatters the moment. Damien moves fast, putting himself between us. A wall of muscle and fierce determination.
My hands splay across the ridges of his back as I take a breath. Heat pulses from his body through mine. Traveling south until a throb vibrates between my thighs. Logan is momentarily forgotten as I press closer to Damien's strength.
This is ridiculous. How can I be aroused now?
But I feel...safe. Cherished, even.
It's a heady, dizzying realization.
And I want more.
Damien's voice rumbles with a low growl as he commands, "Listen to Andrea and get out of here."
Logan gives him a sarcastic smile and moves away from him. "What happens between me and my girlfriend is none of your business."
"Ex-girlfriend," Damien growls, his voice lethal. "And it's my business as long as she's in my club." He pauses, his gaze boring into Logan's. "You heard her. I'd appreciate it if you returned to your dressing room."
Logan bristles at the order, his jaw clenching. He's never been one to take orders, but the panther doesn't seem to care.
Without another word, Logan nods, clicking his tongue. "See you later, Drea," he states, raising his hand in a farewell and walking until he’s finally out of my sight.
Unable to help myself, I let out a sigh, realizing that I’ve been holding my breath this whole time.
