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Thunder’s reply is swift and furious as he steps forward again. “She told you to go. So leave. Or should I help you out the door?”
I stand between them, my heart pounding in my chest, my hands on my hips as I glare at Mac. “Just go. I told you before; it’s over between us.”
Mac’s smirk falters, but he doesn’t give up easily. “I only want to talk to you. We had a good thing going, babe. We can’t just walk away from it. I know I messed up, but you got to give me a chance to make it up to you. Show you I’ve changed.”
“I changed too, Mac,” I say firmly, as I lock eyes with him. “It was not a good thing—not by a long shot. And I have no desire to ever be in a relationship with you again. So, leave, or I’ll call the police.”
Mac’s eyes narrow, and his jaw clenches as he looks me up and down, anger and violence brewing in his eyes. He takes a step forward, a move he used in the past to intimidate me. Only, I refuse to be intimidated anymore. I don’t back down, but Thunder moves slightly to block him. His stance protective and unwavering.
“Get out of my way, Thunder,” Mac says. His lip curling with disdain. “This is none of your business.”
I stand my ground, letting determination course through me. “You don’t need to shield me, Thunder. I’m not afraid of him anymore.”
Mac’s eyes flicker with anger as he takes a step closer. But I won’t back away. Instead, I stare him down, my eyes locked with his, refusing to show any signs of fear.
Mac clenches his fists, but before he can say anything else, I raise my phone, ready to dial the police. He hesitates, glancing between me and Thunder, who stands resolutely by my side.
“This isn’t over,” Mac finally spits out, his face filled with venom. “We’ll talk in private next time.”
“There won’t be a next time, Mac.”
With a final glare at Thunder, Mac turns on his heel and storms out of the shop, leaving an uneasy silence in his wake.
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. It’s a mixture of relief and exhaustion. Thunder’s eyes soften as he reaches for my hand.
“Are you okay?” he mouths, his expression filled with genuine care.
I nod, my throat tight with emotions. “I’m okay. Thanks for letting me handle it, Thunder. I really appreciate it.”
Thunder gives a brief smile before it fades. “But, Arabella. If you ever need me.” My eyes narrow. “If you ever want it… I’ve got your back.”
“Thank you. Right now, I think I need to sit down for a moment. Can you stay?”
He tilts my chin up, in the same way that I do his when I can’t see his face. His eyes are piercing and steady, and his words warm all the places Mac chilled.
“Of course, Baker girl, you have me for as long as you want.”
ChapterSix
Thunder
Arabella insisted on finishing her shift. The woman continuously amazes me. She stood up to that bully, Mac, without faltering, despite the shadows in her dark brown eyes. She didn’t have to ask me to stay. No way was I leaving her alone, knowing how shaken she must be. I stayed, keeping an eye on her, ready to step in if needed. A task I didn’t mind at all.
As she worked, her movements were graceful and efficient. She moved around like a dancer, her hands flying through motions as if they’d been trained to do so. I couldn’t help but admire the way she looked; her rich brown skin glowed from her exertions, and her dark curls framed her face perfectly. She set her jawline in a determined line as she worked, but softened it when she smiled at me. A smile that melted my heart into a ball softer than the dough she rolled. Arabella’s honey-brown eyes drew me whenever I looked into them. Something about her had captured me from the very first time I saw her, and now I couldn’t free myself even if I wanted to. Arabella was both beautiful and strong, intelligent and kind.
Her face wasn’t the only thing that attracted me. Her body had to have been created by God just to tempt men. With lush curves that I longed to traverse, roaming them like I used to roam hills on my motorcycle. My dick pulsed,‘yes, please’, in agreement.
When her shift finally ends, I wait by the entrance of the coffee shop, for her. Her shoulders may be slightly hunched, but they are still determined. She looks a little wobbly, but she’s holding herself together. I can’t help but admire her resilience.
“Hey,” I say softly as she approaches, my heart swelling at seeing her. “You did great back there. Let me take you home?”
Arabella’s eyes look at the stairs leading to her apartment over the shop.
“My home,” I clarify. Holding my hands up in surrender before she refuses. “I know you’re alright. But I still want to cuddle you a bit. Take care of you. Pamper you.” She just stares, and I can tell she’s weighing her answer. “I know you’re a big girl and all that. But I just want to hold you. Even if no one needs it other than me.”
I wait, wondering how I will make it home if she flattens me with the no, I see her considering. She takes a deep breath, and I brace myself, but she only sighs, and her soft eyes crinkle at the corner with a smile she’s not quite steady enough to give. “Thanks, Thunder. That actually sounds great.”
It’s a quick ten-minute ride to my apartment, and when she walks in, her steps are a little unsteady. I close the door behind us, letting a mix of emotions surge through me. Arabella pulled her hair up into a curly ponytail on the top of her head. The style shows off her perfect heart-shaped face. A face so lovely it nearly breaks me. I force myself to take slow, steady breaths and keep my cool. Today, I’m here to provide comfort and support, not let my dick take over.
