Page 12 of Runaway Bride's Guide to Love

I force myself not to get lost in her eyes and make a slight motion to the asshole before looking back to her, hoping she can read my mind. I’m going to defend her in whatever way she wants, but I’m not going to insert myself into a fight if she doesn’t want me to. I don’t mind throwing hands first. Won’t bethe first time. Probably won’t be the last. But I won’t do it unless she wants me to.

When she nods with a worried look, I don’t hesitate. Especially when I hear the next words out of his mouth.

“I mean, if you’re not taking that dress off for your husband tonight, why don’t you take it off for me?”

“The fuck she will!” I pull him away by his back collar and throw him behind me. He stumbles as he tries to catch his balance, which gives me just enough time to put myself between him and her. “You’re going to leave. Right the fuck now.”

He finally regains his balance and does his best to puff out his chest. “What the hell, man?”

“She said no. No means no. Didn’t anyone teach you that?”

I’m staring down at this man—literally because I have at least five inches on him—but I’ll say one thing, he’s not backing down. Then again, that’s probably the liquid courage and sheer stupidity taking over.

“How the hell do you know? Were you here? I don’t think so. Me and the lovely bride here were just getting to know each other. So you can just go ahead and fuck off.”

“Listen here and listen good.” My voice is deep as I take a step closer to him. “You’re going to walk away. You’re going to go grab your friends and not come near her. Actually, let’s make sure of it and just leave this bar all together. I think it’ll be best for everyone involved.”

“And why would I do that?”

I take another step closer, the height difference becoming more apparent as I look down at him. Am I trying to intimidate him? Yes. Is it working? Judging by his eyes bugging out of his head, yes.

“Because if you don’t, the only article of someone else’s clothing you’ll be removing tonight is my boot from your ass. Now. Get the hell out of here before I throw you out myself. Got it?”

He rolls his eyes, but not before I see him take another hugegulp of air. “Whatever. She’s not even worth it. Dude probably dodged a bullet not marrying her.”

I don’t bother replying, wanting this interaction to be over with. That’s why I’m startled when I hear the most feral scream I’ve ever heard in my life.

“You fucking asshole!”

Everything in front of me happens all of a sudden, and somehow also in slow motion. First I see a giant white cloud run past me, sounding like a banshee that just freed herself from barbed wire that’s still digging into her as she chases down her next victim. I turn back to the idiot, who looks more terrified of her than he ever did of me.

I can’t say I blame him. I’m not the one she’s going after, and I’m petrified.

She’s two steps away from cold-cocking this guy before I snap back to reality and pick her up around her waist. Shit…she’s fucking strong! Her arms and legs are flailing, and it’s taking a good amount of strength to hold her back. I wish I could see his face, but I really can’t see much past the dress that keeps floating up with every swing she makes.

“I would’ve been a great wife! I was going to be a great wife! He’s the one who was getting spanked before our wedding! SPANKED! WITH A FLOGGER! You don’t know what you’re talking about, you little-dicked fuck boy!”

I peek around this five-foot-nothing firecracker only to see the asshole and his friends making a beeline for the exit. Probably for the best. I don’t know how much longer I can keep hold of her.

And I have a feeling her screams could hit a few more octaves if she really wanted to.

“You good, Tiger?”

She nods as I lower her back to the ground. The second her feet land, she does her best to smooth down her wedding dress. I have to stifle a laugh because she’s not exactly having the best luck. Though I don’t think it’s her fault. I don’t know muchabout mechanics of wedding dresses, but it looks like it has a mind of its own. I mean, it’s big enough to host a small colony of animals, so I’m guessing it also has smart technology built in.

“What are you laughing at?”

Oh, shit. Now the banshee has her sights set on me.

“Nothing.”

She narrows her eyes. “Are you laughing at my dress?”

“No, ma’am.”

Her face is back to feral. “Don’t ma’am me.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

---