Page 26 of Arrogant Puck

He steps in so close I have to tilt my chin to keep looking at him. His breath ghosts over my cheek.

“What are you so afraid of?” he asks.

“You,” I say, honestly this time. Maybe he wants to be feared and needs to hear it. I drop the ego and admit it because I don’t like his hands on me.

But I don’t drop his wrist. My fingers are still on his skin, and his thumb flexes against my neck like he’s thinking.

I speak again, voice tighter now. “You don’t want to be treated because you’re scared it’ll make you look weak.”

His grip tightens—not painfully, but enough that I feel the strength he’s barely restraining.

Hit a nerve.

“Maybe the pain’s making you angry,” I add, too quietly.

His nostrils flare. His eyes narrow.

“I could help you. Off the record. No one has to know.”

For one beat, his gaze holds mine.

Then he lets go.

Just like that, the heat drains away. He turns and walks off, not saying another word. Like I didn’t just offer him a lifeline. Like he didn’t have his hand on my throat.

My heart races out of control, panic overtaking me.

I lock myself in the bathroom and lean back against the door.

My fingers shake when I press them to my neck.

He didn’t hurt me.

But he could’ve.

I pull myself together. Wash my hands. Reapply my lip balm. Check my reflection until my face looks neutral again.

Then I finish the rest of my rotation like nothing happened.

I don’t go near Slater the rest of the day.

And he doesn’t look at me.

But I can feel the tension.

Coiled. Waiting.

The last time a man used his size to make a point, I didn’t have the option to walk away.

And now it’s happening again.

No,I tell myself.It’s not.

I’m not going to run again. I’m not going to lose this job over one confrontation. I’ve worked too hard to get here.

Stay out of his way. Do your job. Keep your head down.

That’s all this is.

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