Page 30 of Fang
“I’m fine. I hate it, but it’s part of the job. I’ve learned to deal with it as best as I can.”
“I hate that for you,” I mutter.
It’s bullshit that she has to deal with men like she did tonight or the fucker from a while back. She shouldn’t have to be around assholes just to get by.
What I wouldn’t do to be able to bundle her up and take her away. To solve all of her problems for her.
That’s not what she wants, though.
Shit, if she knew my line of thinking, she would put me in my place.
“I won’t stand for it,” I say quietly.
She starts to slow down as we approach her car, so I turn to face her.
“Stand for what?”
“For you being disrespected.” Her eyes widen.
Dammit, that sounded more messed up than I meant it to.
“For any of you being disrespected,” I amend.
“I’m thankful, you know,” she says, catching me off guard.
“For what?”
“The way you’re protective of all of us. I hate doing this.” She winces. “I hate it more than I’ll ever admit, but working for you makes it a little easier. It’s nice knowing that someone has my back.”
“I always will, you know that, right?”
“Sure.” She shrugs as she takes a step toward her car.
I want to tell her that I’m serious. That as long as I’m around no harm will ever come to her.
She doesn’t need someone like you, remember.
I take a couple of steps forward as she unlocks her car and open her car door for her.
She pauses before getting in. “I’ll see you later?”
“I’ll be here,” I confirm.
I wait until she’s inside the car before I speak again.
“By the way, happy belated birthday.”
Her eyes widen, and her mouth pops open.
“How did you know?”
“I have my ways. Get home safely.” I wink as I shut her door.
I take a few steps away from her car and cross my arms over my chest. I wait for her to turn on her car and until her taillights fade into the distance before I head back toward the club.
Goddamn, I wish I was going home and crawling into bed with her.
I’m fucked. Totally fucked.
