Page 124 of The One
Within seconds I’m behind him.
“Remove your hands from her and step away before you find yourself on life support.”
Chapter Forty-Eight
Mateo
My tone is as cold as ice, leaving no room to question who’s in control here.
The guy spins around, his inebriated eyes scanning me up and down. The anger radiating off me is palpable, and he freezes in place.
Unfortunately for him, he’s still gripping my girl.
Big mistake.
My hand shoots out, grabbing his throat and yanking him away from Mari, neck first. Getting into his face, I pierce him with my stare.
“Do not touch what’s mine.”
I tighten my grip on him, and he trembles uncontrollably. Pathetic son of a bitch.
He’s got the message already. The fear in his eyes says it all. I could let him go, but I don’t.
A lesson must be taught. Everyone here and everywhere needs to understand this woman is off-limits.
I pull my arm back and let rip, my fist smashing into his nose. The brutal impact lands with a sickening crack, the sound of bone giving way sending a sharp, satisfying thrill through me. Blood spurts from his nose, and I throw him to the ground, not wanting it on me.
He wails, holding his face, and I’m tempted to rain more pain on him for daring to touch what’s mine. Adrenaline is pumping through my veins, making it hard to think straight. With a mammoth effort, I restrain my urge to beat him to a pulp and signal to the bouncers to take out the trash.
Spinning slowly in a circle, I scan the hushed crowd for Mari. She’s standing off to the side, her eyes wide, her face pale. I take a step toward her, grab her hand, and pull her off the dance floor, heading toward the backrooms.
I need her away from all the men checking her out. She’s fucking mine.
When I reach the manager’s office, I shove the door open and tug Mari inside with me. I slam the door shut behind us, the sound making her jump.
She watches me carefully through wide eyes. Her chest heaves with every intake of breath, drawing my attention to her juicy tits and peaked nipples.
She gasps when I back her up against the door and press into her.
Her hands reach up to cup my jaw tenderly. I think it’s to soothe me.
Do I look as out of control as I feel?
Her touchiscalming.
My body steadily lets go of the tension it’s been holding like steam from a boiling kettle.
I slide my hands on either side of her face, my fingers brushing her temples.
I slam my lips to hers, and Mari doesn’t hesitate to respond. Her mouth opens eagerly for me, her tongue ready to spar. Our kiss is wild and untamed. It escalates my need for her.
She’s it, echoes in my mind.She’s your One.
Needing to feel her closer, I lift her by the narrow of her waist, and she wraps her legs around me.
My cock is like steel and I can’t help but grind it against her. Moaning, her hands snake around my neck as she pushes her body closer against mine.
Needing to taste her skin, I break away from her mouth and kiss along her neck. Her racing pulse is against my lips, and I suck and nibble on it. She stretches her neck to allow me more access, and I bite down on her throat, hoping to leave a mark.
