Page 19 of Bodyguard Daddy

His voice is full of entitlement as he continues to prey on Cory. “I knew you wanted me. I just can’t believe that you’restilla virgin. Core. You gotta let me touch that.”

“She belongs to me.” My voice is low, bordering on a growl that draws both of their attention. The guilt dripping from Cory’s eyes is one I have to look past to deal with the asshole who’s still refusing to back away from her.

“Collin, I swear I was looking for Lilibet and he cornered me up here.”

“You don’t have to explain anything to me, Cory. This guy is bothering you, yes?”

She simply nods in response.

“Who the fuck are you?” Chad barely turns his head to face me, unable to look away from Cory.

The only way to answer the question, in my mind, is to show him. The firmness of my hand on his shoulder gets his complete attention. It feels like deja vu from the night at the club.

I keep my voice low in order to divert attention away from this situation. “I believe Cory told you that she’s not interested.”

“Bro, you’re so out of line right now. Do you know who you’re trying to manhandle?” he sneers. “I’m Chad-”

The words barely get out when I yank him forcefully away from Cory, slamming him against the wall. Caging my arms around him, there’s a crack of terror in his facade.

“I don’t give a fuck who you think you are, Chad. As of right now, you’re the man harassing the woman I care about and that’s not going to be tolerated. Do I make myself clear?”

“Man, fuck you!” Chad spits and shoves me, but I only manage to take a step back before he throws a wild punch.

“Oh shit. Stop it, Chad,” Cory shouts as she steps away from the ensuing brawl.

“Yeah. Stop it, Chad,” I try to warn the guy, but he’s determined to make a show of this. He takes another swing at me, but this time, I catch it before he can connect. I allow his momentum to carry him beyond me where he stumbles into someone else who’s watching this catastrophe. I’ve had enough.

Cory looks at me and I grab her hand to pull her out of this room and away from Chad. Something stops me from storming out of the room. Chad’s face is red and sweaty as he pulls himself to his feet.

“You’re going to regret ever touching me, bro,” Chad spits.

A partygoer chimes in, “Chad, you need to relax, bro. Let her go.”

“He doesn’t have a choice in the matter, “ I tell everyone who can listen, no longer concerning myself with witnesses. Walking over to Chad, I wrap my fingers around his throat. He begins to flail about, grappling at my forearm to release him. He can’t make me do anything and there’s a sense of submission flashing in his eyes as I loosen my grip. I swing him around to face Cory.

“Apologize to her,” I tell him. “Apologize right now.”

“Dude, you’re insane. I didn’t do anything.” Chad struggles to get his words out, but I don’t care. The room falls silent and I tighten my grip.

I find everyone’s eyes on me and no one’s doing anything other than watching this spectacle. It’s clear that many of them enjoy seeing me bring Chad down a few notches. His entitlement reeks and I will not have him disrespecting the woman I love.

Love.

Insanity.

Protect.

Mine.

All of these emotions rage through me. I won’t let up until he says the words. I jerk him from side to side a bit, insisting, “Tell her.”

“Shit. I’m sorry, Cory. I’m sorry,” Chad finally belts out for everyone to hear. There’s a gleam in people’s eyes as they realize the spectacle is over. They get what they want, and I’m sure this story will go around far faster than wildfire.

While I don’t want to let Chad go or let him take another breath, I need to get Cory out of here. She wraps her arm under mine and we make our way out of the party. Silence is deafening once we’re outside in the cool desert night.

I wrap my arm around her as the valet brings my car around. Once Cory’s inside, I take her back to her building where we stand in the hallway for a moment.

She’s hesitant because the entire ride home, I didn’t say anything.

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