“Anytime someone gets pushy with my assistant, I’m going to be bothered.”
“Oh, you must have misunderstood.”
I took Ben’s arm, guiding him away from Medford. “Did I misunderstand the situation, Benjamin?”
He glanced at Medford then back at me. “No, sir.”
“It’s time for you to leave, Medford, and if I ever see you near Benjamin again, you’ll lose a lot more than an opportunity to exploit my free bar for the evening.”
The asshole’s mouth dropped open, and he sputtered. “I don’t understand. I was simply—”
“Thinking you could take advantage of my employee.”
He looked between the two of us. “I didn’t know your employees got such special treatment.”
“I don’t consider ensuring the safety of my employees special treatment.”
“He propositioned me, then changed his mind. He’s the one you should be angry with, especially if he’s such a special little pet.”
Fury consumed me, and I punched the bastard hard enough to send him sprawling. I drew back my fist to hit him again as he struggled to his knees, but a hand around my arm stopped me.
“Miles, don’t.” I turned toward Ben. The color was gone from his face, and instantly nothing mattered more than him.
Security guards arrived seconds later. I turned to them, and Ben keep his hold on me. “Get this scum out of here. If he returns, have him arrested.”
“Yes, sir.”
One on the men reached for Medford, but he shook them off, saying, “I’m leaving.”
They followed him toward the door. I ignored the interested crowd that had gathered on the patio and focused on Ben.
“Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. You didn’t have to—”
“Yes, I did.”
He met my gaze. “You punched him.”
“I sure did. I might have killed him if you hadn’t stopped me.”
“Miles, I’m okay.”
“But he didn’t intend for you to be, and it’s my job to protect you.”
“Because I’m your employee?”
I chose not to answer, flexing my fingers instead. Damn they were going to be bruised.
“Do you need some ice?” Ben asked.
I could manage without it. I could stay here, circulate, and try to squash whatever rumors were flying about the incident. That would be the smart thing to do, but asking Ben to get me ice would give me a chance to be alone with him, and that was so much more attractive. I had PR people to handle the gossip.
“I would love for you to ice my hand.”
“I could just bring you—”
I shook my head. “Let’s go to my office.”