Chapter 5 #2
“Get away from her,” he said, his voice deep and steady, leaving no room for argument.
James turned to face Mack, confusion flashing across his features. “Why the fuck are you here?” James shouted.
Mack didn’t bother with an answer. He grabbed James by his collar and lifted him two feet off the ground. My jaw hit the floor.
“Holy Hell!” I gasped. James was a decent-sized guy, and Mack had just picked him up like he was a five-pound sack of potatoes.
“I don’t tolerate disrespect, especially not toward someone I care about,” Mack said.
James stumbled to the ground as Mack released his hold. James stupidly opened his mouth to argue. I could see the realization dawning on him. “You think you can just come in here and act tough? This is none of your damn business,” he scoffed, but I could see fear creeping into his eyes.
Mack looked dangerous—deadly. I sure as fuck wouldn’t want to square up against him.
“It is my business. She is my business,” Mack replied, his voice muffled and threatening. “I’m not going to say it again. Get the fuck out before I throw you out.”
“Fuck you and fuck that whore,” James snarled.
“You don’t get to talk to her like that. Not now, not ever.” With a swift motion, he shoved James out of the apartment and tossed him on his ass on the pavement outside.
I stood frozen for a moment, stunned by the turn of events. My heart raced as I looked up at Mack, who turned back to me, concern etched on his face. “Are you okay?”
“I… I think so,” I stammered, still processing what had just happened.
Mack stepped inside, his presence grounding me. “You’re safe now,” he assured me, his voice softening.
The tension in my chest began to ease. “Thank you,” I said as a feeling of gratitude washed over me. “I didn’t think he would actually break in like that.”
“I won’t let anyone hurt you,” he vowed, his expression fierce. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked again, searching my face for any signs of distress.
“I am now,” I said, my heart fluttering at the intensity in his eyes. “Thank you for standing up for me.”
“I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” he said, and I could feel the sincerity in his words.
“Oh no. The door,” I said, trying to push it closed as best I could.
“Here. Let me.” Mack pushed his shoulder into the door and managed to get it closed. “This will do for the night. But I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here alone.”
I didn’t know what to say. I just nodded stupidly in agreement.
“I don’t know if he will try to come back or not.
He’s never done anything like this before.
He was an ass when we dated briefly, but he was never violent.
I don’t know what’s gotten into him.” I don’t know why, but I felt like it was imperative for Mack to know that whatever that was with James was not the same man that I had once willingly dated.
As we continued to talk, I finally calmed down. I hated to admit it, but I felt safe around Mack—even with the dangerous air about him when he’d confronted James.
My need for sleep was finally getting the better of me. My yawns were coming faster and faster. My body was starting to feel more sluggish than usual.
“Maybe we should call it a night,” I suggested, my voice softening.
“Yeah, but I meant it when I said that I didn’t want to leave you alone after what just happened,” he said, concern flashing in his eyes.
“How about I spend the night on the couch? It’s not safe for you to be here alone.
I don’t trust that James won’t try to come back and cause more problems. Besides, your door really won’t keep anyone out who wants to get in here. ”
My heart fluttered at his suggestion. “You’d do that for me?”
“Of course. I’d feel better knowing you’re safe,” he replied.
“Okay, then,” I said, feeling a rush of thankfulness.
“It’s probably for the best.” My heart fluttered briefly before I beat the flutter back down.
I had to remind myself that he was just staying here to make sure that I was safe.
Not because he was interested in me. I couldn’t afford to think like that.
This man was going to be my boss. I needed to keep my emotions in check.
“Do you have a blanket and a pillow I can use?” he asked, a hint of a smile breaking through his serious demeanor.
“Of course! Let me grab those for you,” I said, getting up from my seat.
As I retrieved the blanket and pillow, I felt a mix of emotions rushing through me. The thought of Mack staying the night made me feel safe. I wasn’t gonna’ lie. I didn’t think James was dumb enough to try again, knowing Mack was here. Hopefully, I could sleep more easily.
As I handed him the pillow and blanket, our fingers brushed against each other, and I felt a jolt of electricity shoot through me. I jumped back away from him and his electric touch.
“Thanks,” he said, settling onto the couch.
“You’re welcome,” I replied, glancing around my cozy living room, noting how different it felt with him in it.
I headed to my bedroom, my mind racing with thoughts I shouldn’t be having about my sexy protector.
As I tucked myself into bed, I couldn’t help but replay every moment I had spent with Mack.
He was so confident, yet kind. I had never felt this way about anyone before, and I felt a flutter in my stomach just thinking about him.
“Ugh!” I needed to stop that! All this fluttering wasn’t like me at all. No man had ever made any part of me flutter.
And then there was the way he had stood up to James. Not once, but twice. I had never had anyone defend me like that before. It felt good—no, it felt incredible—to know someone cared enough to protect me.
With my thoughts swirling, I drifted off to sleep, excited for the day ahead.