“Us. I get us. You’re strong, independent, and capable. And I’m an overbearing caveman who insists on protecting and caring for his woman regardless of whether or not she needs it.”
I couldn’t help but return his grin. “And this strong and capable woman accepts that her boyfriend is an overbearing caveman?”
“Not only does she accept it, she loves it, because she knows it makes him feel good. She also knows it’s because he cares about her.”
“I think I can handle that.”
“Good. Because I couldn’t stand the thought of hurting you, Juliette.”
I didn’t want to talk anymore. I closed the distance between us, grabbed handfuls of his hair, and held onto him as my lips crashed onto his.
Dylan kissed me back with the same urgency before pulling away. “Juls, baby. I could hold you and kiss you all night, but we’re still standing in a convenience store parking lot in themiddle of the night. Let’s get ice cream and hot fudge and go back home.”
“You go in. I’m a mess from crying. I’ll wait in the car.”
“You look beautiful, and I want you with me. Come in.”
I didn’t believe Dylan, but I wanted to be with him too, so I grasped his hand and squeezed it tight. Dylan led me into the store, but only a few steps in, he stopped short and shoved me behind him.
Shit. What happened? Was the store being held up? I hated not knowing what was happening, but I also couldn’t bring myself to peek around him. Not that Dylan’s firm grasp would allow me to move anyway. I pressed closer to his body, seeking his protection.
“Kayla. Leo.” I’d never heard Dylan’s voice sound so cold and hard.
I could finally meet his bitch of an ex. I wished I didn’t look like a mess. I’m sure my face was red and blotchy, with makeup smeared under my eyes. I reminded myself, it didn’t matter. This bitch had nothing on me. Not after the way she’d treated Dylan. I rolled my shoulders back. Time to get over myself and stick up for my man.
I tried to step to the side, but Dylan’s arm held me in place.Damn, he’s strong.Any other time, I’d have appreciated those muscles around me.
“Hey, you,” Kayla called out. “Show me your face. Or are you too afraid to come out and say hello?”
I pushed against Dylan’s arm again, but he didn’t budge and there was no way I was going to answer by speaking from back here.
“Fine, hide behind him like a pussy. Why the fuck did you call Jill and tell lies about me?”
It took a second to realize she’d switched her attention to Dylan.
“This is the asshole who was talking shit about us? Who the fuck do you think you are? Kayla is mine. What we do is none of your fucking business, and I’m going to make sure you remember that.”
Leo’s voice grew louder in volume and intensity until he was yelling. It also sounded like he was getting closer. I was both grateful and terrified that with Dylan’s height and breadth, I was fully hidden behind him. I could only imagine the fury in Leo’s face to match what I heard in his voice. I didn’t need to see that. But I also didn’t like that I couldn’t see what was coming.
Dylan shifted his arm from my waist to my forearm, then his arm suddenly shot out, pushing me back and to the side. He held me for another second as I regained my balance, then released me just as Leo’s fist flew towards his face. I screamed, frozen in place as Dylan dodged the worst of it, but Leo’s punch still hit the side of his jaw. His head rocked back but he didn’t stop. He grabbed Leo’s wrist and twisted it around his back and up towards his shoulder.
“Fuck you,” Leo spit, but his voice held less strength than before.
“Juliette, look out!” Dylan yelled.
21
Dylan
My heart stopped as Kayla charged towards Juliette. I couldn’t do anything to help her. I couldn’t let go of Leo.
Juliette’s eyes snapped to mine when I called her name, then, too damn slowly, she turned towards Kayla. I wanted to yell again for her to move, but what if it just distracted her? Juliette leapt to the side, but not far enough. Kayla shoved her and she fell back into the shelves. A blazing fury surged through my veins.
“Don’t fucking touch her!” I yelled as I yanked Leo’s arm higher, holding it just shy of dislocating his shoulder.
Kayla smirked at me before stepping closer to Juliette, leaning in to sneer in her face. “You. You’re ugly and pathetic. Must be the do-gooder in Dylan. Throw the loser a bone.” Kayla poked Juliette’s chest as she remained pressed against the shelves. Juliette’s eyes widened, but she made no attemptto move. Fuck. Was she hurt? I couldn’t stand here and watch anymore.
I released Leo’s arm and spun him around, my elbow already cocked back. The instant his face was in striking distance, I let go, all my rage exploding out in that one punch. He went down like the spineless bastard he was. I nudged him with my foot, ensuring that he wouldn’t be getting up to go after Juliette.