“Oh, I get it,” he says. “This is what this is about. You finally want more, huh? Some big-city guy instead of someone stable? Well, can’t say I’m surprised, Larry.”
I see it hit her.
That flicker.
That sting.
And that’s it.
I step fully between them.
Shielding her without even thinking about it.
“You’re done,” I tell him, grabbing his collar with one hand..
No theatrics. No raised voice.
This is my final warning.
He huffs, hands raised, and I shove him back—hard enough to make my point, but not hard enough to break anything in her store. I wouldn’t do that. Not to her.
He stands, adjusting his shirt like he’s salvaging pride that never existed.
“Fine,” he mutters. “You’ll get bored of her, too. They always do. And then she’ll come crawling back to me!”
You’ll get bored of her.
The words twist in my gut. I snarl and lunge for him, but Eric has some survival skills.
He shoots me one quick glare and runs out the door.
The bell chimes.
And he’s gone.
My chest is heaving.
Fuck. I should’ve hit him. Should’ve pummeled his stupid face in.
I think about going after him. But I don’t move.
I stay where I am.
Between her and the exit.
Like he might come back.
Like I’m guarding something.
What the hell is wrong with me?
“David.”
Her voice pulls me back.
She grabs my hand, and I swear to God, it feels like I’m touching a live wire.
I face her.