Page 72 of Take My Hand

Sure, it could just be a coincidence. He could’ve already had plans to be here tonight and this is just what might happen with us living in the same city. It was bound to happen that we run into each other at some point or another when we’re out and about.

But as the three of us exit the dancefloor and go back into our section, doubt races through me. When Hayden mentioned photos being taken tonight with the sole purpose for them to circulate in the press, my thoughts only went to what people might say about me online tomorrow. Would they question why Hayden Coleman settled down with me? Would they think I’m not pretty enough, not skinny enough, not interesting enough? Would they compare my photo side by side with photos of other women that he’s been photographed with before?

That’s where my mind went.

What I didn’t consider was Daniel seeing these photos and knowing exactly where I am and who I’m with. I mean, it’s not like I’ve been hiding from him or anything. Any feelings I used to have for him have been long gone and the more time I spend with Hayden and he shows me how I should’ve been treated all along, the less and less Daniel has even crossed my mind.

But it doesn’t stop a slow sense of dread building in the pit of my stomach and the base of my throat as we walk to our table. Hayden holds my hand in a powerful grip and as we come to a stop, he keeps me tucked safely into his side. Walker comes to stand on the other side of me and I brush his hand in silent thanks.

These two defended me once against Daniel, and I know they’re gearing up to do it again. The knowledge of that threatens to let a tear spill out, but I keep them at bay. And while it’s comforting to know I have people here who have my back, I also know I can stand on my own against Daniel.

I maybe haven’t been able to in the past, but I’m not the same woman I was months ago. My voice is strong, my backbone in place, and my worth is accounted for. I’ve learned that I can do things on my own, that I’m capable, and that this man standing in front of me has no say on who I am or how I live my life.

The women that Nikolai and Reid were previously talking to have scattered and instead the both of them eye Daniel with thinly veiled disdain.

But Daniel doesn’t seem disturbed in the slightest. He cocks his head to the side with a smug look. As if he doesn’t have four men who all have at least four inches on him staring down at him like they would love to squash him like a little bug.

“So I was right. You are fucking him,” Daniel says in greeting, pointing with his glass to Hayden.

Hayden’s hand flexes in mine, and I know he’s about to step forward and get in his face. I cut him off before he can.

“That’s none of your business,” I say, trying to keep my tone even and collected.

“Maybe not,” Daniel agrees with a light shrug. “But I think knowing that my girlfriend of three years was a cheating whore is something I should’ve been informed of before I wasted my time.”

Anger whips through me, and I take a step closer to him, shrugging off Hayden’s hand on my shoulder to pull me back.

“I never cheated on you. How dare you!”

“No? So I’m supposed to believe that this”—he points a finger back and forth between me and Hayden—“wasn’t happening back when he had me by the neck right before I quit?”

“More like fired, you fucking asshole,” Walker says under his breath.

“I don’t believe you. And watching the two of you basically fuck out there for everyone to see?” Daniel cringes, disgust highlighted in every inch of his face. “I’m just glad I dropped you when I did.”

Copper explodes across my tongue as I bite into it so hard the skin breaks.

“Whether you believe it or not, it’s the truth. I never once cheated on you the entire time we were together.”

I don’t try to defend myself further because it doesn’t matter. He’s made up his mind. He had his suspicions about Hayden and I long ago and seeing us together now is enough justification for him.

And I’m not going to waste my breath on defending myself and my relationship to someone who is determined to fit his own narrative.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” He waves a dismissive hand at me and the action of that sends more rage through me than any of his words have. Because he’s always done that to me. Brushed me off, dismissed my words, and diminished my feelings as if they were less.

Cheeks flushing with anger and hands balling up at my sides, I’m ready to erupt.

But something shifts in his eyes, as if he knows something I don’t. As if he’s been toying with me this whole time, baiting me for fun and just to enjoy getting one final rise out of me. It gives me pause and the spool of dread is back. My feet fall back a step as he averts his gaze over my shoulder.

“She’s all yours, man.” Daniel smirks, draining the last of his drink and tossing the glass onto the table at his side. He steps forward, crowding me so he can lean closer to Hayden.

Hayden’s entire body tenses, straightening his spine and guiding a hand around my hip to move me slightly behind him.

“Leave.” Hayden’s voice doesn’t betray the slight shake I feel in his touch. From barely restrained rage or panic, I’m not sure. People stare at us and between the pounding music from the dance floor wafting over, the mix of perfume and alcohol in the air, and the crowds of people, it’s starting to overwhelm him.

Daniel puts his hand up to the side of his mouth as if he’s telling us a secret, but his voice is loud and clear to the five of us around him as he says, “Just make sure you’re wrapping it up or else she’ll kill your baby too.”

My. Body. Freezes.

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