Page 12 of Love Shots

He was killing her.

“You don’t have to thank me, Teddy. I work here ... remember?” She smiled, knowing full well it didn’t reach her eyes. “Be right back, boss.” She threw in a wink for good measure. Maybe that would sever some of the intensity off that relentless gaze. Spoiler alert. It didn’t.

Squeezing through the crowd, Summer grabbed as many empty glasses as she could. In one very ninja-like move, she even managed to curl her body around an occupied corner table to pick up the empties settled along the window ledge.

For her fourth and final trip, she decided to tackle the area around the pool tables. Located at the very back of the bar, the two tables were always crowded. Even if people weren’t playing, it was a place where they liked to linger. She knew before she got there this would be where she would find the majority of glasses. Maybe even enough to keep them stocked up for the rest of the night.

Summer mentally high-fived herself when her eyes roamed over dozens of pint glasses scattered across the nearby tables. Jackpot. The happy high crashed and burned as soon as she caught sight of Colt though. He was already stalking toward her before she’d even gotten the chance to collect one glass. If the leery look in his eyes was anything to go by, this wasn’t going to be good.

Oh dear.

With every step he took, she took one back. She stupidly thought if she dodged and weaved he’d give up. Get the message. He didn’t. Within seconds, Colton’s hands were on her hips, maneuvering her against the wall. As he used his six-foot-two frame to shield her from sight, a familiar feeling of helplessness trickled through her. She hated feeling vulnerable. Hated that he could easily overpower her. Hated that she was scared. She never used to be like this. The old Summer wouldn’t have been shaking like a leaf. No. She would have no problem screaming in his face, calling him every name under the sun, and kneeing him in the balls. Where was that Summer when she needed her?

“What do you want, Colt?” Even her voice was wobbling. God, she was pathetic.

“Dang, Summer, you’re looking hot tonight.” She flinched as Colt dragged the tips of his fingers down her cheek. “God, I missed this face. It’s been too long since I touched this silky-soft skin of yours.” His eyes openly perused her body before returning to her face. “We were really good together. We had a lot of fun too. Remember that time at the lake?” When she didn’t reply, he carried on. “I do. I remember peeling that sexy-as-fuck bikini off you and taking you right there on the bank.”

She was going to be sick. “We’ve been over for years, Colt.” That sounded better. Stronger. Firmer.

But her newfound strength didn’t last all that long. His thumb went to her mouth and stroked her lower lip as he dipped his head, allowing his whiskey breath to sink into her skin. “All the more reason to get to know each other again. Refamiliarize ourselves with each other’s bodies. Huh?”

“I’m not interested, Colt.” Her breathing was coming out in pants now. “Please let me go. I-I need to get back to work.” She struggled against him, but he didn’t move a muscle.

Instead, he got closer, pressing his body so far into her until they were touching from hip to chest. Goddamnit. She knew she should scream. Hit. Push. But she couldn’t. She was frozen in place. What was happening to her? What had Ben turned her into?

“I bet I could have some fun convincing you, babe.” His dirty smirk made her shudder. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten what that sexy little body of yours looks like while you’re writhing around beneath me. Tell me you don’t miss me. Huh? Tell me you don’t miss me pounding into that tight—”

Thankfully, his words were cut off before she could throw up. His big body was wrenched from hers and tossed aside like he weighed nothing more than a rag doll. She felt relieved but still couldn’t move. She could take in the scene before her though. Teddy. Of course, Teddy had saved her. Summer was getting damn good at being the damsel in distress.

“No means no, asshole.” Teddy growled as he picked Colt up by the scruff of the neck. “You ever, ever, lay one fucking finger on her again ... I’ll carve you up into tiny fucking pieces and feed you to the fucking dogs. You understand me, asshole?”

Jesus.

She watched as Teddy practically threw Colt across the room. “Get your ass out of here and don’t ever come back.”

With the help of his friends, Colt was dragged out. But Summer was still shaking. Still frozen. She tried to focus on her breathing, which had somehow gotten wilder.

Teddy noticed. His hands were on her shoulders as he did his thing, assessing the situation. Assessing her. Soothing words in a gentle voice washed over her as he forced her to slow down her breaths.

“That’s it, dollface. Just breathe with me, okay? In ... and out. That’s it. You’re doing so well. Again. In ... and out. That’s it.”

Moments later, she was in the air, cradled in his big, strong arms, and being carried toward the back door to her apartment. It had been a long time since she’d felt this safe. This protected. She was still trembling, but at least her breaths were evening out. Though that also meant that it was only a matter of time before mortification set in.

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