Page 102 of Truck Off

My hand immediately covers it. It hurts and I’m sure I’m going to have one hell of a bruise with how hard he pressed against me, but it must be bad if he can already see it with all my tattoos.

“Charlie. That’s what happened.”

“Do I need to arrest him?” Ricky asks.

“No,” I say at the same time Chase says, “Yes.”

Chase’s nostrils flare and his eyes go wide. Ricky shakes his head. “Well, which is it? You gonna press charges? If you are, I’ll take him in.”

“No, I’m not pressing charges.” Chase objects, but I hold my hand up. Then I step close to Charlie. Close enough that he and Chase are the only ones that can hear me. “Not this time. But you touch me again, and you will pay a price that I can guarantee you are not willing to pay. Same goes for Hannah.”

“You don’t get to tell me what I can and cannot do with my wife,” he says through gritted teeth.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

With one last growl, he crawls to his feet and stalks to his car. No one says a word until his car is out of sight.

“Mind tellin’ me what happened?” Ricky says, finally breaking the silence.

“I think he beats Hannah,” I whisper. I feel their eyes on me. “I don’t have proof, but she’s scared of him. She flinches every time he’s near. Sometimes she winces like she’s in pain when she shifts in a chair, and at others, I swear I can see hints of bruises hidden under a thick layer of makeup.”

“Well, fuck.” Ricky groans. “I’ll drive by their house tonight and check on her. Make sure she’s okay. Won’t leave until I see her.”

When I look over at Chase, there’s a look in his eyes that I can’t quite read. Like he’s lost in some deep, far-off thought.

I place my hand on his arm and give it a gentle squeeze. “I’m okay. I promise.”

He shakes his head and pulls me into his arms. “Come on. Let’s get you home.”

For once, I don’t argue with him. I don’t insist on driving myself home even though my car is here. I give in to him and let him lead me to his truck. I’ll worry about getting my car later.

After what just happened, he needs this. Hell, I need it too. Being in his arms sounds good and safe. It’s the only place I want to be.

Chapter 24

It’s not a fucking request. It’s a demand

Chase

Lina doesn’t say a word as I walk her to my truck. I don’t say anything as I help her up and shut the door behind her. Hell, neither of us speak as I pull out of the parking lot and head toward the highway.

Lord knows, I’m too amped up to control my words right now. There are no words to describe the anger and emotional rage pulsing through me when I saw Charlie’s hands on her.

He was hurting her, and for that, I wanted to kill him.

I don’t know what I would’ve done if she hadn’t stopped me. Part of me is glad she did. Ricky was there. No matter how wrong Charlie was in his actions tonight, nothing good would’ve happened to me if I beat the shit out of a man in front of law enforcement. I’m damn lucky Ricky didn’t arrest me after I kicked Charlie in front of him.

But then there’s a part of me that’s still boiling over with so much pent-up rage over how I found them that I wish I took a swing at him. Just one. My fist connecting with his jaw would bring me so much satisfaction. That would’ve taught him a lesson he’d never forget.

Then again, with Charlie’s money and power, he’d find a way to make me pay for taking a swing. There’s still a chance I’ll pay for that kick.

That’s tomorrow’s problem. Right now, I need to take care of my girl.

It isn’t until it becomes clear that I’m driving her to my apartment that she finally speaks. “Chase, I need to go home.”

I shake my head. “You’re staying with me tonight.”

“I can’t. I need to check on my dad.” Her voice is so much gentler than what I’m used to hearing from her when she doesn’t want to do something I want, and it catches me off guard.

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