Page 84 of Unfinished

“Well, that changes now. I’m done waiting.” With a smile, I stepped closer to her.

We stared at each other for a moment and flashes of everything we’d been through raced through my mind. I was even more convinced seeing her and talking to her that we were meant to be. My hand started to lift to run my fingers along her jaw but we were interrupted by the asshole.

“Hey, babe.” Derek kissed her temple and I scowled as I took a step back.

“Derek, let me introduce you,” Hannah started politely.

“Liam Teresi, I remember.” Derek held out his hand.

My eyes went cold and I gripped Derek’s hand and shook it, “And you are?”

“Derek Wright.”

“Derek is actually from Shermer too,” Hannah offered, and I raised my eyebrows.

Did this asshole tell her that he had stalked her for years? Did he confess to trying to warn me away from her? She didn’t have a clue that this asshole was dangerous. I should have given her my file on him years ago. There was no way he told her about what I did to him in Pittsburgh. He would have to tell her why I did it. So for now I'd pretend like we never met before, at least until I had the chance to explain it all to Hannah.

“So then I take it you know?” I said to Derek, referring to our summer together. Everyone in Shermer knew of our summer together and they all knew about the breakup too.

“Of course, but that’s ancient history,” Derek said.

I raised an eyebrow. Poor Derek was already showing his insecurity by trying to dismiss what she and I shared together. He also had to be nervous that I’d tell Hannah all about how he stalked her from California to Pittsburgh.

“Or it’s an unfinished story,” I said, flashing my arrogant grin again.

Hannah’s breath caught and Derek looked about ready to try to murder me. He wouldn’t last much longer with Hannah. The more she remembered us and what we had, the more likely it was she’d realize it was only ever me she loved.

I noticed her wince and my eyes dropped down to the hand Derek had on her waist, and how it was squeezing her. Was this guy abusing my woman? I slipped into darkness ready give up my plan and kill Derek where he stood. It was a shame there were so many witnesses.

“It was good to see you again,” Hannah said. She tried to move them away from me.

“I’m sure I’ll be seeing you soon.” I kept my eyes locked on hers.

Her fingertips went to her lips. Was she remembering our second kiss on her driveway? When I said the same words to her? I gave my best cocky smile and watched the slight shiver of her body. I walked away knowing this wasn’t the end. I’d be seeing her again on Monday.

Shoving my hands in my pockets, I made my way across the room and turned to watch as they walked towards the exit. She turned her head and looked directly at me. That’s right, beautiful. Our connection will always draw us to each other and you will always feel it when my eyes are on you. I gave her a nod while thinking, mine.

“So she came here with Derek?” Bas asked me, coming to stand next to me. Rion, Archer, and Declan also came over.

“He’s a slimy one. I’m surprised she’s dating him. To be fair, I can’t see her being with you, either,” Declan joked with a laugh while hitting me on the shoulder.

“They’ve been together for about six months and he’s marked for death. He’s the abusive type.”

“How do you know?” Archer asked, his eyes darkened as he handed me a glass of whiskey.

“He squeezed her waist so hard she winced when I passively challenged him.” Bas, Archer, and Rion all stiffened next to me. Leaving marks in the heat of desire was one thing. Leaving marks on a woman in anger would sign their death certificate.

“So, Monday morning we have the meeting?” Declan asked me.

“Yes, and it’s going to be fun.”

“A grand on Derek showing up at your office to tell you to stay away from Hannah,” Rion said.

“He doesn’t have the balls,” Declan said, taking the bet.

Chapter 38

Hannah

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