Page 13 of The Stranger

Obsessed.

That’s the same word I would use to describe what I feel for him. And I get it. I get what he’s trying to say because I feel it, too.

“Come home with me, Tyler. Make me remember this night forever.”

Tyler’s eyes darken, his gaze dropping to my mouth. My body lights up, and the need to have him inside me overrides any other thought. If he takes me here on the dance floor, I won’t even say no. That’s how desperate I am for him.

“Happy birthday, my love! Why the hell did you start without me?”

My thoughts blank as I hear Martin bellowing from the doors, his speech slurring. Tyler and I both swing our gazes at him, and my stomach drops.

No, no, no.

Martin is a mess. His tie is loose, his white shirt has a brown stain, and he’s carrying a bottle of Jack Daniels, waving it around as he sways unsteadily on his feet. Behind him are familiar faces—four of his best friends from his college fraternity days.

He staggers toward me, knocking over a few chairs, forcing some of my guests to give him a wide berth and steer away.

He stops a few steps away from us, a glazed look in his eyes, flush on his cheeks. I’ve never seen Martin like this. He hates looking anything less than perfect in front of everyone. I feel bad, but not really.

Martin burps loudly and raises the glass. As he does so, Tyler moves his massive body in front of me, protectively draping one arm over me.

Even in his drunken state, Martin registers Tyler’s movement. His eyes narrow as he flicks his piercing gaze from Tyler to me. The unflinching stare is intimidating the heck out of me, even if I did nothing wrong to him. I had every right to break up with him and turn down his marriage proposal. I refuse to be shamed for following my heart. It’s my life, after all.

“What are you doing here dancing with my fiancée?” He doesn’t give Tyler a chance to respond, turning to me instead. “Baby,happy birthday! I’ll give you your gift later. Come on. Give me a kiss.”

The entire hall is so quiet, I can hear a pin drop. Everyone holds their collective breaths, and I know, without a shadow of a doubt, some of those ladies huddled in one corner are excited to share this bit of drama with everyone in our circle.

Martin takes one step, and Tyler fully covers me. I can’t see Martin anymore, but I can’t deny how safe it makes me feel with Tyler protecting me like this.

“Stay out of this, you piece of shit. You don’t even belong here.”

Martin must have made another move because the next thing I knew, I heard a hollow thud. I take a peek over Tyler’s arm and see Martin sprawled on the floor, clutching the bottle to his stomach.

“Maura, stay back.” Tyler’s voice takes on a different tone, and I do as he asks, almost jumping in surprise when Mom’s hands reach for me to pull me between her and Dad. “Just leave, man. It’s Maura’s birthday.”

“Who the fuck do you think you are? You’re just someone she picked up to piss me off!” Martin’s friends help him stand, and the moment he does, he rears his arm back and tries to clock Tyler. Tyler catches it in his fist and shoves Martin back.

I can’t watch anymore, so I sit on the nearest chair and cover my ears, willing everything to stop. Sounds of fists hitting flesh, grunts, and groans make me want to scream.

This is a nightmare. Why is nobody calling the guards? Why is no one stopping them? God, please don’t let them hurt Tyler. Please, please, please.

“I’m gonna fucking sue you to hell and back, asshole. I’ll make sure you’re left with nothing!” Martin’s voice booms.

I finally get the courage to look up, and what I see confuses me. The other guys, including Martin, are scattered on the floor with varying degrees of injuries—cuts, bleeding noses, swollen eyes.

But Tyler.

Tyler is standing over them, and he’s not even breathing hard.

“Try it, Martin. You forgot all the CCTV cameras around the lobby and inside this very room. You sue him, I’ll sue you right back. I bet your dad won’t be too happy about that.” Dad stands beside Tyler, one hand on Tyler’s shoulder.

Martin looks like he’s just been slapped. “You’re siding with him? He stole Maura from me! He’s a fucking nobody!”

“He didn’t.” I let go of Mom’s hand and move closer to Tyler’s other side. “I broke up with you and refused your marriage proposal. Stop blaming everyone but yourself. You can never see past your own selfish needs.”

“Shut the fuck up, Maura,” Martin hisses.

Tyler takes one step toward him, but Dad puts a hand to stop Tyler. “Tell my daughter to shut up and use that tone on her again, Martin, and it’s going to be my fist on your cheek.”

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