Page 55 of Captivated By Him

“You’re really fucking things up with this shit.” He jabs his pointed finger into my face. “Piotr’s going to make a move and you’re going to get caught up in it. You’re gonna lose everything, you bitch.” Spittle collects on the sides of his mouth.

“Hey. Watch your fucking mouth.” Bobby steps up to us, putting himself between us. I step to the right so I can still see Henry. I won’t put it past him to go after Bobby, and I’d rather not be in direct line of fire if it happens.

“This ain’t got nothing to do with you, shit for brains, so how about you keep on walking.” Henry shoos Bobby with one hand while leaning to the side to find me. “This is between me and my girl.”

“I don’t think she’s your girl, asshole. I’m pretty damn sure she’s Mrs. Staszek. That makes her Jakub Staszek’s girl.”

While I’m not thrilled with being talked about as though I’m some sort of baggage that belongs to one man or the other, it’s not the worst thing in the world to hear about myself.She’s Jakub Staszek’s girl.

“And I’m even more sure you’re on the wrong part of town. So it would probably be in your best interest to take off before Mr. Staszek comes out looking for his wife.” Bobby’s voice deepens. He’s already twice Henry’s size, but with the way he’s broadened his arms and puffed out his chest, there’s no denying he can and will crush Henry if he opens his mouth once more.

Henry narrows his eyes on me. “We’re not done talking.” Bobby makes a small step toward Henry and he shuffles back three steps. “But I’ll catch you later. When we can talk privately.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I say to him, but he’s already turned and stalking back down the sidewalk.

He checks over his shoulder twice before he crosses the street. His brows are pulled together in a fierce pout.

“Thanks, Bobby. I could have handled him, but thanks.” I pat his shoulder once Henry is far enough away that Bobby relaxes. He turns to face me; his angry expression softens.

“He looked like a little piss ant.”

I laugh. “He is a little piss ant.”

“Kinda hot for coffee, isn’t it?” he asks, gesturing to my cup.

“Never too hot for coffee,” I assure him. “Thanks again.” I turn to walk into Katfish and find him right behind me.

“I’ll walk you in,” he says when he catches me looking over my shoulder at him.

We walk into the quiet club together. There’re still a few hours in the day before the music starts and people start pouring in. The club has grown so popular Jakub is considering having it open seven nights a week instead of five.

“What’s going on?” Jakub greets us as he walks out of the office hallway.

“Nothing.”

“There was some trouble outside,” Bobby says before I can stop him.

Jakub’s eyes narrow in on me. “What sort of trouble?”

“It was nothing,” I insist. “Henry was outside.” Better I explain instead of letting Bobby do all the talking.

“He seemed to be chasing her down, and when she tried to get him to go away, he refused,” Bobby rats me out. “I hope I wasn’t overstepping, but I got him to leave.”

Jakub frowns. “No, you didn’t overstep. I appreciate it.” He turns his heated gaze to me. “If you see him again, bring him inside. I’d like a word.”

“You got it, Mr. Staszek.” Bobby nods. “I better get next door.”

As soon as Bobby’s gone, I turn on Jakub. “Are you turning the foreman into one of your hired guns now?”

Jakub’s eyebrow arches. “Did you want to try that again without the attitude?”

“Not really, no.” I stand my ground. “I’m not some little girl who needs babysitters all over the place and who can’t use an adult tone when she’s pissed.”

“What are you pissed about?” He folds his arms over his chest and tilts his head slightly to the side.

It’s at this moment I hear glasses clanking to the left of us. The bar is being stocked for opening.

“Can we talk about this in my office?” I try to step around him, but he blocks me.

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