Page 16 of The Build Up

Butstill…

I stare at him in disbelief. Whoisthis zen-like stranger?

At last, it’s almost our turn.

The kind old lady in the breezy linen dress orders her lemon gelato in a cup. She smiles as the server thanks her for paying for the young woman who experienced trouble with her credit chip.

I get it. I’m sure it happened to me more than a few times when I was younger.

As the old lady makes to leave, she glares at us.

What?

Well, maybe she isn’t always so kind.

“You people should bugger off back to where you came from,” she hisses under her breath, staring daggers at Tarak for a split-second.

Then, she attempts to scurry away, trying to have the last word.

White-hot anger surges through me. Howdareshe?

Without thinking, I chase after her. “Excuseme? What did you say?”

I cut her off before she reaches the exit. People are staring, but I don’t care.

Anger surges through me, white-hot, obliterating all sense of reason.

All I can think of is how damn disrespectful she was toward my husband for nothing other than the fact that he looks different.

“G-get out of my way,” the woman stutters.

“No.” I’m adamant. “Apologize to my husband first. That was absolutely rude and unnecessary. He haseveryright to be here.”

Bloody ignorant old biddy.

“I…” She shoots Tarak a dark look. Her lemon gelato is starting to melt. “Leave me alone. Get out of myway.”

“Apologize,” I growl, obstructing her path.

“You’re assaulting me. How dare you? I’m going to call the Enforcers.”

“I haven’t laid a hand on you. You started it, speaking that way about my husband for no reason. If you insult him, you insult our daughter andme.”

The woman blinks, momentarily shocked. Her eyes glaze over, and she gives us a blank stare as if struggling to comprehend what’s right in front of her.

She looks down, taking in my pregnant belly.

Still, she says nothing. Her expression is like stone.

I’m about to gear up for round two when a big, familiar hand drops onto my shoulder.

Instantly calming me.

Grounding me.

“Leave,” Tarak growls. “Do not bother my wife ever again, and understand that I saved your life today.”

Deliberately, possessively, he kisses me on my temple.

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