Page 93 of Jael

“I didn’t have time. If you remember, Danny turned up and took over. Besides, I knew Martin wasn’t going to actually hurt you. He just needed to let off steam.”

“I know what you think, but there is no doubt in my mind that he’s hurt Becca.”

Christopher shoved her lightly as he stepped back. “Here we go again. I thought we were done with this. You said you’d moved past it.”

“I’m trying.” If he was angry with her, at least he’d leave her alone. “But it’s hard when you aren’t willing to see it from my perspective.”

“What if I promise that next time I’ll defend your honor? Will that help?”

“That’s a start.”

“Good.” He moved in close again. “Now can I come in?”

She put her hand against his chest and shoved him back. “Not tonight.”

He grunted. “You sure know how to ruin a moment, you know that? If this is a taste of things to come… There are expectations I have of married life. Don’t think I’ll put up with the same resistance.”

She waited a beat to control herself. “I don’t expect you to.”

“I have needs. You can’t get mad if I fulfill them somewhere else when you’re not willing.”

“While I’d appreciate it if you could hold back, I understand how hard this is for you. You won’t have to wait forever, but I’m not ready yet.”

“I’ll do my best, but I won’t make any promises. I’m not accustomed to waiting.”

“I know. Thank you for dinner. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

He kissed her before he left, hard and hungrily. His hands roaming over her body as she groped for the door handle, retreating inside once the door gave way behind her.

“Goodnight,” she said hastily as she stood halfway behind the open door.

Christopher sighed. “Yeah. See ya.”

She shut the door and locked it quietly, then watched through the window as he retreated. They were still a week away from the engagement party, and the more she refused him, the harder he pushed. She’d have to come down with the flu or something if she was going to survive unscathed.

Her phone rang. She ignored it, worried it was Christopher, but finally checked it and answered.

“Danny, hey.”

“Hey, I’m just checking in. How was your night?”

“After a scalding shower, I’ll be better. He can’t keep his hands off me. It’s all I can do to keep from throwing up. But he’s gone now, thankfully.”

“I know. I saw him leave.”

“You’re here?”

“Parked on the street. Do you have pepper spray?”

“You want me to pepper spray my fiancé?”

“If necessary.”

“That’s not helpful. You don’t need to babysit me, you know. I can handle myself.”

“The last couple times you needed my help, you wished I was closer. So here I am. Just in case Christopher decides not to take no for an answer.”

“I don’t think I have to worry about that. He threatened to find his sugar elsewhere if I didn’t give in soon.”

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