Page 35 of Doc's Decision

I'm not usually one for PDA, but with her, I can't seem to keep my hands to myself.

She just fits like a missing puzzle piece I didn't know I needed.

As we wait for another round of drinks, I lean in close, my lips brushing her ear. "Spend the night with me," I murmur, more of a statement than a question.

She shivers, goosebumps rising on her skin. "Okay," she whispers back, eyes darkening with renewed hunger.

I smile, triumphant. "Good. Because I'm nowhere near done with you yet, darlin'." I nip at her earlobe playfully.

Just then, I notice her body go rigid in my arms.

Her face pales and she sucks in a sharp breath.

I follow her gaze to see an older man approaching us, a leering smile on his weathered face.

"Amanda?" he calls out. "Well, well. Fancy running into you here."

I feel Mandy start to tremble against me and every protective instinct surges to the forefront.

I tighten my arm around her and turn to face the newcomer, positioning my body in front of hers.

"I'm sorry, you are?" I ask coolly, making it clear this asshole is interrupting.

His eyes flick dismissively over me before settling back on Mandy. "Oh, where are my manners? I'm Tony. Mandy's dear old dad." His tone drips with false sincerity.

"Step-father," Mandy spits out from behind me, venom lacing her words.

I glance back at her over my shoulder, noting the fear and revulsion playing across her delicate features.

Shit.

Whoever this prick is, he's bad fucking news to put that look on my girl's face.

I shift to further shield her from view. "Well, Tony," I say, letting disdain color my words. "It's been a real treat. But if you'll excuse us..." I turn to guide Mandy away.

Quick as a snake, Tony's hand darts out to grab Mandy's wrist. "I heard you've been in the adult content industry. Is that right? You takin' after your momma after all?"

I snarl, ready to break the fucker's arm, but Mandy wrenches herself free before I can react.

"Don't fucking touch me!" she hisses, eyes wild. "You lost that right after what you did, you bastard."

Tony holds his hands up in mock surrender, chuckling darkly. "Still holding a grudge, I see. It was years ago, Amanda. And we both know you brought it on yourself. Always such a little tease..."

White hot rage boils through my veins and my hands ball into fists.

I take a menacing step toward him. "I think it's time for you to leave," I say, deadly calm. "While you still can."

Something in my eyes must convince him not to push it.

With a final oily smile, he shrugs. "Fine, I can take a hint. See you around, sweetie."

He blows Mandy a mocking kiss.

The second he's out of sight, I turn and pull her into my arms.

She's shaking like a leaf, silent tears streaming down her face. "I've got you," I murmur into her hair. "You're safe, Mands. He can't hurt you."

She clings to me, fisting her hands in my shirt. "Take me back to the clubhouse. Please, Doc. I need to get the fuck out of here."

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