Page 83 of Desperate Needs

Repulsion filled me at this sunglass-wearing even though we were indoors douche had tried putting his slimy hands on me.

“Um, that’s a hard no, pal,” I said, but of course, the idiot didn’t get the hint.

He pressed against my side, the smell of his cologne enough to make me gag.

“Come on, baby. Give Scotty a chance,” he said, and I grimaced.

Who talked about themselves like that? Gross.

But before I could respond the pressure of Scotty’s body eased off me just as I heard a deeper, familiar voice growl.

“Get the fuck off my woman!”

I turned my head. It was him. Connor.

Pain warred with joy inside of me, and I grabbed the cold bottle of water the bartender handed me while Connor apparently tossed Scotty to someone else, who I assumed, had him removed.

Poor Scotty. Not.

“You having fun out there, Darlin’?” he asked, his breath tickling my ear.

My entire body lit up, going on hyper alert. I shrugged, pretending a nonchalance I didn’t feel.

“What are you doing here?” I asked not looking at him as I lifted my ice cold bottle of water to my lips.

“You know what I'm doing here, Clementine.”

“Enjoying the music?” I replied flippantly.

“No. I'm here for you.”

“Well, that’s too bad. I was thinking of looking for Scotty?—”

“Bull fucking shit. I’ll rip his goddamn head off if he touches you again,” he snarled.

“I suggest you get used to the idea of me and someone else, Connor, because I don't want you anymore,” I lied.

His growl intensified, thundering through his chest and crashing into my body.

“We both know that's not true, Darlin’. And I suggest you leave Scotty and any other man here out of this, or I won’t be responsible for what I do,” he said, and I felt the promise in his tone.

“Hey, what's he doing here?” Lucy asked, wandering over.

“It's girls’ night. Doesn't he know that?” Andrea seconded.

“Leave him alone I think he's cute,” Shelly said, grinning.

My traitor sister held out her hand, “Hi, my name is Coral! This is Aella, Lucy, Andrea, And Shelly.”

“This is Balor,” Connor said, indicating the man I didn’t even notice behind him. “I'm Connor. Clementine's.”

“Clementine's what?” my sister asked, eyebrows raised.

“Just Clementine’s. I'm hers and she's mine,” Connor clarified, his dark eyes boring into mine as he spoke casually.

“Holy fucking shit, Clem. I like him!” Shelly laughed and fanned herself.

I rolled my eyes, but Connor simply canted his head, watching me. As if a statement like that wasn't completely outrageous.

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