Page 71 of Chasing Sparks

Twenty-four hours ago, his actions would have been endearing. The big, powerful protector looking out for me.

But a lot can change in twenty-four hours.

“Good for me. I have fans.”

“Ori, you’re a tiny woman, alone in a bar, surrounded by men who would do anything to have you. What kind of man would I be if I knew that and didn’t keep you safe?”

What kind indeed.

I cross my arms and shoot him a glare. “One whom I didn’t hire to be my bodyguard, but thanks ever so much for caring.”

He levels his gaze at me as anger and frustration replace any remaining amusement.

Looks like we’re going to have to discuss our situation-ship.

Or non-situation-ship, as the case may be.

I sigh and slide off my glasses, pinching the bridge of my nose. Time to end this ruse, so I can deal with my heartbreak in private. “Ash, it’s fine. Really. I read into something that wasn’t there. That’s on me. We’re on the same page now. So, if you don’t mind, I’d like to finish my drink. Have a good night.”

Then I turn my body back toward the screens. My attention, however, is firmly on Asher Hammond.

Hard to miss the holes he’s burning into me.

Ash leans closer, his tone dropping. “Don’t make me carry you out of here.”

I snort, rolling my eyes. “You wouldn’t dare.”

His green gaze pins me in place, serious and smoldering all at once. “Beautiful, where you’re concerned, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to keep those men away from you.”

My breath hitches, but I quickly recover, waving a hand at him. “Just go. I can handle my fan club.”

Ash straightens, tossing some cash onto the bar. “Screw this.”

Guess he finally took the hint.

I keep my gaze glued to the television, pretending his departure doesn’t twist my already tangled emotions into knots.

But then he spins my barstool around, his hands bracketing me in place. He frames my face and crashes his mouth against mine, pulling me into a heated kiss.

Before I can protest—or react—he pulls back and hoists me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

“What the hell are you doing?” I yell, pounding my fists against his back.

“Taking what I want, caveman style.” To drive the point home, he sinks his teeth into the meat of my ass.

A surprised yelp escapes me. “Did you just bite me?”

“Damn right, I did.”

“Put me down, Ash,” I demand, my voice sharp as I struggle against his iron grip.

“I warned you, little one.” His tone is more amused than angry as he pivots toward my so-called fan club. Tightening his hold around my thighs, he looks directly at the men staring at us. “She’s gorgeous, isn’t she? She’s also mine.”

The barroom door bangs open as he strides into the cold, a frigid blast stealing my breath. Then he sets me down by his Harley and steps back, a smug smirk on his face.

I yank my shirt back into place, crossing my arms as I glare at him. “This is ridiculous.Youare ridiculous.”

“What’s the matter now?” he asks, cocking his head, his smirk never faltering.

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