Page 102 of Exes and Oh Hell No

I laugh harder and harder, as I read what his crazy teammates said.

I shouldn’t be surprised how quickly they agreed to be part of the wedding since they are Ford’s teammates.

I’m stunned at how quickly they’re ready to go after whoever threw that rock through my window.

I look at Ford, about to tell him how much I’m looking forward to meeting them, but I freeze when I see him glowering at a nearby table.

I twist around to see who he’s looking at.

My blood runs cold when I meet Todd’s furious eyes.

My eyes skip back to Ford, already out of his seat and striding toward Todd.

Oh, dear God!

My heart is in my throat as I jump up from the table, trailing behind him.

He plants his hands on Todd’s table, his posture intimidating as hell as he leans over him, nostrils flaring.

“Don’t ever fucking look at my future wife again.” His tone is dark, controlled, and murderous as he stares Todd down.

Todd visibly trembles in his seat, but when he glances over Ford’s shoulder at me, bravado lines his face. “You’re gonna marry her?” His tone drips with disbelief.

Ford doesn’t answer right away.

Instead, he lets the silence stretch, tilting his head and looking at Todd like an insect under his shoe.

Like he’s genuinely amused Todd is stupid enough to ask.

Then, slow as hell, he finally speaks, his chest puffing out with pride. “You better fucking believe it.”

Without taking his eyes from Todd, Ford wraps an arm around me, pulling me into his side.

I melt against him, secure in his love and embrace.

His lips move to my forehead, gently kissing me, all while staring at Todd. “She’smine.Forever.”

A thrill courses up my spine at the proud way he says it.

Todd glances at me, but Ford snaps his fingers. “Don’t. Fucking. Look. At. Her,” he snarls, instantly commanding Todd’s attention.

His voice drops to a deadly whisper. “I’m onto you, Todd. Threaten my woman again, and I’ll fuckingendyou.”

He straightens, squeezing me into his side. “Come on, baby. Let’s go eat our breakfast.”

I walk with Ford to our table, my emotions bouncing between a thrill of excitement and abject fear.

Before I slide into the booth, Ford grabs my elbow.

“Don’t be scared, hummingbird.” He reaches out, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. “I won’t let him hurt you again.”

My lips part, my accelerated breaths falling from my lips.

“Ford,” I breathlessly whisper.

He gives me a smile that takes the breath from my lungs.

“You’re mine to protect and take care of, baby. And that’s even more important to me than hockey.” He cups my cheek, the promise in his eyes. “Nothingis more important in this world thanyou.”

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