Page 12 of Exes and Oh Hell No

Why the fuck do I care?

She turns, her smile tight.

Her voice is still a little shaky when she speaks. “I think it’s better I go. I’ve humiliated myself enough for?—”

“Hey, Harper. You can drop to your knees and blowmein front of everyone. I’m into that.”

His words hit me like a live grenade, sparking rage inside me.

My vision goes red.

I don’t have to turn around to know the voice.

Todd fucking Matthews.

A walking reminder of one of theworstnights of my life.

But it’s not just the past that makes me snap.

It’s the way Harperflinches.

The way her breath catches, eyes going glossy with unshed tears, that cause me to lose my shit.

Before I can think, I move.

Faster than I do on ice.

One second, Todd’s sitting there, smug as hell.

The next?

I’ve got him by the shirt, yanking his ass off the stool and slamming him against the wall so hard the juke box skips.

“You don’t fucking talk to her like that.” My voice is low, dangerous.

The kind of tone that makes men twice his size back the hell off.

Todd’s eyes go wide.

He’s terrified.

Good.

“S-Sorry, man.” His voice wobbles.

I tighten my grip. “Don’t apologize to me.” I nod to Harper, knowing she’s right behind me without having to look.

Ifeelher there.

I always do.

“Apologize toher.”

His head jerks toward her, panic all over his face. “S-Sorry, Harper.”

She steps up beside me. “Don’t say shit like that again, and you won’t be in this situation.” Her voice is strong and steady.

Pride surges in my chest, even as my pulse refuses to settle.

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