Page 9 of Salvatore

I take a much-needed breath as he retreats an inch.

“You heard the lady,” he demands of the asshole. “Apologize.”

I blink, poised to announce I don’t need a savior, but my feminism’s too busy swooning over the gallantry to voice a protest.

The homophobe’s eyes dart between me and my masculine shadow, his posture remaining rigid.

“Do I look like a patient man?” suit guy asks.

“I assure you I’m not.” The security guard steps closer. “Give the woman what she wants before I’m forced to take over.”

“I’m fucking sorry,” the piece of shit snarls.

I’d give him a one out of five for both delivery and tone. But I’m well aware the crowd around us is growing, staff are now involved, and this is the last place on earth I want to earn a name for turning men into spineless vermin.

“I think you can do better than that,” suit guy announces.

My victim studies the man behind me, sizing him up for the briefest of seconds before obviously finding himself lacking if his defeated expression is any indication.

“I’msorry,” he enunciates the apology like a sullen child. “I take back what I fucking said. Okay?”

“Aww. Such a good boy.” I release his package. “Now I know it’s exciting to be out in the big ol’ world and fantasizing about someone other than your sister, but next time, keep it classy.”

He snarls as he cups his balls.

I hold my breath, prepared for retaliation, only for him to slink away.

Some of the gathered audience laugh and whistle, their jubilation making me all kinds of proud while Allison stares at me in disbelief. “You shouldn’t have done that.”

I want to tell her I had no choice. To explain that I lacked the Herculean strength needed to control my moral outrage. Instead, I settle on, “Of course I should’ve.” And not just forher sake. I’ve kept my mouth shut too many times when women needed my help. I won’t remain silent again if I’m in a position to be loud. “Men don’t get to run around unchecked.”

She shoots a glance to the guy still standing close at my back before reclaiming my gaze. “You could’ve made your point with something that involved punctuation, not public indecency.”

I shrug. “What can I say? I’m a big believer in interactive demonstrations.”

Suit guy snickers behind me.Rightbehind me, his warm breath repeating that tantalizing brush across my ear.

Allison blinks at him, mouth slightly gaping.

I assume he’s stunning.If my bestie’s expression wasn’t enough confirmation, Lucia’s wide-eyed stare is a blatant indicator.

“Do you two know each other?” Allison asks.

“Not exactly,” the guy answers before I get a chance. “But we will.”

I raise a brow, caught off-guard at yet another display of toxic arrogance that lights a spark under my libido.

“Right…” Allison grins, all shy and giddy, her concern suddenly shelved. How hot can this guy be? “We might, um…” She waves a flagrant hand over her shoulder, her mischievous eyes skewering me.

“Get more drinks,” Lucia finishes for her. “We’ll be back.”

The two of them take off, giggling.

I roll my eyes, not entirely convinced I should indulge the prospect of company.

Okay, obviously that’s a lie. I’m practically weak-kneed for the opportunity to wave this guy’s red flag but I don’t want him to know that.

“I should’ve guessed you were bad news.” His firm hand slides over my hip, having an embarrassing effect on my pulse.

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