Page 48 of His To Unravel
His hold tightens, his fingers digging into my skin. The din of Space Cowboy buzzes around me, a mix of laughter and clinking glasses that suddenly feels oddly distant. I can see the desperation flickering in his eyes, along with a mix of other emotions that I can’t decipher.
“Landon, let go,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady despite the tremor that threatens to break through.
“Olivia, please, just listen,” he pleads, leaning in far too close for comfort. His other hand reaches up to cup my cheek. His breath is warm, heavy with alcohol, as he leans forward, his intentions unmistakable.
“Landon!” I snap, jerking my head back, panic setting in. But he doesn’t stop. His eyes, glassy and desperate, lock onto mine as he closes the distance, his lips just inches from mine.
My stomach turns, dread pooling in my chest. “Stop!” I manage to gasp, twisting away, shoving against him with my free hand.
Suddenly, a loud crack splits the air as Landon’s head slams against the table.
Landon slumps forward with a groan, finally releasing my wrist.
The world around me blurs. My breath comes in shallow gasps, my heart pounding in my ears.
I look up and see Nathaniel towering over Landon with his hand clamped around his neck.
The entire bar stills, the ambient noise dropping into a shocked silence. Nathaniel’s expression is lethal, his jaw set, blue eyes ice cold and unyielding. The rage simmering beneath the surface is palpable, making the air between us crackle.
“Keep your fucking hands off her.” Nathaniel’s voice is low, but the threat is clear.
Landon’s eyes widen, a flicker of fear breaking through his earlier bravado. He struggles against Nathaniel’s hold, but it’s futile. The room holds its collective breath as Nathaniel keeps him there for another heartbeat, ensuring his point is made.
“Understood?” Nathaniel asks, his tone cold and final.
Landon gives a tight nod, his features pale and eyes unfocused. Only then does Nathaniel release him, stepping back with an eerie calm.
Air rushes into my lungs as I scramble out of the booth, the adrenaline leaving my limbs weak. As I try to steady myself, Nathaniel’s arm wraps around my waist, pulling me against him.
“Are you all right?” he asks softly, lifting my wrist to inspect it, his thumb brushing over the reddened skin. The tension in his frame betrays how close he is to losing control.
“I’m fine,” I say, though my voice is still unsteady. “Just shaken up. Can we just get out of here?”
He presses a kiss to my forehead. “Of course.”
As he guides me toward the door, the low murmur of conversation resumes around us.
“Olivia!” Sophie’s voice cuts through the noise. She rushes toward us, Tyler trailing behind. Carolyn appears a moment later, looking concerned.
“What the hell just happened?” Carolyn asks, eyes flicking between me and Nathaniel.
“Things with Landon got a little out of hand, but Nathaniel handled it,” I say, downplaying the situation so we can leave.
Sophie’s gaze lands on my wrist and her expression darkens. “That asshole. Are you okay?”
Nathaniel wraps his arm around my waist. “I’ve got her,” he says, low but certain. I look up at him, and the raw concern in hiseyes eases the tightness in my chest. I manage a small smile, yet again grounded by this man.
Carolyn’s eyes narrow, but she nods. “It’s a good thing you showed up, then. Olivia, text us the second you get home.”
“I will,” I promise.
We’re almost to the door when Landon’s voice erupts behind us.
“Hey! Caldwell! Where do you think you’re going?”
Time seems to slow as Nathaniel turns and Landon lunges at him, fists flying. Nathaniel pivots smoothly and catches Landon’s arm mid-swing, twisting it behind his back. He drives Landon toward the wall, pinning him there with effortless force.
“Enough,” Nathaniel says, his voice low and deadly. The finality of it seems to seep into Landon, who stills, chest heaving.
