Page 24 of Cinnamon Cider Whiskey
Everyone on the patio went silent.
“That’s not going to happen,” Austin said. “You’re not welcome here, so if I were you, I’d leave.”
“Not without my wife.” Pete inched closer.
Cinnamon gripped Austin’s shoulders, digging her nails into his skin. He could feel her body shake with the intensity of an earthquake.
He hated that Pete frightened her, taking away all her power. Men like him didn’t deserve shit.
“She’s not going anywhere with you. Ever. Now leave before I do something I’ll regret.”
“Are you threatening me? Please tell me you’re threatening me so I can defend myself.”
“Nope,” Austin said. “I’m stating a fact.” He had no idea if Brad was at home, on patrol, or at the station. Depending on where he was, it could take him five to fifteen minutes to get to Boone’s Bar and Grill. If he was too far out, he’d send one of his men. Either way, Austin needed to buy some time. The last thing he wanted to do was toss a few punches around.
But he wasn’t opposed to giving Pete a couple of black eyes.
However, he knew Cinnamon wouldn’t approve and he didn’t want to cause a bigger scene in his friend’s restaurant.
Pete took two more steps closer.
Austin inched back. “Seriously, Pete. She doesn’t want to go with you and I don’t want any trouble.”
“Trouble has a way of finding you wherever you go.” Pete smiled. “And let my wife tell me she doesn’t want to come home with me.”
Cinnamon stepped to Austin’s side. “I will never go anywhere with you again.” She inched back behind Austin.
Thank God.
“You don’t mean that,” Pete said. “Now come on, honey. I’ve let you have your little temper tantrum. It’s time to come home and put an end to this mess you’ve created for me.” He stepped closer, reaching his arm out.
Austin puffed out his chest. “Back off. Besides, you weren’t supposed to leave Idaho Falls. The cops find you here, they will arrest you.”
“No, they won’t because my little wife back there will make sure all these stupid little charges are dropped.” Pete narrowed his eyes. “Isn’t that right, sweetie?”
“Like hell I am. You’ve bashed in my face for the last time,” Cinnamon said with a shaky voice.
At least she had one now.
“I’m done playing games, Cinny.” Pete’s nostrils flared.
“Don’t call me that. I hate it.” Cinnamon wrapped her arms around Austin’s middle, pressing her head to his back. “I’m staying right here.”
“With him?” Pete made atsk tsknoise. “You think I’m going to stand here and take this? You think I will let my wife be brainwashed and manipulated by this man? That’s not going to happen. Not anymore. Let’s go, Cinnamon.”
Boone stepped out into the patio. “Excuse me. Is there a problem here?”
Pete turned. “Yeah. I’m trying to collect my wife and leave, but this asshole is holding her hostage.”
“I doubt that,” Boone said. “I don’t believe the young lady wishes to go with you, sir. So, I’m going to have to ask you to leave. You’re disturbing my patrons.”
“I’ll be happy to.” Pete smiled. “With my wife.”
Austin glared at Boone. While he wanted Pete gone, he much preferred it to be in handcuffs.
“Well, it appears she’s not leaving with you, so please, don’t make me physically remove you or call the police.” Boone shifted his eyes.
Austin glanced in the same direction.
