Page 29 of Never Fear (Whiskey Ridge)
“I-it was an innocent brush of my hand—” Marv stammered.
Bullshit.
I swung again, right as he was climbing back to his feet, using the edge of the desk for support.
“I’m sorry!” he screamed, spit flying from his trembling lips. “I’m sorry. Please! I’ll never do it again.”
I yanked him up by his collar, the sight of blood dribbling down the side of his mouth sending a sick satisfaction through me. He wouldn’t be making it out of here alive.
“I take it you’re the type of guy that wouldn’t listen to someone begging you to stop, so I’ll grant you the same respect.” I reared my arm back, ready to strike again, but thin, gentle fingers wrapped around my elbow, halting me.
“Austin.”
God, her voice. My name on those lips. It cut throughthe wall of flames forming in my mind, freezing me to the core.
I looked over my shoulder at her. “Do you need something, kitten?” There was so much concern in my voice despite the desire to beat the shit out of her boss.
She frowned, but the act was sluggish, like all she wanted was to fall into bed and sleep for the rest of her life.
“Ah, I know.” I dropped Marv, his body falling to the floor as his breathing came in thick, heavy pants. I hoped he wouldn’t die of a heart attack before I was through with him. “Stay right here,” I instructed McKenna.
I was gone barely thirty seconds before I was back and shoving a steaming mug of coffee into her hands. “Vanilla creamer and some sugar.”
Her frown only deepened, a bit of confusion mingling with the expression.
I held my palm out flat. “Spit.”
She hesitated a moment, not sure what I meant, but then she stuck her tongue out, gum on the tip, and let the chewed gum fall to my hand. I gave a quick peck on her cheek. “This won’t take long.”
Then I tossed her gum in my mouth and swallowed. Fuck, I loved the taste of her.
I settled my focus back on Marv, his large form still cowering on the ground.
At least he was smart enough to know not to move.
I let out a small sigh, as if this whole thing was an inconvenience to me. Honestly, it was, but I didn’t make a habit of not finishing what I started. “Where were we?”
Marv’s desperate gaze shot to McKenna. “McKenna, please?—”
I crouched, grabbing his chin in a punishing grip and forcing his focus back to me. “Don’t look at her. Look at me.”
His neck wobbled as he did, fear wafting off him like cologne. Or maybe he’d already pissed himself.
“How many of your employees have you touched?”
“Austin—” McKenna said at the same time Marv answered, “I-I don’t know.”
“Howfuckingmany?” I yelled, gripping his chin harder.
He winced at the pain. “The girls! All the girls.”
My nostrils flared. That meant he’d touched Brynne too. I was doing Booker a favor by ending this prick’s miserable life.
It took all the restraint I had not to tear his eyes out this fucking instant.
“That why you make them wear that skimpy little outfit, even when it’s cold?”
He nodded frantically.
