Page 28 of Dating Goals
“Come on, sweetie, don’t be like that.” The shorter one leans on the bar, grinning.
The way they’re leering at her makes my jaw clench. I start to rise, but Lars catches my eye and gives a tiny head shake.
She sets down her cloth, fixing them with a look that would freeze hell. “One round. And don’t call me sweetie.”
The guys grab their beers and drop into chairs at the next table, shooting smug looks our way. The tall one props his feet up on an empty chair. My attention keeps drifting to their table, muscles tensing every time they snicker or whisper to each other.
“Your turn again,” Evan says pointedly.
Right. Cards.
But I can’t stop watching the two newcomers out of the corner of my eye. They’re laughing too loudly and staring at Anika with predatory grins every time she walks by. One of them makes a comment that causes the other to laugh and elbow him, both turning to watch her as she moves behind the bar.
Lars looks between me and the two guys, then shakes his head slightly. “Ignore them. They’re just drunk idiots.”
“Yeah, they’ll finish their beers and leave,” Colin adds, sounding unconcerned. “Focus on the game.”
“I am,” I lie, stealing another glance at the two men. The taller one is now openly staring at Anika, making a comment to his friend that produces more laughter.
Evan leans in, voice low. “She can handle herself. Trust me.”
I reluctantly turn back to the game, trying to concentrate on the cards in my hand. But every laugh from the next table sets my teeth on edge. Maybe I should just call it a night. My head’s already swimming from the beer.
Anika begins making her way around, collecting empty glasses. She passes their table, and my blood freezes as the tall one suddenly lunges forward, grabbing her arm.
“Let go,” Anika says sharply, trying to pull away.
The guy just laughs, his grip tightening. “Come on, just one drink with us.”
Anika yanks her arm free. “Keep your hands to yourself.”
My back stiffens as the shorter one grabs Anika around the waist and pulls her onto his lap.
“Don’t be like that,” he says.
She struggles, clearly furious, but he’s got his arms around her waist.
“Hey!” I’m on my feet before I even realize what I’m doing. My chair flies backward. “She asked you not to touch her.”
The guys look at me, then exchange amused glances. The taller one says something that makes his buddy laugh.
“The lady asked not to be touched,” I growl, crossing the space between our tables in two strides. My voice comes out low and dangerous.
The guy holding Anika smirks at me. “Mind your business, American.”
“Canadian,” I correct automatically. “And I’m making it my business.”
“Griffin,” Lars warns from behind me.
I ignore him. “Let her go. Now.”
Lars, Colin, and Evan are on their feet now too, moving around the table but not jumping into the fray.
The tall one stands up, sizing me up. He’s a few inches shorter than me but built like a tank. His breath reeks of cigarettes and beer. “Or what?”
The next moment happens in a blur. He throws a punch that catches my eyebrow, sending me staggering backward until my back hits the wall. Pain explodes above my eye, warm blood immediately trickling down.
“Griffin!” I hear Anika shout.
