Page 53 of Bound By Love

“This is entirely inappropriate. Please let go of me.”

He squeezed tighter, and I yelped from the pain.

“Let go or I’ll scream!”God, don’t make me scream.“What has come over you?” I wiggled my hand, pushing him back with the other.

He stepped back, releasing my wrist. “I’m sorry.”

“Please leave.” I cradled my hand against my chest as it throbbed where his fingers had gripped it. He was surprisingly stronger than I gave him credit for.

“You didn’t answer my question.”

Are you fucking kidding me?

“Yes, I’m with Derek.” The words launched out of my mouth, unbidden. “I’d appreciate it if you’d respect that and refrain from touching me. Understand?” I sounded like my mother when she scolded me when I was a child. She always made me cry with her “mom voice.”

Alastair didn’t appear fazed. “Let me know if anything changes with him.”

“You’re not serious.” My mouth gaped in horror. “After what you just did to me?”

“I didn’t hurt you.” He scoffed, shaking his head. “I’ll be around. Have a good evening.” And with that lame-ass reply, he opened the door and was gone.

What just happened?

I practically ran out of my office, heading for the exit. I wanted to get home and see Derek. I wanted to cry into his solid chest with his arms wrapped around me protectively.

“Thank you for another wonderful day, Anna,” Nina said, a wide grin stretched across her face.

“Yes, of course. Have a lovely evening.” I walked out the door, waving good-bye. But before I made it to my car, I spotted Brea talking to Alastair near his vehicle, and alarms blared inside me.

Alastair saw me and jerked his chin. How dare he act as if nothing had happened in my office?

I stalked over to them, ready to whisk Brea away from that monster.

“Is everything okay? You look flustered.” He snorted, stepping closer to Brea. He towered above her.

“I’m sorry, what?” I cocked my head to the side. “Answer your own damn question.”

He didn’t say a word.

“Anna, what’s going on?” Brea asked, a look of shock in her eyes.

I glared at Alastair. My cell phone buzzed in my handbag, but I ignored it.

“Aren’t you going to answer that?” Alastair asked with a smug expression.

“No,” I snapped. “Brea, I can give you a ride home.”

“Thanks, but Alastair offered.” She smiled. A glint of excitement sparkled in her eyes.

“Was there something else you needed?” Alastair asked.

The son of a bitch was so calm, it was terrifying.

“Nope, just wanted to see if Brea needed a ride.” I turned to her, taking her hand gently in mine. “Derek’s at my house. I’d love to show you the new baby stuff that arrived yesterday. Please…” I tempted her with the most massive doe eyes I could produce. “I really need another woman’s opinion.”

“Oh my God, yes! I’d love to see the baby stuff.” Brea bounced on her toes. “Thanks for the offer, Alastair. Maybe another time.”

“Sure thing. Have fun with all that baby stuff.” He waved at her.

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