Page 158 of Destined Lovers

I lunge, and Declan’s arm comes quick and fast around my stomach to pull me back.

“What the hell! Let me go, Dec.”

Who does this guy think he is?

Man or woman. I would have hit him if I had the chance.

I don’t care if it’s classy or not. No one talks to my friend like that.

I barely know Annabelle from a hole in the wall, yet, for some reason, at this moment, I have an overwhelming feeling to protect her.

I get a feeling that Annabelle is all bark and no bite. I’m not sure why I think that or why she thinks she has to put on a front, but it seems like Annabelle has a lot more under her tough exterior than she lets on.

“He’s got it, Pip.” He gestures toward Jackson just as he rears back and punches the gobshite in the face. The loser drops to the ground and covers his face with a cry.

“Get the fuck out of my club!” Jackson snarls in the guy’s face. “I’ve warned you once before, you come near her again, and you’re dead.”

“You threatening me, Peters?”

“I don’t make threats. You piece of shit. I mean what I say and follow through. So get your pathetic ass off the floor and get the fuck out.”

The guy chuckles, amused. “You know who my parents are. Wait until you hear from my lawyer. Plenty of witnesses for an assault charge.”

Jackson doesn’t look the least bit worried. He looks amused as he crosses his arms smugly over his chest. “Please call the police. I dare you. I’m sure they’d love to see the pictures I can pull from the club’s security cameras, where I’m sure I’ll find you doing coke all night since I can see you’re high as a fucking kite right now.”

The guy doesn’t get a chance to respond because three security guards are there to take him away.

Jackson grabs the one in the back and does not look happy. “Please explain to me how that asshole got into my club tonight?”

“We—”

“No! There is no correct answer here. This is an exclusive club, and I banned him a year ago. You find out who let him in here and send them to me. Otherwise, I’ll hire another agency to work security, and I can’t imagine Ethan being happy with losing this contract,” Jackson spits, his face turning red with anger.

“Okay, okay. That’s enough, Jack.” Belle tugs on Jackson’s arm, and he instantly softens at her touch.

He takes her in his arms. “Are you okay, B? I’m so sorry he was here tonight.”

I think the moment begins to dawn on Annabelle because her lip starts to quiver, and she buries her head in the crook of Jackson’s neck.

He reacts quickly, scooping her up and waving goodbye as they head back toward the private exit.

“Who was that?”

Declan unclenches his jaw. “That bloke was Trey, her ex-boyfriend.”

“She went out with that loser?”

Declan nods. “Aye. Enough about him. Let’s get out of here.”

* * *

“They loved you,” Declan proudly states as we walk home hand in hand. I needed fresh air and wanted to walk home, even though my feet are killing me.

Declan’s so happy I’ve got on well with his friends. I’ve noticed a weight lifted off him.

“I had the best time. I may love them too.” I smile brightly at Declan. He knows that’s a lot for me to say.

What I loved most about them was how uniquely different they are from one another, and at the same time, they fit together perfectly.

---