Page 70 of My Best Friend's Grump Brother

Oh shit.

Chapter thirty-three

Duck and Cover

Selena

Idefinitelyneededsomespace. And food. After the unfortunate interruption in Daniel’s office, I took a nice long walk to the restaurant down the street for lunch. I decided to treat myself to a bit of a lengthier break than usual and took a stroll to cool my head after I ate.

Coming to the realization that I was wrong in wanting Daniel to fire a client without hard proof of what I was accusing him ofwasa bit out of line. Perhaps a little of my dramatic exit from Daniel’s office was due to feeling a bit of a letdown. How could he drop me like that for an email?

After I had cooled down a bit more, I decided to go back to the office and apologize to Daniel. Going through the parking garage offered a little shortcut since it meant I didn’t have to walk around to the front of the building, and my heels were starting to feel uncomfortable. The sun was bright outside just a little while ago, but in typical Chicago fashion, it was quickly becoming overcast. Parking garages always give me the creeps, but today was even worse. I dug through my purse and found my pepper spray, just in case.

A few people passed me while walking to the elevators, but it was pretty quiet. When I heard the footsteps behind me, it was too late. I turned around to see the face of my nightmares.

“Marcus! Oh, my goodness. You...you startled me! What are you doing here?”

“I had to meet you here, Lena. The courts keep trying to prevent me from getting close to you. But I know that’s not what you want. Is it?”

I knew this man. I knew what he was capable of. I had to play it safe. I put my finger on the trigger of the pepper spray but tried to remain calm.

“No! Not at all.”

“But you filed a restraining order against me, Lena. So that doesn’t even make sense.”

“H...how did you find me?”

“You know I have friends. I can find you anywhere you go.” His voice was getting menacing. I took a few steps back.

“Marcus. You need to go.”

A couple walked by and heard us, and I hoped that they would stop, but they just stared a little longer and continued on their way.

He lowered his voice and stepped closer. I could see that Marcus had gotten stronger. He had definitely been working out in jail. He was much bigger than Daniel. And a lot meaner.

“Why should I go? Is your new boyfriend here?”

“What new boyfriend, Marcus? There is no one else.” I couldn’t let him hurt Daniel.

“You must take me for an idiot. I saw you two together all over social media. Do you think you can date a billionaire and not get recognized? Not to mention the pics you yourself have been posting.”

“He’s just a friend, Marcus.”

He moved closer still, and I was ready to run. Dammit, why did I wear these heels today?

“There you go again, thinking I’m some kind of fool.” He reached out and grabbed my arm.

“STOP!” I screamed. “You’re hurting me! SOMEBODY, PLEASE, HELP ME! HELP! I screamed.

I tried to pepper spray him, but the way he was holding my hand placed the nozzle right in front of my eyes.

“I just want to talk, Selena! Stop fighting. I’m not going to hurt you.”

Suddenly, I saw the couple who walked past us before pointing to us, along with a security

guard and Daniel, sprinting towards us. The couple must’ve alerted security. Marcus had his

back turned to them, but he had heard the commotion. He turned to see what was happening

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