I frown and before I can question it, he turns back to the road. His strong jaw clenches, a slight twitch becoming prominent.
My gaze follows the terrain as we leave town and Deacon quietly adds, “We’re eating in the next town. We won’t be as known.”
I hear his words and try to ignore the pang of regret and worry that twinges in my heart. Deacon seems annoyed at me, or maybe at the situation as a whole because of the rumors about Blake and I. I don’t blame him really, but why would he keep asking me out if he believes the rumors? That doesn’t make any sense. I’m beginning to regret ever agreeing to this date.
“We’re here,” he says and jumps out of the truck, strutting around to my side. “Let me help you out.” He sneers.
I’m starting to think there’s something not quite right about Deacon, my heart beats irregularly with anxiety.
He lifts me from the truck before I can so much as turn to climb out myself. His hands linger on my hips and when I meet his gaze I get the overwhelming sense that he’s about to kiss me. So, I quickly duck out of his hold and move toward the restaurant. “I haven’t eaten here before,” I comment, turning to Deacon with a fake smile plastered on my face.
Deacon takes a minute to watch my movements and tilts his head. He reminds me of a big bad wolf which I try to shake free of.
“Have you eaten here?” I ask hoping to get him moving, snapping him out of whatever he’s thinking. I’m not sure I like it.
Something tells me that I should just get a cab home and forget about the whole evening. It doesn’t bother me that Blake will know the date was a bust, I just need to feel safe again, and I don’t with Deacon.
“I’ve been here once before. The food is pretty good.” As he catches up to me, he slips his arm around my waist and keeps me anchored tightly to his side, his fingers digging deep into my hip. He’ll leave a bruise.
Once inside, we separate when shown to our table and the predatory glare that he has in his eyes becomes prominent now that I’m sat across from him. The moment I have an excuse to go to the bathroom, I message Kasey and ask him to come and get me. He lives the closest to this town and I know he’ll be here within minutes to help me.
I feel stupid considering I’m an independent, grown woman.
But tonight, Deacon has been giving off bad signals and my sense of flight is high.
Procrastinating my exit for as long as I can, I step out of the restroom and find Deacon waiting for me.
He grabs ahold of my forearm in a vice like grip. “I thought you’d ran out on me.” He sneers.
A few other diners glance in our direction as he drags and shoves me back into my seat, my other hand automatically reaches up to rub my sore arm.
“What is going on? What’s wrong with you? You’ve hurt me Deacon.”
His eyes narrow and then he carries on eating as though I hadn’t just accused him of something.
“You need some manners.” He grins slowly. “Stick with me, and I’ll soon have you behaving.”
My mouth drops open in shock. “I’m not going to be anywhere near you again,” I sharply whisper. “So consider this date, and our whole interaction over.” I stand and Deacon mimics me, leaning threateningly over the table.
“You will sit down, and finish your meal,” he snarls.
“I think she’s finished,” Kasey’s welcome drawl pipes in, his words underlined with anger. “Let’s go Violet.” He motions me towards the exit.
Kasey gets between Deacon and me, and I sigh in relief when I see Diego here as well.
“My brother and I are going to escort Violet home. I suggest you let us leave without any arguments, and I would also insist that you stay away from her in future.”
With a gentle shove from Kasey I get moving toward Diego and only take a deep, shaky breath once I’m in the truck with them both and we’re driving away.
“He scared me. Thank you for coming out to get me, it means the world.”
“Don’t mention it. My wife and her brother consider you family, which makes you one of us. Of course, we’d come and get you if you need us,” Kasey says, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
“Blake’s going to go nuts when he finds out about tonight,” Diego observes.
“I’ll talk to him before he hears it through the grape vine.” I shrug. “He’ll probably see you guys pull up outside, so it’s not like I’m going to escape his notice.”
“I’m going to give you some free advice about my cranky brother-in-law.” Kasey grins. “He’s stubborn. He wants you, but for