“That’s what happens,” I snapped at Libby who was trying to keep up with my fast stride. “That is exactly what happens when you let locals get to you.”
“I-I-I didn’t think something would happen,” Libby said, and she glanced over her shoulder at the nightclub. “It’s respected from what I read online. I didn’t think anything would happen.”
“That’s your damn problem,” I barked. “You don’t think. You just do whatever the fuck you think is going to lead to good time.” Libby’s eyes widened. “I’m being paid to keep you safe, so I’d appreciate it if you listened to me for once.”
Abigail leaned against me while I hurried them along back to the hotel. I could feel the fear radiating off her in strong waves. I could barely see straight from the anger rushing through my veins when Roco intercepted us on the way to the hotel elevators.
“Something happen, sir?” he asked.
“Yes, and back the fuck up” I snapped. “It’s none of your concern. I have it under control.”
I guided Abigail into the elevator and turned in time to see Roco’s disgruntled face as the doors closed. Libby chewed on her lip anxiously as she glanced over at Abigail who was still trembling. Before the doors opened, Abigail’s fingers clasped my forearm. The softness of her fingers startled me, but I didn’t pull my arm away like I should’ve. She wanted comfort. Dark red marks spotted her delicate jawline and fury was mine.
The doors opened to our floor, and I stepped out while Libby fumbled through her small purse for the hotel room key. Hooking a finger under Abigail’s quivering chin, I looked at the marks left by the man’s fingers.
“Are you okay?” I asked, quietly.
“Yes,” she whispered, but I knew she wasn’t. She trembled and her eyes filled with tears as she stood in front of me.
“Get some water when you go to your room,” I said. “It’ll help calm your emotions down a bit. You’ve had a lot to drink.”
“Thank you,” Abigail murmured.
She leaned into my gasp, and I instantly drew it away when I heard Libby clear her throat awkwardly behind us. I turned, and she waved the key at us.
“I told you both this was a bad idea,” I said firmly. “No more nightclubs, okay?”
Abigail’s eyes widened. “You’re lecturing us after what happened?”
“I tried to tell you this would happen. Neither one of you wanted to listen to me.”
“What’s wrong with you? Where’s your empathy for what just happened to me?” Abigail said, aghast.
I didn’t have an answer. Concern had me sounding more like her Dad than a guy who’d want to strip her down and make love to her all night long. Shit. I wasn’t supposed to be either guy. How did I get myself into this crazy mess?
Abigail moved away from me and grabbed the key from Libby. She didn’t spare me a glance as she stalked into her room with Libby right on her heels.
I rubbed at my face in exasperation before retreating to my room for the evening.
“This trip just keeps getting better and better,” I said as exhaustion washed over me in thick waves. At this point, taking care of myself was the farthest thing from my mind as my ass hit the edge of the bed. Sleep. All I wanted was sleep and for time to pass - quickly.
CHAPTER SEVEN - ABIGAIL
“Abi, you have to let it go. You can’t hide out in the hotel for the rest of our time here.”
I shook my head when Libby grabbed ahold of my hand. I couldn’t shake it off no matter how many times Libby told me to let it go. My jaw was still sore from where the man had grabbed me in an effort to kiss me. Bruises lined my skin, leaving me with proof of Harley being right. People were fucked up and dangerous. We weren’t safe.
“You weren’t the one grabbed last night,” I said, and anger ripped through me when Libby sighed. “I’m not being over melodramatic about it, Libby. I’m thankful that Harley was there to get the guy off me.”
“Yeah, he did,” Libby said. “That’s my point though. Harley won’t let anything happen to you.” She glanced over at the door adjacent to his room and leaned in to whisper, “I have never seen a guy toss someone like that. Have you?”
“No,” I whispered back. “Not ever.” A shiver ran down my spine, one that warmed my insides.
I never had my doubts about how physically strong Harley was, but witnessing it first hand was a completely different thing. I’d felt his strength when my fingers were on his thighs, and when he’d wrapped a secure arm around my shoulders. My stomach did that fluttering thing again just thinking of it.
“My Mom says he was in the Special Forces,” I whispered, unsure if Harley was even in his room. “That’s why my Dad hired him. Makes sense right?”
“Um, fuck yeah it makes a lot of sense,” Libby said.