“He’s my bodyguard,” I say softly.
“Bodyguard?” Beck looks at me quizzically, pushes away from the tree, and moves a little closer. “Now, what would you need a bodyguard for?”
Shit. I shouldn’t have said anything about it. This is likely why Falk didn’t want me talking to anyone. Talking leads to questions—questions I don’t want to answer. I should have kept my mouth shut.
“I don’t,” I say quickly. “He’s not, not really. Um…he’s just a friend. He likes to watch out for me.”
I sound ridiculous, and I know the lie is completely transparent even as the words leave my mouth. I can tell by Beck’s expression that he doesn’t believe a word of it.
“You’re full of shit,” Beck says with a chuckle. He steps up in front of me and places his hand on my hip as he leans in close. “Now why are you lying to me?”
I freeze, my skin crawling at his touch. I can’t move and I can’t breathe. He places his other hand on the other side of my body, pulling me against him. I can feel each of his fingers as he splays them out on my side, pressing his fingertips into my flesh.
“I’m glad to hear he’s just a friend though. Maybe you should think about expanding your other relationships.”
“I’m fine.” My voice is barely audible. “Really, I am.”
I try to take a step back, but he keeps his grip. I turn my head away, feeling the tension running down from my neck and pooling in my feet, immobilizing me.
“You don’t have to run away from me,” Beck whispers as he presses his mouth into my hair near my ear. “I just want you to know—”
“Get your fucking hands off of her!”
Falk is between us before I even realize it’s him. He shoves Beck backward, nearly causing him to fall.
“What the hell is your problem?” Beck screams at him. His hands come up in front of him, balled into fists.
“You are my problem. Pretty soon, I’m going to be your problem, you pissy little beta. Now don’t fucking touch her again, or I will smack your cock-holster closed.”
Jesus Christ.
“Falk, it’s okay.” I touch the back of his shirt, but he shrugs me off.
“It is not fucking okay!” he yells as he turns to me.
“You need to watch yourself,” Beck says with a sneer. “I don’t know who the fuck you think you are, but I’m not putting up with your shit, and she doesn’t have to either!”
Caesar appears between them, putting a hand on each man’s chest and holding them apart.
“Cool it, you two,” he says. “Come on, now. We’re all on edge. Let’s just go back to our corners, okay?”
“I didn’t fucking start it,” Beck says.
“You fucking started it when you touched her.” Falk steps forward, and Caesar pushes back.
“That’s enough.” Caesar stares at Falk, but addresses Beck. “Beck, go on, get out of here.”
“This ain’t over, motherfucker.” Beck points his finger at Falk before stalking off toward his own apartment.
Caesar drops his hand but keeps his eyes on Falk, who watches Beck’s back until he is out of sight. Once Beck is gone, Falk focuses on me.
“You all right?”
“I’m fine.” My voice isn’t convincing, even to me.
Falk narrows his eyes, pushes Caesar’s hand away from his chest and walks to me. He reaches out slowly and traces a finger over my arm.
“Are you?” he asks again, softly.