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Jake clenched his hands at his sides.
Oh, for fuck’s sake. Could he be any more of a douche?
“I’m sure you did,” Laurel said.
She sounded more composed, and she looked so fucking beautiful with her chin lifted, staring the asshat down with an unflinching gaze.
“And I’m also certain I don’t care,” she said, leaving no doubt she meant it.
Hell, yeah, Princess!
Jake smiled in admiration. He was so proud of her. She was standing up for herself and not taking any shit. She was fucking fearless.
“Goodbye, Ethan. Sonotgood seeing you.”
God, I love that woman.
He did. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind he’d walk through fire for her. Hell, he’d burn the world down for her.
Laurel turned to leave, but the fuck laid his hands on her again, making Jake see red. Before he could react, however, Laurel spun around, and the lame-ass prick flinched like goddamn Mike Tyson was about to lay into him.
“Don’t worry, Ethan,” Laurel said sweetly. “I’m not going to hit you again.”
Jake’s hands were clenched, nails digging into his palms, but his girl… damn, his girl was a sight to behold. Confident, regal, so fucking sexy it hurt.
“You’re not worth it,” she told the sniveling asshole who had crushed her spirit back when he should’ve been the one person to protect her above all else.
Jake had more respect for dog shit. No real man would ever do that to a woman he loved, or any woman, for that matter.
“I won’t stoop to your level.”
Well, Laurel was a much better person than Jake. She wouldn’t stoop to the prick’s level, but…
“I will,” Jake growled, stepping forward and punching the worthless piece of shit so hard, the guy’s head snapped back.
He careened into the table behind him with a satisfying crash, grabbing for the white linen tablecloth in an effort to keep from falling on his ass. All he managed to do was take the table settings down with him, china breaking and drinks spilling all over his pretentious suit, bloody, broken nose, and shocked expression.
“Jake!” Laurel yelled.
A crowd had gathered. People were staring. Hell, the entire place was staring.
Jake closed his eyes, cursing his lack of self-control. But the truth was, when it came to Laurel, he had none.
He’d wanted to keep it casual.
Fail.
He’d tried not to get too close.
Fail.
He’d never in a million years wanted to fall in love.
Colossal fucking fail!
And now he’d gone and embarrassed the one woman he couldn’t live without. He’d never survive if she turned him away, but he loved her. And he’d be damned if he’d ever stand by and let someone hurt her. Even if it made him lose her.
Not wanting to see the disappointment in her eyes, but physically unable to not look at her, he resigned himself to his fate, squared his shoulders, and faced her.
