Page 68 of The Need to Know

Corey didn’t miss a thing. “What you say?”

“I’m not repeating myself.”

This war of egos was too much for me. Both men were bigger and stronger than my tinier frame, but that didn’t stop me from placing the beer on my front table and going and wedging myself between the two.

With my back to Ezekiel, I faced Corey. “I have nothing more to say to you. I gave you the best of me and you never appreciated it. I’m a good woman and you never saw it until I left. You said sorry the first time, and I forgave you. You said sorry the second time, and I forgave you. And the third time, and the fourth. I’m all out of forgiveness for you and your endless apologies. Please, leave.”

Corey stood seething in front of me. His angry eyes locked on mine. When he made a move to leave, Ezekiel’s hand came to my waist, guiding me with him out of the way for Corey to make his exit.

My ex burned a hole in Ezekiel’s hand on my body as he walked on by us and saw himself out of the house.

I let out the longest breath and felt my shoulders sag. Oh my God.

Even with Corey now gone, Ezekiel’s energy was on ten.

I made myself busy, going and collecting the beer from the table to place in the fridge. “Thank you,” I said as I passed Ezekiel.

He came with me to the kitchen after locking and securing the front door.

“Now I know how Knox felt,” he said.

I bent down and stored the beer at the bottom of my fridge before turning and facing Ezekiel. “Who and what?”

He shook his head, seeming to let it go. He twisted a gold band on one of his fingers, a move to try to calm his nerves I assumed. “You cool?”

Forcing a smile on my face, I nodded. “Yeah, you didn’t have to come and do this. I’m not a damsel in distress. I could handle Corey.”

Ezekiel stopped with his ring, peering at me impassively.

“Toxic or not, he’s never hurt me physically,” I felt the need to say. Corey could be defiant all he wanted about leaving, but I knew he’d eventually get the message and go.

Ezekiel didn’t lose his resolve. “I don’t give a fuck if he did or didn’t, he has no business being here.”

Whoa.

I took a step back, feeling antsy. “I’m not used to this. Really, your protective side is greatly appreciated. Do…you need a minute to calm down?”

In another moment, Ezekiel released a breath through his nose and let it go. “No, I’m good. I would’ve come sooner, but something told me to stop and get those beers or I would’ve caught a charge tonight.”

Corey was gone and we had beer. There was nothing to fret about.

“I know it’s Friday night, but maybe we could have that Pad Thai before you go into work?” I offered. I led the way out of the kitchen, not wanting to look at him if he turned me down. “I know it’s not exciting, but I’m tired and food and a movie sound so good right now.”

“I’d like Pad Thai.” He was right behind me, sending the hairs on my neck at attention. Something about Ezekiel made me feel him without touching him.

“Meewr.”

Scorsese had appeared on the steps, sitting between two railings and staring at me. The sight of Ezekiel had him tilting his head.

Ezekiel was dressed in black slacks and a navy dress shirt. His usual serious self. “Old man” style or not, it was growing on me. Although I still wanted to see him in jeans and a T-shirt. Or nothing at all.

Together we settled on the couch and I grabbed my phone to sift through my favorite Thai place’s menu.

“Take your shoes off,” I instructed. “Relax.”

Ezekiel did as told, soon, looking over at me and studying my short shorts and tank top. “You smell good.”

I smiled as I held up my phone. “Thanks. So, Pad Thai. There are several ways to get it, but I always get it chicken Pad Thai with extra sauce, because sometimes it can be a little dry. There’s also: shrimp, pork, beef, and tofu Pad Thai.”