Page 29 of Big Girl Panties

I rolled my eyes. Niko was also dramatic, but the invite was nice. "I will... ask her. What time?"

"Around five."

I nodded, turning to stroll toward the locker room. "I'll text you if anything changes," I said over my shoulder. Without turning around, I waved before disappearing into the locker room.

The familiar scent of sweat and cleaning products hit me as I pushed through the door. Glancing at my watch, I headed through the hallway to the locker room. I had twenty minutes to shower and change before I needed to leave to meet Brooke.

As I rounded the corner to the large open area lined with lockers, I froze. A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. Brooke's ex stood in front of the blue lockers in his grey suit and red tie, staring down at his phone."

I approached casually, hands in my pockets. "Hey, man," I said, feigning innocence. "Chris, right?"

Chris's gaze lifted slowly from his phone, annoyance flashing in his eyes before recognition hit. A smug smile spread across his face as he turned to face me fully.

"Hey, man." He leaned against the locker, crossing his arms. "I knew I'd see you again when you were ready to apologize." My jaw clenched, fingers curling into fists in my pockets as I fought the urge to wipe that smirk off his face. "No need to be embarrassed about your behavior." I allowed him to continue as he shoved his gym bag into his locker. "Don't worry. It's not your fault. She just isn't going to change." His lip curled up in disgust. "She enjoys being…"

"Actually," I cut him off, my fist clenching at my side, a fake smile plastered across my face. "I came to thank you."

"Yeah, no problem. I figured you should know the truth." Chris smirked.

I stepped closer, my voice low. "Oh, no. I wanted to thank you for being so incredibly stupid," Chris's head jerked back, "that you let her go." I felt a cold smile spread across my face as his eyes widened. "Thank you for letting this beautiful, incredible, sexy, smart woman find a real man. Thank you for pushing her into my arms."

"What the fuck?"

"And I want to make this very clear," I stepped into his personal space and squared my shoulders, "if you ever threaten Brooke or destroy anything that belongs to her again, I will destroy you."

"I don't kno…"

I bumped my chest into his. "We aren't going to do that," I growled. "We aren't going to pretend you didn't cause that damage to Brooke's café." I shook my head and shoved my finger into his chest. "You don't have to admit to it, but we aren't going to play games."

Chris's teeth ground together audibly, a muscle twitching in his cheek. The air between us thickened, heavy with unspoken threats. The fluorescent lights hummed overhead, casting harsh shadows that deepened the tension lines on his face.

"I know it was you. You know it was you. Brooke knows it was you. You were angry, and it's never going to happen again. Do you understand?"

He didn't respond.

"I'm only going to ask you one more time." I leaned in, my voice a low growl. "Do you understand?"

"I…" Chris stammered, his eyes darting left and right.

In one swift motion, I grabbed his shirt, twisting the fabric in my fist. I yanked him close, our faces inches apart. "The only thing I want to hear is that you understand." My grip tightened with each word. "If you threaten her or destroy anything of hers, I will destroy you and your entire life." I gave him a small shake. "Every time you breathe the same air as her, I'll break a body part, starting with your fingers." I could feel his rapid heartbeat through his shirt. "Do. You. Understand?"

"Y…"

"Matt," Niko shouted. "What the fuck? Let him go." He moved quickly to separate us.

"Help me!" Chris's voice cracked as he called out, his eyes darting between Niko and me.

"Matt." Niko's tone was a warning as he took a step closer.

I kept my eyes locked on Chris, my grip unwavering. "This is Brooke's ex," I growled.

Niko paused, his posture shifting as understanding dawned. "Oh." His gaze hardened as it settled on Chris. "The one who destroyed her café."

"What?" Chris's face paled as he shook his head frantically. "No, I…"

"Yep," I cut him off, giving him a small shake for emphasis.

"Hmmm, well, you should go get that shower so you can meet Brooke, and I'll escort him out."