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How could he? I've never felt so embarrassed.
It took me a while to get to the bus station and I was badly out of breath by the time I settled in my seat. I close my eyes with a tired sigh, willing the events of the day away from my mind. It seemed like an eternity before the bus actually pulled up at my bus stop even though the ride was under an hour.
I let out a sigh of relief when I finally get to my apartment door. All I need now is my bed and a good cry, and I'll be as good as new tomorrow morning.
I hear a familiar voice that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. “So this is where you ran off to.”
I turn around to see Jimmy leering down at me with a satisfied grin on his face. “What are you doing here?” I ask. I’m worried he can hear my heart pounding against my ribs.
“An old friend can’t stop by to talk? I missed you.”
I almost laugh. I know exactly how much he’s missed me. I have the hundreds of texts and voicemails to prove it. “We’re not friends, Jimmy. Get out of here.”
He takes a step forward. “Why are you being so cold, Dana? Didn’t you miss me too?” He leans closer, sniffing along my neckline. “Are you… Did you sleep with some man? You've got men’s cologne all over you.”
“Get off me!” I scream, trying to push him away, but he grabs me. My heart starts to beat wildly when his grip tightens painfully on my wrist as I start to struggle harder.
“Who's the bastard?!” he snarls.
“Let me go!”
“Let her go.”
The words are delivered in a cold command, followed by a punch to the gut that has James doubling over and howling in pain.
I look up to see Damon standing over James with his hands in tight fists by his sides. He looks almost unrecognizable at that moment – no hint of that relaxed playfulness that I've come to associate with him in the past few days. Right now, he looks like a beast about to pounce.A beautiful, ferocious beast.
James doesn't stand a chance, and from the hesitant fear creeping into his dark, soulless eyes, he knows it. Damon tries to hit him again, but I subconsciously grab his arm to stop him.
“Please…” I say, shaking my head at him.
“Get the fuck out of here,” he says quietly, pinning James with a death glare.
My ex straightens, wincing slightly in pain. He sends a glare my way before scurrying away the way he came. I close my eyes, letting out a sigh of relief as I sag against Damon's body.
“Are you okay?”
I nod slightly, shocked at the genuine concern in his endless blue eyes. “Yes, thank you.”
“What the hell was that about?” he asks, gesturing in the direction James went.
"Just a guy I used to know," I answer, still as rattled as I was moments ago.
“Should we call the cops? That bastard seems mentally unstable.”
“No… no,” I reply, shaking my head. “I've already tried going to them. All they’ve ever done is make things worse. Besides, I’m okay.”
“You're sure you’re alright?” he asks again, searching my face.
A shiver wracks my body as the scene flashes again in my head. Damon must have noticed, because he wraps his arms around my shoulder and pulls me closer to him. I instantly feel safe. Reassured. I close my eyes and let his scent comfort me.
After a few seconds, I pull away gently, and he instantly lets me go. An awkward moment passes between us where he seems unusually unsure of himself.
“Thank you,” I mutter, turning away from him to open my door. “Do you want to come in?”
I bite down hard on my lower lip, hoping desperately that he doesn't decline.I don't want him to go just yet.
“Sure,” he replies quietly.
