Chapter 14
Dorothea had arrived with Carmen, but now she was stranded outside the club, phone in hand, trying to get a ride. The place was so out of the way, though, none of the drivers were willing to come.
Just as she was about to try again, someone’s hand clamped down on her shoulder from behind.
She was wearing a black spaghetti-strap dress, and the instant she felt that touch on her bare skin, she jerked away, putting her bag between them. Her voice was cold and sharp. “What do you want p>
She didn’t know the man, but his shirt was rumpled, and there were red marks on his neck. One look and she could tell he was trouble. Her face went pale as she glanced at the security guard by the door, but he just turned away, pretending he hadn’t seen anything.
The man leered at her. “Relax. I just want to make friends p>
He took another step closer, his eyes hungry and shameless. “Albert’s old flame is back in town. Why not trade up? Think about giving me a chance instead p>
Dorothea’s eyes flickered with fear as his shadow fell over her. “Who are you?” she demanded. “I have no idea what you’re talking about p>
He looked even more pleased by her fear, his gaze lingering on her face. No wonder Albert kept her hidden.
Dorothea tried to call the police, but he was faster. He grabbed her phone with one hand, clamped down on her arm with the other. “Calling the cops? That’ll ruin all the fun p>
A few strands of her hair stuck to her cheek as she shouted for help, desperate for the security guard to do something. But this was a private club. Everyone knew who Harper was, and nobody wanted to get on the wrong side of Mr. Stevens.
Just when Dorothea thought this was the end, someone pulled her back, an arm sliding around her waist, drawing her into a firm, warm embrace.
Latham’s eyes were icy, a flash of danger in them as he kicked Harper hard enough to send him sprawling. He looked down at Dorothea, her wide, terrified eyes like a startled fawn and spoke softly: “You’re okay now. I’m here. Stand back, turn around, don’t look p>
Before she could say a word, Latham strode over to Harper, who was groaning on the ground. He didn’t hesitate, his punches landing hard, each one right where it hurt most Harper broke into a cate sweat, cursing through clenched teeth. “Do you even know who I am? You’re dead, you hear me? I’ll have you taken out p>
Latham’s face didn’t change. He kept going, his movements cold and precise. The security guards looked like they might intervene, but as soon as they met Latham’s gaze, they stopped in their tracks they recognized him. He was their boss. Cóntent
Finally, Harper went quiet. Latham straightened up and nodded to the guards. “Call
an ambulance for him p>
“Right away, sir p>
Latham wrapped his arm gently around Dorothea, whose whole body was still trembling. “Come on, it’s over p>
She looked up at him, worry etched across her face. “Is he… is he going to die p>
He gave a small, crooked smile. “No. Do I look like someone who doesn’t know his limits p>
Dorothea took a deep, shaky breath. For a moment, she’d been too scared to even breathe. “Thank you p>
Latham raised an eyebrow, teasing her. “That’s it? Just a thank you p>
He ended up driving her back to his place. She didn’t protest. Her hands were freezing, and she still couldn’t stop shaking.
As he drove, Latham glanced over at her, her face pale and crumpled like a piece of paper. He couldn’t help but think he should have hit Harper even harder. If he could, he’d make sure that bastard never hurt anyone again.