I look back at the guy I’m holding by the collar and narrow my eyes at him. “Do you understand what I’m saying ?”
The guy nods and I can see the fear in his eyes. Good. I let go of him and he stumbles back, landing on his ass in the booth. I turn and look at Jenny for a suspended second, then reach out and take her hand in mine. I’m not oblivious to the fact that people are staring at us, or that the cops have probably already been called .
I haul her out of there and once we are outside I head straight for my truck. My heart is thundering and the blood is rushing through my veins. The feel of Jenny tugging her hand from mine has me stopping and turning to face her .
“What the hell, Carson?” She’s breathing hard, and I can see she’s confused and flustered. I hate that I’m the one who’s made her feel this way .
I exhale roughly and run a hand through my hair. I was like a caveman in there, which isn’t how I typically act. I am easy-going, and don’t let shit bother me. But when it comes to Jenny I can’t let it go. I can’t let the fact she is with another guy roll off my shoulders .
“We have a lot of shit to talk about.” I finally say the words and stare in her eyes. She doesn’t say anything, doesn’t even move .
“Yeah, we really do,” she finally says and closes her eyes. I can see her take a deep breath in. She glances back at the restaurant and I wonder if she’s thinking about going back in there and making sure the little asshole is okay .
I wouldn’t blame her .
But I could have done a hell of a lot more damage to him. As it is, I’m pretty fucking proud of myself for restraining from beating the shit out of him .
“You can’t attack people like that for no reason .”
Oh, I had a good reason .
If she wants to go in there I can’t stop her, but that doesn’t mean I won’t go back in there for her .
She finally looks at me again and exhales. “I have some stuff I need to talk to you about too .”
All I want to do is pull her in and kiss her, tell her that she’s mine, that she’s been mine for a long time. But instead I curl my fingers into my palms until the pain lances up my arms. First I’ll tell her how I feel, and then if she doesn’t run from me, or slap me across the face, then I’ll pull her into my lap and claim her as mine .
Because at the end of the day Virginia is mine, and no one will tell me any differently .
Chapter 8
Virginia
“W e’ll talk at home,” Carson proclaims. My heart is thundering in my chest, so much so that I can hear the beat reverberate in my ears. My palms are actually sweaty. I have no idea what’s going on—not really. If I can believe my gut instinct, I would think that Carson was jealous. Could he be ?
Is that just wishful thinking ?
“ Carson — ”
“Get in the truck, Jenny,” he orders me, his voice carrying a deep warning tone that sends shivers down my spine. Shivers that make me feel…alive .
“But, Carson — ”
“In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not exactly in control right now. So either get in the damn truck now, or I can pick you up, throw you over my shoulder, and put you in there myself.” His gaze is unwavering. “But either way we will discuss how you left the house knowing that you and I had plans — ”
“Carson!” I almost growl, because he’s not letting me talk .
“You let him touch you, Jenny,” he barks, his voice accusing. Guilt swamps me and I squirm where I’m standing .
“He just touched my face,” I defend, and it sounds lame, even to me .
“He shouldn’t have touched any part of you,” Carson growls .
“Carson, you’re not being reasonable,” I respond, at a loss on how to deal with this Carson. The man in front of me is different from the person I’ve known for longer than I care to admit. This Carson is almost ferocious .
“I’m not feeling reasonable, Jenny. You let him touch you — ”
“But, Carson,” I start, though I’m not sure what I’m going to say .
“You let him touch what’s mine ,” he growls again and my heart stutters in my chest .
“Yours ?”
“Yes. Mine. It’s high time you accept it. I’m done holding back where you are concerned, Jenny .”
“What does that mean, Carson?” I ask, feeling breathless. I want to believe that he wants me, that he’s not just being protective right now .