“How about I give you a little suggestion, limp dick? Stay the fuck away from her or next time I’ll break more than your fucking nose. Got it?”
He doesn’t get it. The guy has spirit. I give him that much. His technique though is shit, and after a wild swing that sends him toppling over, I kick him in the ribs a few times.
He gets back to his feet, fists up and spoiling for a fight. “Fuck you.”
He’s not worth the effort, but the asshole refuses to back down. “No, fuck you.”
Two jabs, an uppercut, and a well-placed body shot that took the air from his lungs, and the guy is ready to back down. “Something else to say, dick breath?”
He shakes his head and glances at McKenna. “Take her. Bitch isn’t worth it, anyway.”
“Now that just pisses me off.” I throw another uppercut, and he topples backward onto the dance floor, staying there like a man who doesn’t want to die tonight. I turn to find McKenna staring at my bloody knuckles and her semi-conscious dance partner with wide hazel eyes, shock written all over her face.
She shakes her head and takes a step back.
“Jesus.” I roll my eyes. “I’m not going to hurt you, McKenna.” But I sure as shit would take control of the situation by any means necessary.
“I’m not going anywhere with you. How’d you get in here, anyway?”
“I got in.” I close the gap between us and cross my arms. “Now, do you want to do this the easy way or the hard way? I’m good either way.”
“Don’t threaten me.” She pokes me in the chest, and I take advantage of her nearness, grabbing her wrist and using it to leverage her over one shoulder. “Put me down!”
“You made this choice, McKenna, not me. Remember that.” I carry her over my shoulder while she’s kicking and screaming and spitting out threats every few feet.
“Okay, fine,” she says on a resigned exhale. “I’ll behave.”
“I know because you’re not going anywhere.”
I give her ass a smack and laugh at the fake outrage of her gasp. “We need to get your friend.”
Willow is sitting in the VIP section, eyeing the dance floor and sipping what appears to be water. Her blue eyes widen when she takes in me and then McKenna across my shoulder. “Everything all right?”
“Yeah. You ready to head out?” I can’t let this chick drive at all, never mind, let her drive alone. “Hang on.” I shoot off a quick text with one hand and slide the phone back into my pocket.
“Is this for real?” Willow directs the question my way, and I nod.
“Yes, it’s for real. You knew Grace, so you might be in danger, too. I’ll make sure you get home safely.”
She nods. “Thanks.”
“Don’t thank him for being a high-handed neanderthal!” McKenna’s small fists pound my back angrily.
“High-handed?” I ask.
She laughs. “So, you agree with the Neanderthal part? Typical.” She lets out a squeal when I give her ass another smack. “Stop doing that.”
“I’m doing that high-handed thing you accused me of,” I answer with a smile she can’t see.
A low grunt escapes and McKenna bites me. “You’re an asshole, Mark, do you know that?”
“I may have heard it a time or two. Your point?”
“My point is, put me down right now.”
I nod for Willow to follow me, and I weave through the outer edge of the dance floor, heading toward the door. I step out just as the familiar roar of Joaquin’s bike comes to a stop in the parking lot. “Come on.”
Joaquin smiles as I approach. “Need some help?”
I nod. “Joaquin, this is Willow. She needs to get home safely.”
“Beautiful Willow, you ever been on the back of a bike before?”
She nods, practically salivating. “Nice bike. I’d prefer more power, but this is nice too.”
Surprise flashes in the prospect’s eyes just before he puts a dramatic hand to his chest.
“Oh shit, Ace, I think I’m in love. Come on Blue Eyes, I’ll show you how much power this thing has.”
“Can I drive?”
He laughs. “Not on your life, Blue Eyes. Hop on and hold on tight.” Another moment or two of friendly banter, and they take off into the night.
“You can take me to my car.”
“I can,” I agree. “But that ain’t happening.” I give her ass another smack, enjoying entirely too much that squeal that’s half-shock and half-arousal. “You’re coming with me.”
She shakes her head as if that alone will stop me from keeping her safe. “I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because,” she begins, eyes darting around the parking lot in search of a good excuse. “Because I have to pee.”
My lips twitch at McKenna’s behavior. At times she’s this stuck-up broad who thinks the world is beneath her, and then at other times, like now, she’s just a big kid throwing a tantrum.
I don’t say anything when she stomps off back toward the club. I just follow her quietly. She sighs and rolls her eyes at the doorman; the stuck-up girl returns.