Page 48 of Micah

Then back into her eyes.

She's nervous.

Embarrassed.

Trusting me anyway.

Something shifts inside my chest.

Not just protectiveness.

Something bigger.

Something deeper.

“I’ll be here. Just take your time, Princess.”

The nickname slips out before I can stop it.

Her eyes widen just a little.

Then she smiles.

Not the fake bartender smile.

A real one.

Tiny.

Private.

Meant only for me.

I turn my attention to the two idiots still standing at the bar.

“She's taken.”

My voice comes out calm.

Quiet.

Which somehow makes it sound even more dangerous.

“So why don't you two get the fuck out of here before I throw you out?”

The bigger one looks me up and down. Probably deciding whether he's drunk enough to try me.

He isn't.

“Damn, man. You workout?”

“What the fuck are you asking me?”

Is this guy serious?

He throws up both hands.

“Never mind. Sorry.”