Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 113319 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113319 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
I’d always been one of his favorite targets for butt pinching and breast groping. When I’d told Matt, asking that Ramous not be invited places (at the very least), I was shrugged off or told that I must’ve brought it on myself. I’d almost believed him. That had been easier than the truth, which was I had no one to protect me from being harassed, and if I wasn’t careful, something worse might happen.
The thought made me want to run to Austin right then. He never would’ve allowed me to feel threatened. Ever. Hell, aside from his enemies, he wouldn’t allow anyone to feel threatened, man or woman, pack or not. He’d set up O’Briens as a safe haven for just that reason. He was a true alpha, using his strength and power to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves. He’d never asked for thanks. Never wanted fanfare. He kept people safe as a matter of course.
“Jacinta, my goodness.” Ramous’s watery gaze drifted down my body. “You look beautiful. Why didn’t you call me when Matt left you?” He dropped his voice to a murmur. “I would’ve looked after you.”
His tone dripped with innuendo. Aurora shivered, uncomfortable.
I hadn’t been able to protect myself back in the day, but I could now.
“The very idea of that is repugnant, Ramous,” I replied, wanting to look away but watching him to make sure he didn’t get grabby.
“Please, call me Uncle Ramous.” He leaned in a little closer, leering at my breasts. Clearly he hadn’t listened to a thing I’d said. “Come to my beach house. You can sunbathe.” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. “Topless, if you want. Such a hot little body should be shown off.”
“I’m going to tell you this one time,” I ground out. “Your words and proximity are inappropriate and not appreciated. If you don’t back off—actually, if you don’t get lost, I’m going to knock you onto your ass. Decide.”
I didn’t use magic. Instead, I speared him with a hard gaze and bristled in the way a shifter might. I was ready for action, and I made sure he could see it.
Even still, it took him a moment to register what I was saying. My tone. My aggression. He was used to me backing down or scurrying away, making platitudes with an uncomfortable smile. He was used to me being prey.
Now he was on the other side of that dynamic, clearly an unusual place for him.
The sexual sparkle died in his eyes and anger took its place. His lips pulled away from his teeth in a silent snarl, and a crease formed between his brows.
“I gave you a nice offer, an offer most gold-digging whores would kill for, and this is the thanks I get?” he asked, a complete one-eighty from a moment before. “You better watch yourself. I will destroy you. I will put you out on the streets. You’d better reconsider your animosity, or there’ll be hell to pay.”
“So this is why no one will stand up to you,” I said, suddenly understanding. “The husbands are afraid you’ll make good on your promise and financially hurt them. Protecting their wives isn’t worth being broke. You use your money and position to get a green light to act like a pervert. Since money is a god to these people, they just look the other way.” I shook my head, uncontrollably angry. “Well, guess what? You can’t do squat to me, and my fiancé won’t look the other way. If you value those really expensive caps, you’ll back the fuck off and forget you ever knew me.”
His silent snarl continued as he stared at me. I held his gaze, daring him to press me. Several moments ticked by, and I realized the entire front room was as silent as the grave, everyone watching the situation. I’d probably raised my voice. Maybe I’d even yelled. I didn’t know and I didn’t care. I wanted this guy to reach out and try to touch me so that I could punch him.
I so badly wanted to punch him.
“No wonder he dumped you,” Ramous finally spat. Literally. Spraying my face. “You’re just like the rest of them. Money-grubbing sluts, always with a hand out. Get a little status and you think you rule the world. But you’re still the same whore from—”
His body was ripped away before I’d even registered the familiar presence. Austin held Ramous’s jacket in two fists as he spun and slammed him against the wall behind us. He leaned into the smaller man, his aggression throbbing, his control wobbly.
“What did you just say to my fiancée?” Austin growled.
“S-su-su… S-su…” Ramous’s hands gently slapped at Austin’s wrists, and his legs dangled. “S-su…”
It was unclear exactly what word he was trying to form.
“You do not disrespect women like that, do you hear me?” Austin said, pulling back and then slamming Ramous against the wall again. “You most certainly do not disrespect my woman like that.”