Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
“Or what?” he retorts, his eyes flashing with a dangerous intensity that makes my heart race. There’s something almost menacing in his gaze, and I feel a pang of fear mix with my anger.
“I’ll scream,” I warn, my voice steady despite the knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. I brace myself and lift my knee sharply, connecting with his groin in a swift, deliberate motion. He drops my arm, his face contorting into a grimace of pain.
“Goddammit, Briar. You hurt me,” he groans, his voice a strained mix of anger and agony.
I take a step back, my pulse pounding in my ears. My hand trembles slightly as I reach for my phone, ready to call for help. The encounter has left me shaken, but I’m resolute. Jason’s presence here, his demands, his invasion—none of it will deter me from taking control of my own life.
I scoff, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. “You’ve more than hurt me. Now leave, Jason. I’m calling security.” My fingers fumble as I pull my phone from my back pocket, the screen bright in the dim light of the enclosure.
Jason’s face contorts into a mock gesture of surrender as he raises his hands, a smirk playing at his lips. “Fine, I’m leaving.” But his eyes, dark and cold, betray his words. The air between us is thick with tension, and I can feel my pulse quicken with unease.
Just as I start to dial, Jason’s eyes flash with a dangerous glint. In an instant, he’s moving toward me with a force that makes my heart leap into my throat. Before I can react, he’s pinned me against the cage door, my phone clattering to the floor. The sharp metal of the cage presses into my back, and I struggle to breathe.
“One last thing before I go,” he sneers, his breath hot and foul against my skin. “You’ll never disrespect me again like that.” Without warning, his lips crush against mine in a forceful, violating kiss. The sensation is painful, like a rough scrape against my dignity and my sense of self.
I squirm and twist, trying to break free from his unyielding grip, but his hold is firm and unrelenting. Panic surges through me, and I push against him with all my strength. Just as I think I’m trapped, a sudden, powerful force yanks Jason away from me. My breath hitches as I see the stranger who’s come to my aid.
The beast of a man grips Jason by the collar, slamming him against the side of the cage with a force that makes the metal rattle. Jason’s eyes widen in shock and anger.
“You do not touch her. Understood? Now, we’re going to get to the bottom of why you feel you can stalk her,” the stranger growls, his voice low and dangerous.
Jason, stunned and infuriated, sneers defiantly. “Fuck you.”
The stranger’s grip tightens, and the threat in his voice is unmistakable. Who is this man? And how does he know about Jason stalking me? I watch, my heart pounding, as Jason’s bravado falters. The sight of him being held back is both terrifying and relieving. I can’t help but feel a flicker of hope as the situation starts to turn in my favor.
Before the man can respond, Jason wriggles free and bolts down the path, his heavy footsteps echoing in the empty enclosure. The man watches him go, a storm of indecision in his dark, intense eyes, clearly torn between pursuing Jason or staying behind.
“Thank you,” I manage to say.
He turns to me, his expression fierce as he takes in my disheveled state. “Are you okay?” His voice is deep and gravelly, carrying an undertone of concern that seems at odds with his imposing presence.
I blink up at him, taking in the full extent of his appearance. He’s older than me, though by only a few years, and his physique is something out of a fitness magazine—muscles rippling under his fitted t-shirt. His face is ruggedly handsome, with sharp features and a strong jawline. His presence is both intimidating and incredibly captivating.
Whoa.
“Wow,” I murmur under my breath, unable to hide my amazement. I’ve never seen a man quite like him in real life. He seems more suited for the movies than for saving people at the zoo. His rugged charm is disarming, and for a moment, I completely forget what he asked me.
He chuckles softly, the sound like a warm rumble. “Are you okay, Briar?”
The use of my name jolts me back to reality. “How do you know my name?”
His gaze remains steady, and he gives a small, reassuring smile. “Your mother hired me to be your personal bodyguard.”
“Oh,” I say, reaching for my phone and preparing to get back to work before Marcie notices me lingering. “That’s all a big misunderstanding. I really don’t need a bodyguard.”