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  A strange burst of pride roars through me as Miranda slams the heel of her palm into his chin, whipping Nigel’s head back. She might be smaller than he is, but she’s not giving up easily. The jerk staggers backwards, but it’s clear from his aggressive stance he’s determined to charge back at her again. At this point I’m within arm’s reach.

  I extend my hand and clamp it down on Nigel’s shoulder. “What the hell?” he shouts, startled. Fucker. I don’t want to give him time to think.

  “You might not care about Miranda’s boyfriend, but he does, asshole.” I whip Nigel around as fast as a spinning top and throw him a dangerous look. My right fist cocks back and without warning explodes forward like a missile, busting open the idiot’s cheek on impact. Booyah. The scumbag stumbles before crashing onto his back.

  “I’m going to destroy you,” he slurs, struggling to get up. Good luck with that.

  Without wasting time, I straddle him. My punishment is relentless. I’m not sure what’s going on around me, but voices sound in the distance as I pound on the asshole who put his hands on my Miranda. Christ, he was going to rape her. The thought enrages me more and I hit Nigel harder.

  “You fucking predator. How dare you? You’re just a lowlife.” With each sentence I punch Nigel with more force. “You’re a scavenger and I’m going to make you eat every single word you spat at my girl.”

  “Hunter. Stop.” A muscular arm wraps around my neck and jerks me back and away from the man I hate the most on this planet. My survival instincts kick in. I pull free and whirl around ready to defend myself, but stop dead in my tracks when I recognize the familiar face. “Buddy, it’s me. I’m not the enemy.” Collin. “He’s down, Hunter,” he continues, placing a hand on my shoulders. “You just want to hurt him. You don’t want to kill him. He’s not worth going to prison for. The police are on their way.”

  I try to speak, but I can’t. My heart is pounding as hard as the punch of a ferocious silverback gorilla hitting his chest before a combat. I’m sweating and my temples are throbbing badly. I look down and take stock of my torn shirt, ripped jeans and scuffed shoes. I also notice the sad shape my hands are in. It takes me a few seconds to register that all this blood isn’t mine. Panicked, I scan the parking lot for Miranda, but it’s as if I’m blinded temporarily from the adrenaline pumping through my body.

  “Col—” I start, but stop, out of breath.

  “Take it easy, Hunter. No rush.”

  He doesn’t understand. I need to see Miranda. I need to make sure she’s not injured—that she’s safe. “Where is she?” I pant with difficulty.

  “She’s okay, buddy. You saved her. She’s right over there with my brother.”

  Huh? I quickly glance up and follow Collin’s pointed finger until I can finally see her. She’s sitting on the hood of her car, her legs pulled up, her face pale and covered with tears. Shane has her wrapped up in his arms. They’re flanked by two security guards. Thank God. It’s also at that moment that I realize a couple more men in uniform are hovering over the predator who tried to harm Miranda. For a few long seconds I fear I might have killed Nigel, but when the security guards pull him to his feet, he moans. It’s clear from the deep low grunt and the pitiful state of his face that he’s in a lot of pain. Good.

  “I need to go to her,” I announce as if Collin would stop me. I take a step, but falter.

  “Careful,” Collin shouts before reaching out to me to prevent me from falling.

  “Fuck,” I grumble. I’m consumed with so many emotions now, my body is struggling to function normally. I take a deep breath and try again. As I approach Miranda, Shane and the two guards step aside without me having to ask. She unfolds her legs and it’s only then I notice that her shirt is ripped apart. She’s clinging the front with shaking hands. That sack of horse shit. For one quick second, I consider going back after Nigel, but Miranda needs me. I’m sure the LAPD will take good care of him. I bend my knees and reach out for her, but stop when I see all the blood again. I wipe my hands on the back of my white shirt and when I’m satisfied with their appearance, I cup her trembling face with my shaky hands. Shit, my heart is still beating so fast. She lifts her eyes to me and opens her mouth to speak, but instead she starts bawling uncontrollably. Her features are deformed by what I suspect is extreme fear and the anguish that follows. “Sweetie, it’s over. Shh, baby. It’s okay. I’m here.” She nods nervously. “Did he hurt you?” She moves her head against my chest, but I can’t tell if it’s a yes or no. “Miranda, answer me, please.”

  She tilts her head back until her sad eyes meet mine. “My—” Her voice becomes drowned out by the roaring sirens fast approaching. It must be the police. Red lights flash against the buildings. A single warning siren sounds as the ambulance comes charging down before parking near the entrance. Blue and red lights follow. The police stop close to where six people stand in a cluster around another car parked not far from Miranda’s. Where did these people come from? A group of LAPD officers jump out of both vehicles and Shane walks over to meet them. Miranda takes a deep breath in and speaks again. “My wrists, the back of my head and my jaw. It hurts,” she whispers.

  I ask a question I’ve been dreading. “What about your shirt? Did he touch you inappropriately?”

  She shakes her head. “I was trying to get away and he was intent on keeping me prisoner. It ripped.”

  “Okay.” I nod, feeling a lot calmer.

  “I fought him as much as I could,” she adds, blinking up at me.

  I exhale a little laugh. “I saw that.”

  “I didn’t want him to kiss me. He surprised me once, but I wasn’t going to let it happen again.” Her words make me want to finish the job I started when I was punching Nigel’s head against the concrete.

  “You did good, sweetie.”

  “I would’ve chosen death over…”

  My chest tightens. She doesn’t finish her sentence. In many ways, I’m grateful she doesn’t. I don’t need to replay that scene in my head.

  “Shh, don’t say stuff like that.” At this point, I’m no longer sure who I’m trying to calm down—her or me?

  She grabs hold of my hands and squeezes tight. She opens and closes her mouth a few times before anything comes out. She releases a halting breath and the words finally come out. “Ni—He… He…” She’s shaking like a leaf. It’s killing me to see her like this.

  “There’s no rush, sweetie. Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.” I do my best to console her.

  “I… I’d never let… him touch me. I’m… I’m…” she stutters, and then she loses the battle against restraint. A loud sob rips out of her. It’s so heavy, she can’t even finish her sentence. Christ. Her words tear me up inside. She snakes her arm behind my neck, pulls me closer and slams her body against mine. She’s holding me so tight, I can barely breathe. It’s as if she’s holding on for dear life. I wouldn’t dare move a muscle. We can stay like this all night long if that’s what it takes.

  After a few minutes, I pull away from her. I angle my head so I can meet her eyes. I know she’s dealing with a lot right now, but I want to make sure she hears what I’m about to say. “I feel like I failed you in so many ways.” Guilt squeezes my gut and my imagination runs rabid with thoughts of how terrified she must’ve been.

  She draws her eyebrows together and pinches her lips. She sweeps back long strands of her hair hanging loose around her face, which were most likely pulled free of her ponytail while she was fighting Nigel. “Why would you say that? You saved me,” she whispers.

  “I never liked the guy. I never trusted him. I hated the idea that you were working with him. Do you remember what I told you about my meeting with Guy Atchison?” She nods. “Shane told me Guy talked to a few of the executives. He felt it was important to warn them about the language Nigel was using in reference to you. I just wanted to rip Nigel’s tongue out. I held back because I didn’t want to meddle with your job. I didn’t think it was appropriate. I regret it n
ow. I should’ve sent Nigel a strong message when that shit came out of his mouth. I should’ve made it clear he had no business even looking at you the way he was, let alone talking about you in that way. Maybe if I had stepped up… this would’ve never happened.”

  “You’re being silly.” She attempts a weak smile. “How could you have known?”

  “I always go with my gut. In this case, I didn’t and it cost you.”

  “Hunter—”

  Two hands land on my back at the same time, cutting Miranda off midsentence. I look on either side of me. The Dennison brothers are standing behind me.

  Standing to my right, Shane releases a long breath before speaking. “I’m sorry this happened to you, Miranda.”

  “Thanks for saying that, but it’s not your fault.”

  “How are you holding up?”

  “So-so.”

  “Of course. Does anything hurt?” Shane asks.

  “I’m bruised, but nothing is broken.”

  “That’s good news. The ambulance is here and the paramedics want to look at you. You’ve been to hell and back. Hunter, the cops want to talk to you. They’ll talk to Miranda once she’s been checked over.”

  Miranda’s eyes go wide. “I’m sure I’m okay.”

  “No, Miranda, we don’t want to take chances,” Shane retorts.

  “He’s right,” Collin adds.

  “I can’t afford this. I don’t have that kind of money kicking around. My medical insurance doesn’t kick in before three months of work,” she says nervously.

  “Don’t worry about that,” I say. “I’ll take care of it. I just need to make sure you’re okay.”

  Miranda’s eyes shift between the three of us. “Are you sure? I don’t want to be a burden.”

  I cup her face in my hands again. Her whole body trembles under my touch. “I don’t want to hear that kind of talk, Miranda. You’re mine and I take care of you. End of story. You understand me?” I lean forward and drop a soft kiss against her lips.

  Her breath shudders and she nods. “Okay,” she concedes. “Thank you so much.”

  Shane turns his attention to me. “You too, Hunter. You might want to make sure a medic takes a look at your fist.” I shake my head vehemently. “So you’re not willing to take the advice you just administered to your girlfriend?”

  He’s got me there.

  Collin leans in over my left shoulder. “Shane’s right, buddy. You need to get your hand checked.”

  “I’m fine. I don’t need medical assistance,” I grunt. “I’m more concerned about her,” I say, pointing my head at Miranda.

  “That’s your job. Mine is to look after you.” Collin retorts. “You’re not leaving here until we’re one hundred percent certain you’re not injured. You were pounding that scumbag real hard.”

  I give Collin a single nod but keep my eyes on Miranda. “Okay. Give us a second. I’ll take her to them.”

  Shane pats me on my shoulder and leans down to my ear. “You were right all along. Nigel is a savage son of a bitch. He deserves the ass whooping you gave him.”

  I turn my head towards Shane, but my body is still facing Miranda. “Yeah, I wish I hadn’t let it get to this point,” I confess.

  “You’re not a psychic. Nigel talking shit is no grounds for you to have foreseen any of this. Evil people strike when it’s most convenient for them. They don’t usually give you a warning. Stop blaming yourself.”

  “You’re right.” I pause. “Shane?”

  “Yeah, buddy. What do you need?” Before I even ask he’s ready to help.

  “Can you find something in that building to cover Miranda up? She’s a bit exposed.”

  “Consider it done. Give me a few minutes to see if the police have any more questions for me and I’ll get something for her.”

  “Thanks so much for being such a great friend.”

  “Don’t mention it.” He pats my shoulder one last time before turning on his heel. His brother follows not far behind.

  Once Shane and Collin walk away, I focus on Miranda again. I bend my knees, bringing my gaze level with hers. I slide my hands behind her neck and massage.

  “Ouch.” She winces and groans.

  “Shit. I’m sorry, sweetie.” I jerk away, rage boiling the blood in my veins. Fucking Nigel Warner.

  She catches me by the wrists. “Don’t let go of me.” Her eyes water and her bottom lip trembles again. I swallow hard. “I… I need you.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m here.”

  Her hands fist my shirt, dragging me closer as she leans into me. She’s not crying anymore. Thank God. What happens next leaves me speechless. “I’m yours.” She whispers the words into my ear over and over and over again.

  After a few long minutes of listening to her chant like that, I’m able to speak again. I whisper back in her ear, “You’re mine and I’m all yours, sweetie.” She doesn’t stop. She keeps repeating those same words.

  For the first time since approaching her, I realize my heart rate has returned to normal levels, but hearing her confession raises my adrenaline again. Jesus Christ. Her confession wraps around my heart. I swear if it were to expand any more in my chest, it would burst wide open. I never want to let her go. I can’t. I love her too much.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Miranda

  This is a night I hope to forget as soon as humanly possible. Nigel attacked me like a ferocious beast. He was remorseless. Had Hunter not shown up when he did, I have no doubt Nigel would’ve taken what he wanted from me regardless of how many times I begged him not to. Never in a million years did I ever imagine he’d be capable of such a barbaric and cowardly act. I can’t believe Hunter thinks that he’s failed me when in reality he’s my hero. I will be forever indebted to him. The man I love fought like a courageous warrior to keep me safe.

  There’s so much going on around us—people, loud sounds and flashing lights. I embrace Hunter tightly. The closeness allows me to pretend, even for a brief moment, that it’s only the two of us. After chanting the words “I’m yours” until I'm out of breath, I just hold on to him with my eyes closed.

  After a few minutes Hunter gently pulls away from me before standing up straight. He holds out his hand to me. “Let’s go, sweetie. We need to get you checked out. Can you stand up?”

  I nod. “Yes.” I grasp his hand and slide down the hood of my car. My legs are wobbly and immediately Hunter grabs me by the waist and holds me closer to his body.

  Someone calls out my name. Both Hunter and I turn around at the same time.

  “Miranda!”

  Oh, my God. “Mr. Holland? What are you doing here?” I ask, letting go of Hunter and taking a few steps forward.

  “Shane texted me. I was having dinner with some friends not far from here. I got here as fast as I—” Mr. Holland stops talking and his mouth gapes open as his eyes shift down to my chest. I gather the fabric of my torn shirt a little bit more, conscious that there’s not much I can do to hide the obvious. “Jesus Christ, your shirt. Did that monster hurt you?”

  “It ripped during the fight and most of the buttons popped off,” I simply say.

  “Are you okay? God, that’s the wrong choice of words. Clearly you’re not.” Mr. Holland looks as concerned as Shane, Collin, the security guards and Hunter do.

  “Thanks for asking. I’m not in great shape, but he didn’t have time to harm me as much as he could’ve.”

  “I’m so deeply sorry this happened to you. I’m devastated that someone we trusted crossed the line so callously. You can rest assured I’ll deal with Nigel Warner. He won’t like what’s coming to him.” While Mr. Holland responds, I notice from the corner of my eyes that a group of employees are huddled nearby. Great. Now they show up.

  “I really appreciate you saying that. I was frightened and I feared for my…” I can’t go on. Hunter clears his throat and I’m reminded that he’s just standing there. “Mr. Holland, may I introduce you to Hunter Evans.”

  Hunter
approaches and stands right next to me. He reaches out a hand to introduce himself. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Holland.”

  “You’re the boyfriend?”

  How did he know?

  “Yes, sir, that would be me,” Hunter answers with such certainty my heart skips a beat. “Shane is inside looking for something to cover her up with.”

  “Hunter, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Please call me Gary. That’s good news. Shane can always get one of the coats the sous-chefs and apprentices wear on the show. We have a full room of them.” Mr. Holland waves his finger at the building behind us to drive home his point. “I’m sorry we meet under these circumstances.”

  “Gary, I couldn’t have said it better. I’m also sorry our first introduction is marred with such ugliness. This is going down as one of the worst days of my life—and one of the best ones as well… because she’s safe.” Hunter wraps his arm around me and I let myself collapse against his body. Any other time I’d be very hesitant to display such affection in front of an executive at the company I work for, but there’s nothing ordinary about this day.

  “I’m sure you must know I’m one of the executives at the network who brought Nigel over.” Hunter nods. “Clearly the worst decision of my career.” Mr. Holland’s face contorts in what I can only assume is disgust. “Guy’s told me about you.” Ah, now I get it. “He also forewarned me about his concern over the stuff that was coming out of Nigel’s mouth. I thought we had dealt with him.”

  “What do you mean?” I’m as puzzled as Hunter is.

  “I wasn’t impressed with the story Guy shared about his encounter with Nigel at 100 Miles. I summoned Nigel to my office first thing Monday morning and sat down with him. Jim Crowell, the other executive behind the show idea Nigel and Riley are working on, was also part of this meeting, along with my assistant. I wanted to make sure this wasn’t a two-way conversation that might get misinterpreted. In other words, I wanted witnesses. I had a very long talk with Nigel and I explained how things worked in America. He assured me he would change his ways. After our meeting, I sent him an email summarizing our discussion. I even copied in his boss in the UK for good measure. I thought he’d get the message and back off. I was wrong,” Mr. Holland says before glancing in Nigel’s direction.