DAVE

The sight of her sitting there with him made my blood boil. My Evie. Sitting across from some guy with his sort of oversized nerdy glasses that were barely held together by a crooked frame. The way he pushed them up every few seconds only made him look more ridiculous, like a relic from another era. 

And yet, he dared to sit so close to her, trying to steal something that was mine. I still continued to endure all of that not until he dared think of kissing my woman.

“Get up, Evie,” I commanded, my voice calm but heavy with authority. I wasn’t here to play games. I wanted her to defy me, to give me a reason to remind her of what we had.

Her eyes widened, the defiance in her gaze challenging me, and I was hoping for her to do her worse but she didn’t speak. She knew better or maybe she was just too shocked. Mike, on the other hand, looked like a deer caught in headlights. His glasses overstated his panicked expression, his wide eyes darting between me and her as if he were trying to piece together what was happening.

“What’s going on here?” he stammered, his voice cracking under the pressure. He reached out, his hand brushing against Evie’s arm like he was trying to protect her.

That was my final straw. He had no right to touch her, not even her hair, not her hand, not anything. My jaw clenched as I struggled to keep my cool. “Like he fucking touched my Evie,” I muttered under my breath, but I forced myself to stay calm, even as my fists begged to make contact with his face.

“Family business,” I said curtly, cutting him off before he could say anything else. “Please.” The word came out sharp and harsh, making it clear that I wasn’t asking for permission.

Mike hesitated, glancing at Evie for reassurance. “Nice meeting you,” he said nervously, extending a hand toward me.

Trust me, if stares could lift someone, my eyes should have brought him to his knees. The scornful glare I gave him from head to toe made my stomach churned with irritation. The nerve of this guy, trying to act polite when I was seconds away from breaking his fingers. But then Evie caught my eye, giving me one of those soft and apologetic glances that always managed to disarm me.

With a forced smile, I shook his hand, my grip just tight enough to make him wince. “Likewise,” I said through clenched teeth, pulling back quickly before I did something I’d regret.

Evie followed me without a word, her movements quiet and restrained. I didn’t look back at Mike, but I could feel his eyes burning into my back as I led her out of the restaurant.

We didn’t make it far before Evie yanked her arm out of my grip, turning on me with fire in her eyes. “What do you think you’re doing? Are you losing your mind Dave?” she spat coldly, her voice sharp enough to cut through steel but all the same, it can't make my blood boil.

Her anger only brought a smile to my face. God, I loved her like this—furious, passionate, and alive. She was my match in every way, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

“Yes,” I said simply, stepping closer to her. “I am losing my mind over you, Evie. Were you actually going to kiss him if I hadn’t shown up?”

Her jaw tightened, and for a moment, she looked like she might slap me. Instead, she crossed her arms, her posture firm and defensive. “Yes,” she snapped, her voice dripping with defiance. “Why not? He’s my husband-to-be. But thank you so much for ruining the moment. And because of you, I won’t be able to ride back home in his blue Lamborghini. Thanks once more brother,” she said sarcastically giving me a smile that was enough to send a child running on his ten toes.

Her words were a slap in the face, but they only made me more determined. “Really, Evie?” I said, my voice dropping lower as I stepped even closer. “You should be doing that with me, not him. You’re mine.”

Before she could respond, I cupped her chin, tilting her face toward mine. Her lips parted as if to argue, but I didn’t give her the chance. My tongue found hers, swirling in a kiss she tried to resist but couldn’t, of course. No one dared restrict any part of me. I felt her resolve crumble as she melted into me, her hands gripping my shirt like she wanted to push me away but couldn’t bring herself to let go. I’ve missed her so badly that I was tempted to strip her short red dress off her.

“I love you, baby,” I whispered against her lips, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes. “Please, get in the car.”

She didn’t say a word, just nodded, her eyes shiny with unshed tears. I guided her to Dad’s old Nissan car, opening the door for her like the gentleman I wasn’t.

The car smelled like oil and faintly of Dad’s cologne, but Evie didn’t complain. She slid into the passenger seat, her movements slow and deliberate. I climbed in after her, gripping the steering wheel with one hand while my other rested on her exposed lap.

“Are you okay?” I asked softly, glancing at her through the corner of my eye.

She nodded, but her silence was louder than an ear-splitting noise.

The drive was quiet, the hum of the engine filling the space between us. As I drove through the dark streets, I couldn’t tear my gaze away from her. Her face was a mixture of a range of emotions. Anger, sadness, maybe even a little relief for coming to save her from the kiss. I didn’t care what she was feeling as long as she was here with me.

“Evie,” I said finally, breaking the silence. “I’m sorry. I’ve missed you so much. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Her eyes flicked to me, glistening with tears. “Okay,” she answered coldly, her voice barely above a whisper.

I pulled into a close spot by the road, shutting the engine. The city light danced on us, casting a soft glow over everything. I turned to her, unable to hold back any longer.

“I truly am sorry and I promise never to hit you again,” I said again, reaching out to wipe away the tears that slipped down her cheeks.

“I’ve heard you,” she replied, her voice stronger this time.

“Well, even if I've to punish you, it's going to be in bed. How does that sound?” I asked teasingly.

Finally, she smiled, “But what am I supposed to tell Dad? He’s going to be very angry and disappointed in us.”

“Don’t worry about him,” I said firmly. “I’ll handle everything. I’ll protect you, no matter what it takes.”

She looked at me, her eyes searching mine for answers I wasn’t sure I had. But I meant every word.

Taking her hand in mine, I brought it to my lips, pressing a mild kiss to her knuckles. “You’re everything to me, Evie. I can't imagine my life without you. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”

Her lips trembled, but she nodded, leaning her head against my shoulder. I wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close.

The feel of her against me, the warmth of her body, and the softness of her hair brushing my cheek were enough to remind me why I’d fight so hard to bring her back.

As I started the car again, one hand on the wheel and the other entwined with hers, I felt a peace I hadn’t felt in weeks. Driving with her by my side felt right, like I was exactly where I was meant to be.

I wanted to take her everywhere, to show her the world, and to remind her why she belonged with me. And as much as I wanted to savor this moment, I couldn’t deny the other thought lingering in my mind.

I would drive her everywhere and ride inside of her in every corner and claim every inch of her, to remind her that she was mine in every sense of the word.