Everything for Her(47)

The music keeps playing, and I watch in shock as Oz leans down and punches Joel in the face again. It takes me half a second to react.

“Oz!” I shout over the music, and he turns to look at me. His dark waves are all awry and he’s breathing hard. He’s dressed in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, and he looks like he’s sweating. Jesus, did he run all the way from London?

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Joel sit up and I reach out to help him up. Oz moves to step in between us and I give him a death stare. He freezes, and Joel stands, putting his hand to his face. I think there’s blood running down his chin, and I’m so angry at Oz I could spit nails.

I look over to see Skyler and Jamie, both with their mouths open. Then Jamie smiles and leans over to yell, “Your boyfriend is so hot!”

Skyler rolls her eyes and pulls Jamie back to her, but then comes over to me. “You got this?”

“Yeah. I’m good,” I shout. I turn to Oz and push past him.

“Are you okay?” I ask Joel over the music. Oz’s hands grip my waist, pulling me gently back to him, and I’m getting even angrier that I don’t hate his touch.

“Yeah. Sorry, I didn’t know you had a bodyguard. I’ll talk to you later.” He glares at Oz over my shoulder before making his way out of the club.

Everything happened so fast. Most of the people on the dance floor didn’t see anything happen. Not even a bouncer comes over to stop the shit, and that’s what they’re hired to do.

Oz wraps his arms around me tighter. He leans over me, trying to blanket my body.

“Get off me,” I say, pushing at his immovable hands. “I can’t believe you did that.” I actually stomp my foot, thinking it will get him to let me go, but he places his warm lips on my neck and gives me a gentle kiss.

I will not lean into him. I will not give in to this. I will not like this one bit.

His big hands flatten on my stomach, and his hips push into my ass. The sexy bass runs through my buzzed blood, and I’m reminded of how much I missed his touch. One of his palms runs up my body, cupping my breast as he kisses my neck more. The other slides down my thigh, his fingers tracing the hem of my dress as his big body moves with mine.

“I’m sorry, baby. I was going to surprise you, but then I saw someone with his hands on you and lost it. I missed you so much, Mallory. Please don’t be mad.”

“You bust in here like you own the place, and think it’s okay for you to punch my friend? You can’t steamroll me, Oz.”

“Mallory, nobody puts their hands on what’s mine. Nobody.”

I push away from his grip, hating the loss of his hands on my body, and immediately wanting it back. But I have to stand my ground. I can’t have him thinking that he can get away with this kind of behavior without me putting up a fight. I whip around and the sight of him is nearly impossible to resist. Gritting my teeth, I turn to walk away. I’m a little too tipsy to try and figure out what it is I want to say. I know I’m mad.

Before I make it a single step he’s pulling me into his arms. I hold both my fists up against his chest and try to push off of him. But this time he doesn’t let me go.

“Stop it, Oz. You’re being a...a...” I can’t think of something mean to call him, because I don’t want to hurt him. I want him to know I’m mad. “A panda.”

He laughs and holds me tighter. “A panda?”

I think for a second, and then get mad at myself. “I was trying to think of a bear. Damn it, I messed it up.”

I fall against his chest and let out a sigh. The rumble of his chest resonates as he pulls me close.

“Baby, you can call me whatever you want. As long as you don’t try and run from me.”

I melt into his body, not wanting to fight. I missed him so much I can hardly stand it, and I hate to admit how much I don’t want to resist. His hands move up my back and the hum of excitement rolls over me again.

“Don’t do it again,” I mumble into his chest.

His mouth moves to my neck, and then his lips are on me there. “I’ll always keep you safe, baby. That isn’t up for debate. Ever. But next time I’ll try not to hit someone.”

His promise, although not exactly what I mean, is good enough for me. I squeeze my arms around his neck and his hands palm my ass.

He licks behind my ear while his words melt over me like hot fudge, and I’m a slave to him once again. I fall into him, giving my body over and loving him against me.

“Oz,” I whisper, and I’m in a cloud of lust.

Now with him around me, I’m sexual and wanton and I stare at his face, looking into those sapphires I’ve missed so much. I run my fingers through his hair and stare at him. It feels like it’s been months since I’ve seen him, rather than days. He pulls me in close and leans down, placing his lips on mine.