His eyes scan the crowd for a minute until they land on me. He gets ready to turn away, but then stops. A cocky smile spreads across his face before he grabs the other guy by the neck and forces him to stand up straight. They’re both out of breath, but Trevor seems to hide it better. He’s definitely more trained and has better skill. “Sorry, man. I’m done playing.”
I watch as Trevor swings out one more time and punches the other guy in the side of the head, causing the guy to fall down on his knees as Trevor releases the hold he has on him. He grips the dirty ground in defeat.
The crowd cheers while a small group starts to boo and yell for Chris—I guess his name is—to get up. He doesn’t. He shakes his head. He’s done.
I swallow as Trevor’s eyes land back on me and he pushes his way past the few guys surrounding me, stopping directly in front of me. Someone throws him a bottle of water and he catches it before opening the cap and taking a long drink. He wipes his mouth off. “I knew you forgot something.” He smiles, his teeth still slightly red from blood.
“Oh yeah,” I say, still not quite impressed. “And what was that?”
He takes a step forward and spits out a mouthful of water before grinning. “To give me your number . . . and your name. I may need that too . . . you know . . . to ensure I’m calling out the right one when I come.”
I can’t help the small smile that takes over. I have to admit, he is kind of cute when he flirts, cocky, but cute. It’s still not going to work, though. “Sorry, Trevor. I–”
“What are you doing here?”
Oh that voice. So deep and commanding and full of authority . . .
My whole body trembles at the sound of Memphis’ voice behind me and a chill runs up my spine. I feel him move against me, causing another shiver as his body skims mine, before he looks over my shoulder and I hear his voice close to my ear. “She’s not interested, Trevor. She just came to find me. She shouldn’t be here.”
I pull my arm away as he grabs my wrist, pulling me away from Trevor. “Really? Let go. What is your deal?”
Trevor reaches over me and grabs Memphis’ shoulder. “Hey, man. I knew your ass wouldn’t stay away for long. It’s all good.” He steps closer until I’m practically smashed between them. “She’s cool, bro. I can take care of her. No worries. Want me to set up a fight? I think Matt is good to go another round. I’ll keep her safe and entertain her.”
“No fight. She’s leaving with me, Trevor. She doesn’t need your protection.” Memphis looks at Trevor as if he has something important to say, but must decide against it. “We’re out. Don’t worry about her. She isn’t yours to deal with.”
A few people pat Trevor on the shoulder and he gets distracted so he starts backing away. “Alright,” he says, sounding confused. “See ya later, man.”
I wait for Trevor to turn away before I confront Memphis. “I’m pretty sure I’m a grown woman and can take care of myself.” I push my way past him and start heading for a quiet spot. I can barely move with the crowd being so packed together, but I manage my best, pushing people out of my way. I can feel him following close behind me, so I continue as I fight my way through. “You told me to stay out of your life. Why the hell do you care what I do? This is stupid.”
He steps in front of me and starts pulling me behind him. The crowd splits, instantly allowing him—us—to pass through until we’re out in the opening and away from the noise. “I really don’t fucking know to be honest. All I know is that you don’t need to be at a place like this. Guys like Trevor are no good for you.”
“And guys like you?” My heart is beating so fast right now that I feel like puking. I’m furious.
“Like I said. No good for you.”
I shake my head and let out a small breath. “So you’re the same as Trevor?”
He nods his head. “In ways.”
“Okay.” I turn away and bite my lip. “I should be trusted to leave alone with you, but I shouldn’t talk to him in a big crowd with witnesses. Well that makes a lot of sense.”
He runs his hands through his messy hair in frustration. “Just come with me. I have something I’ve been meaning to do and I’ll feel better not going alone.”
I watch as he starts walking away. A part of me wants to tell him to fuck off, but the bigger part is screaming to follow him . . . so I do.
I hear people screaming Memphis’ name but he just picks up speed, ignoring them.
When I catch up to him, he’s standing on the passenger side of his massive, black truck, holding the door open. “Get in.”