Possession(16)

I take a sip of my drink before replying. “What makes you say that? I may have run away, but what if it’s because I did something terrible to him?”

“Did you?”

“No,” I chuckle.

“Well then. You really don’t make this easy, do you?”

“I didn’t ask you to sit next to me.” I don’t mean it in a rude way, and luckily he doesn’t take offence to it. Instead, he just nods.

“So, are you going to tell me why you ran? I may be able to offer you some great advice. I’ve been known to help out many a friend before.”

“But I’ve only just met you.”

“Try me.”

Sighing, I wonder whether to tell this random stranger all the things I have never dared to tell anyone. Only Drake, my parents, and I know about this stupid deal that was made behind my back at the tender age of fourteen.

“There’s a man I’ve known for a number of years—”

“Boyfriend?” he interrupts.

“As I said, it’s complicated.”

He nods. “Sorry. Go ahead.”

“He wants me to be his. I like him and all, but he’s too much. It’s like being without him isn’t even an option for me.”

Chris frowns, a scowl forming on his face. “Sounds dangerous. I would leave him if I were you. Do you know how many women fall victim to domestic violence from controlling men like that? He may seem only controlling at first, but this could just be the beginning.”

Frowning, I shake my head. “I don’t know. He hasn’t hit me in all the years I’ve known him so far.”

He hisses in a breath. “Yes, but how long will that last?”

I sit there, blinking a few times. Could Drake hit me? Yes, of course he could. I’ve seen the anger inside of him. But would he actually take it out on me?

I’m so engrossed in thinking about it all that I fail to feel fingers on my hand at first. It is only when he speaks that it registers that he’s stroking me, and not only that, but he seems a little too close for comfort. “You should be cherished. Not treated like an object.”

For some reason, I don’t feel all too comfortable with this guy anymore. I move my hand away and offer him half a smile. “Sorry. Was that too much?”

I nod my head. “I don’t even know you.”

“But you could get to know me,” he urges with a bright smile. “I’d promise to treat you better than that fucknugget.”

A rush of anger rushes through me. I don’t know why I feel compelled to stick up for Drake, but the feeling comes nonetheless. “You don’t know anything about our situation.”

Chris is about to speak, but something he sees out of the corner of his eye stops him. He moves away, and at first, I’m grateful for the distance. But then, I notice him squaring his shoulders like he’s getting ready for a fight.

“Evelyn, get your arse up now and get in the car. Don’t make me tell you again.” The hairs rise on the back of my neck at the sound of his voice. He is monumentally pissed.

“Ah. So, you’re the fucknugget.”

Closing my eyes, I shake my head. Chris obviously doesn’t know who Drake is and has just made his worst mistake ever.

“Evelyn,” Drake urges again, “get the fuck out of this bar before I drag you out.” I don’t hesitate. I pick up my phone and bag from the bar and start moving.

“Hey! You don’t have to go anywhere,” Chris shouts. “Sit down, Evelyn.”

I hastily shake my head and watch as Drake pokes Chris’ chest. “Outside. Now.”

Chris smirks. “With pleasure. After I beat your arse, I’m taking your woman home with me. How would you like that?”

Shit, I wish he would stop talking. He’s obviously more drunk than I thought if he thinks he can take on Drake. I can see the rise and fall of Drake’s shoulders and chest. He’s madder than hell.

As we step outside, Drake points to the back passenger seat of his Bentley. “In,” he demands.

“But what about my car?”

With gritted teeth, he comes close to my face. “Am I speaking a different fucking language?”

I rear back and hastily get in the car. As I turn, I see Chris shaking his head. “Can’t face me head on, huh? You have to get your minions to come and help you fight me.” He then waves at me in the car. “Don’t worry, darling. This will all be over in a—”

He doesn’t have time to finish his sentence. With one bone cracking punch from Drake, Chris goes down. When Drake is satisfied that he won’t come back up again, he moves over to the other passenger side. “You three take her car and follow us,” I hear him shout.