25 — JULIAN ADAMS (POV)
I consider myself a controlled person… someone who doesn't get carried away by emotions… But all this is shattered when it comes to Angelee.
And now… right now… I'm about to destroy this kid's face.
“What?” I hear Eric’s voice sound sharper, and I move my gaze that had been following Angelee's back over my shoulder to look at him, right into his eyes.
I straighten my posture, putting one of my hands in my pockets because otherwise I really will go to jail for assault. Gritting my teeth, I try to control this intense desire to give in to the beast in me, blinded by feelings that even I cannot understand.
Honestly, from the day I first laid eyes on him… I didn't like him. His eyes sparkled when saw her, and always had a stupid smile on his face, trying to win her over little by little. Yes, he seemed like a nice guy, but I just couldn't like him, and I never understood why…
When Angel suddenly agreed to date him, I avoided them at all costs… I simply knew that something was wrong, but pretended not to see it because I wanted her happiness.
If only I had said something.
Now, I can hardly stand the way her body trembled… This makes me fucking mad.
I know my gaze is sharp because I see Eric twitch restlessly, trying to spread his shoulders to look more intimidating…
“Why are you meddling again between my girlfriend and-”
“I thought we already settled that?” My voice is cutting, “I told you to leave her alone, and now you come to my company?”
“I'm here for Angelee; you have nothing to do with it.”
“What if I have?” I take a step toward him, narrowing the distance between us considerably, making my voice even deeper as I add, “What if I tell you that, from the moment you chose to betray the best thing that could happen in your life, you lost it…?”
I see that Eric swallows dryly, listening intently to my words.
“And do you know what happens when you don't treasure something that precious, boy?” I look directly into his eyes, “It's taken from you.”
From the expression on his face, I know he's understanding exactly what I mean… But I don't mind making it clear, saying with every word, in a husky and threatening tone, “You've lost your turn… And I don't mind at all committing my life to making sure you never, ever come near Angelee again.”
Eric gives a sarcastic laugh, “What? You're going to assault me? You think you can intimidate me with your twelve years of boxing?”
Twelve years of boxing? Hah, boy… This is the least of your problems right now.
“Shall we make something clear?” I clench my hands into fists inside my pocket, so hard that veins are probably popping out in there, and lean forward, saying hoarsely, so only he can hear, “If you come near Angelee again and dare to touch her, a single strand of her hair…. I swear to God, I'll not go to jail for *assault*.”
“Are you threatening me?” He asks in the same low tone, looking at my face, which is now at the height of his.
“Threatening? No, no… I'm giving you my word, kid. Touch Angelee one more time, and I'll kill you.” I give a smirk, “And I don't want to see you in my fucking building again, no matter what shit you come here for, whether it's about Angelee or not.”
Throwing my back behind and straightening my posture, I look at him disdainfully… Eric seems so anxious… there’s uncertainty all over his face.
And hah, I really like that feeling… I guess this will have to be enough.
I turn on my back but look over my shoulder one last time to add, “This time, I'll treasure it properly.”
***
When I finally get to the car, I notice that Angelee is inside, leaning against the door, staring out the window.
She gives me a sad, soft look… and it makes me want to die — it's simply distressing, *unbearable* that I can do absolutely nothing to get these feelings out of her.
My eyes go down her body, and the next moment… I freeze.
I clench my teeth so hard that I feel my jaw crack, and the muscles jump at my growing beard.
Her arms… there are marks there.
As I take her arm gently, I notice that the smile she tried to put on doesn't hold. Angel averts her eyes, as if she is… embarrassed… However, she allows my hands to bring her arm closer, with the gentlest touch I'm capable of.
I turn on the car light and wish the brief blindness would continue for another second… But no, my eyes adjust quickly and reveal to me the finger marks stuck into her skin, taking on a slightly purple hue.
My stomach twists.
I'm going to kill him.
*I'm really going to kill him.*
I turn sharply and already open the door, but Angelee holds tightly to my shirt to stop me, saying with a desperate voice, “No, no… please.”
“That bastard HURT you!” I say with a growl, between clenched teeth, “He fucking *hurt* you!”
“It's okay-”
“It's NOT okay!” I say loudly, louder than I intended — and only realize it because she suddenly flinches, and her eyes glisten with fear…. Shit, I feel terrible.
I feel sick.
Pulling the door sharply to close it, I don't even mind the loud thud that sounds and shakes the car. I just grip the steering wheel tightly, making my veins pop out… And I lean my forehead against the steering wheel, closing my eyes tightly.
“It's really okay, Julian…” I feel her approaching… her warmth being close to me.
Her hand is on my back, stroking gently, like I'm the one who needs to be comforted.
“Doesn't hurt.”
I turn my face toward her but keep my head against the steering wheel… And I allow myself to analyze Angel’s worried face… her lips which, even though they naturally curve upward, are frowning… And her eyes, so – so soft.
She's beautiful.
God, she's so damn beautiful.
My chest burns…
I don't want to see her hurt.
I don't want to see her make an expression like that… But what can I do to change this?
What can I do?
“Hey…” She whispers, bringing her hand to my face, “Thank you for standing up for me.”
I snuggle into her hand, into her gentle touch and soft palm. Shit, I can't help but deposit a kiss on it, looking directly into her eyes… sinking into this look that's suddenly surprised and bright, almost smiling.
Hah, I really want to kiss her right now.
I step away from the steering wheel and relax my back into the seat, breathing deeply. With my head tilted back, equally leaning back, I turn my face to her again.
“Come here.” I say in a whisper, opening my arms.
And when she obeys, so sweetly, snuggling into my body, fitting her neck between my chest and my neck… I can't help but close my eyes and hug her protectively.
Entwining her waist, I press her head affectionately against me, while rubbing my cheek against her forehead, “I'll always stand up for you, my angel… Always.”
**— I give you my word.**
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