I watched, eager for the showdown, only to be let down instead. Chloe calmed her father, and her mom helped too as she dragged him away. There was no bloodshed, no dragging that little fuck outside to teach him a lesson, one he was in desperate need of. You did not grab a woman, most definitely not Chloe.
I observed as he walked away with a little too much arrogance, and my blood continued to boil in my veins. He moved toward the end of the drive where things grew dark, and I tried to rein in my irritation, but the bitch was seeing red.
I vaguely heard the sounds of Mike calling out for me as I hurried in the same direction Ripp had gone.
A flash of lights shone to my left, and I knew it was him. Hurrying my steps, I rounded a truck just as he was opening the door to his little pussy car.
“You think it’s okay to grab Chloe like that?” I saw his body jerk in surprise as he turned around quickly.
“She didn’t seem to mind.” He must have thought I was a fool. “In fact, she ran her father off before flashing me that sweet smile of hers. An inviting smile, no less.”
I heard movement behind me, but I didn’t look around to see who it was. I didn’t give a fuck actually because this ass had another thing coming if he actually thought he could leave before I taught him how to respect a lady.
“What I think actually took place is she ran her father off because your sorry ass isn’t worth her father’s time. Because I think we both know had Ben gotten his hands on you, the entire fucking reception would have heard you squealing like a little pig.”
I saw him look over my shoulder, and the confidence he was carrying slowly faded. It would seem the cavalry had arrived. But I didn’t need whomever was standing behind me; I had this.
Stepping in closer, I placed my chest only inches from his. I had him in height and in build, so beating the arrogance completely out of him didn’t seem fair. But I honestly looked forward to giving this peewee a scare.
“So again I ask you, do you think it’s okay to grab Chloe like that?” I waited, taking pride in the way he swallowed nervously. “She deserves respect, and it would seem you’ve disrespected her. That doesn’t sit well with me.”
“Who are you, anyway? From what I saw, she has no interest in you.”
I fisted my hands at my sides and waited a few seconds before responding. This man sure was pushing buttons he should steer clear from. “I don’t owe you any explanations as to who I am. But let me just give you a little advice. Stay away from Chloe. She may not know it yet, but I plan on being the guy that ensures douchebags like you never get the chance to get close. It may not be my job yet to protect her from arrogant pricks or any harm, but it’s a title I will hold soon. I suggest you take that into consideration before you come near her again.”
“I think she can be the judge—” I didn’t let him finish his sentence before I gripped the collar of his shirt. With a hard push, I heard the unforgiving metal of his car as his body slammed backward against it.
“I’ll be her judge.” I stared at him, my face only inches from his. “Stay the fuck away.”
After a few seconds, he nodded, and with great reluctance, I released my hold and watched as he sagged back against his vehicle.
I stood guard as he climbed into his car and started it with shaky hands. Then I remained in place, my arms crossed over my chest, my legs wide as he drove off. It wasn’t until I saw his taillights fading in the darkness that I turned around. I expected to find Mike, Rhett, or even Terrance standing behind me. What I never once expected to find was Ben. He held my gaze, mimicking my stance, and the empowered feeling I felt from teaching that ass a valuable lesson began to quickly fade.
That was until Ben’s lips turned up in a pleased smile. “You defending my girl.” I wasn’t sure if he was asking or if that was a statement. “Gotta say, boy, I wasn’t sure what kind of man you were, but now…” He paused again, and I felt my stomach tense with unsettledness. “I think I like ya.”
Surprisingly, he slapped me on the shoulders and walked away chuckling, shaking his head.
“Seal of approval, man.” I heard Rhett’s chuckle as he stepped up to my side. Where in the hell had he come from? “That was good shit. First I got to see Ripp almost shit himself, and then you.” His laughter deepened. “I actually thought you were gonna swallow your damn tongue when you turned around and saw Uncle Ben staring at you from behind.”
“I thought I’d find you or Mike.” My heart still raced. “That man is hard to read.”
“Well, in case you haven’t figured it out yet…” Rhett tossed his arm over my shoulder and began pulling me along back to the reception. “You’ve been accepted into the crowd. I guarantee you that Ben is back at the table with the rest of the older generation, and he is sharing what just took place.”
Moments later, we were back at the bar and I was getting one chin lift after another from all the men. Gavin, he was an easy one. He’d already known me to be a stand-up guy, but the rest, they had to be shown. Reed nodded as he met my stare. Colt and Ben both dipped their chins, offering a little nod of approval. It was the first time
