“I’m making it my business now. Kirk wouldn’t thank me for turning a blind eye.”
Ella laughed hysterically. “The next time I see him, I’ll tell him you’re on the case.” She must have seen his brows draw together, because she added, “Oh, yes, I see him everywhere, Max. In the bedroom, the shopping mall, even when I take a shower. He’s there all right. Only, it’s not the Kirk I want to remember. His head’s half-blown away. So forgive me if I want to escape this shitty world for a while. I’m entitled to.”
At that moment Max felt terrible. Guilt cut like a knife through his body. He saw the anguish in her eyes. He’d ignored Ella because he’d been grieving himself. He’d been selfish. It was time to make amends.
“Do you have any idea what you’re letting yourself in for, mixing with that prick, McCreedy? He won’t make you feel any better.” He stared down at her face. Her eyes were closed, the dark lashes brushing against her cheeks. Her head tilted to one side. Her glossy red lips parted. f*ck
, she was in a terrible emotional state.
“Max, don’t lecture me, please.” She twisted back against the wall. It was difficult to ignore the soft swell of her breasts, held delectably in the tight leather top, or the way her long, smooth legs crossed at the ankles. She continued speaking. “Sara tells me that kinky sex is out of this world. Quite frankly, I could do with some of that.”
“You won’t find it with Kevin McCreedy, understand.” Max tilted her head back forcing her to look at him. He figured she didn’t even like the guy.
“Leave me alone, Max. You’ve kept your distance up until now, and I’m quite happy about it.”
Guilt coursed through his veins once more. If he’d concentrated a little less on his own grief, then maybe his best friend’s wife wouldn’t be in this state. It was time to atone for his selfishness. “Right, you’re coming with me.” He took hold of her arm and began leading her from the club.
“What about Kevin?”
“f*ck
Kevin. I never did like the guy. It’s lucky for you I was here tonight.”
Chapter Four
Ella stumbled as Max led her through the double doors and down the short flight of steps outside. She felt in a daze, but even through the mental fog, she saw the determined look pinned on his face. Truth be known, she loved him taking control. Someone needed to. She felt like she was drowning with grief and guilt. But she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of knowing she needed him. These last few months had been a nightmare, and Max had been noticeable by his absence.
She was grateful when she felt his arm link though hers as they walked across the parking lot.
Suddenly a male voice called out, “Where the f*ck
do you think you’re going, Ella? You’re with me tonight.”
Max turned, abruptly. She felt his body tense with adrenaline. He squared up to Kevin as he walked menacingly over to them.
“I’m taking her home.” Max pushed Ella behind him, protecting her. “Do you have a problem with that?”
“Of course I f*ck
ing do, Max. Ella is with me.”
“Ella doesn’t need someone like you. Do you understand? She needs protecting, and we all know that’s not your scene. If I catch you anywhere near her in future, I’ll lay you horizontal.”
“Yeah?” Kevin moved closer, his face distorted by anger. “Don’t make threats, dick brain, unless you’re prepared to back them up. You don’t intimidate me, Max.”
“It’s not a threat, McCreedy. It’s a promise. You stay away from Ella, or so help me, I’ll tear you apart with my bare hands.”
The way Max spoke sent shivers down her spine. She felt the menace in his tone—his Sicilian bloodline surging to the fore. She hoped Kevin would take his threat seriously. Max clenched his hands into fists. Standing protected behind him, she felt his body pulse with adrenal energy. Any moment now and the punches would start flying.
Kevin must have realized that Max wasn’t going to back down, and thought better about taking on his stronger, taller, and more muscular opponent. “f*ck
you, ass*ole
. The bitch is half crazed anyway.” Kevin turned on his heels, and began walking back to the club. “f*ck
you, Max.”
Max turned to her. “Are you all right?”
“Yes. I’m glad he’s gone. I didn’t like him.”