Page 61 of Bound By Ink

I was planning on taking my winnings, selling the shop and moving away. I couldn’t bear to see Scott with someone else. But I guess he came to his senses, and I’m gonna hang on to that while I can. After waving to a few of the staff as we leave, with Scott still tucked in beside me. I have his hand in mine, and he’s gripping my forearm like I might disappear if he lets go with either hand.

I push outside, and the cold air hits me. Gasping a little, I’m still in my shorts and coated in sweat, but the smile on my face won’t be deterred by a little chill. Scott clings to me as we step into the car park. His eyes are darting around as I pull him towards my car; most of the vehicles are gone now. But as we near where I’m parked, I hear them, the mumbling voices, as they step into view. I tug Scott behind me, drop my bag onto the floor, and stand my ground.

“Well, isn’t this fucking cute?” Dickhead slurs as he steps forward, two cronies flanking him. “You’ve had your fun, a bit of rough.” He looks me up and down before giving a snarl. “Time to come back now.”

“I think not,” I say with a confidence he’ll never obtain. “Scott’s mine. He always has been. You… you were just a blip. A mistake he made before he realised who and where he belongs.”

He takes a step forward. “You think you’re better than me?” he growls. “You think you’re all that?”

“Yes.” I smirk. He lunges for me, but he’s drunk and slow. I flick my hand out, grabbing him around his throat. I yank him towards me, snarling at him.

“You’re nothing but a fucking ball sack; weak, and ugly as fuck. Now fuck off while you can walk away.”

I shove him hard, and he stumbles, crashing to the floor. His friend steps in front of him, but I stride closer.

“Think long and hard about your next move, motherfucker.”

The other jerk pulls Dickhead from the floor, but they stay back. “You’ll pay for this,” he growls as he wobbles to his feet. He turns and kicks my car before walking away, cursing with his friends. I pull a shaking Scott from behind me and wrap him in my arms.

“You good, Nerd?” I stroke his cheek. He gives me a tight-lipped smile but nods. I kiss him on the forehead and pull him toward the car. I keep one eye on the retreating bellends as I open the door for Scott. He looks up at me with uncertainty in his eyes. I walk around and climb in. We drive in silence to Scott’s house.

“Are you coming in?” He turns, his voice shakes a little, and I reach over, taking his hand in mine.

“Not tonight, beautiful. But I’ll stop by tomorrow.” Disappointment spreads across his face. “Hey, I need to get some stuff sorted. I need to get my ribs checked out.” His eyes widen. “Hey, I’m okay.” I grip his hand tighter and tug him towards me. I lean in, gritting my teeth as I press a chaste kiss against his lips. “Now, go inside and lock the door.”

He nods and steps out of the car. I watch him until he’s safely in the door.

Scott

Chapter 32

I click the door closed, and my emotional walls collapse. All the barriers I’ve been holding, and the floodgates crumble. Fumbling to lock the door, my entire body starts to shake. Tears erupt from me, and I don’t know if they’re happy, sad, or from sheer relief. I lean against the door, trying to regulate my breathing. My knees weaken, and I start to slide down the door. Closing my eyes, I expect to meet the floor.

“Hey, breathe.” Steven grabs under my arms, pinning me to the door. My eyes swim, trying to rein in my emotions. I blink, trying to focus. I manage to stand, even though my legs are shaking. My head hangs as he grips my shoulders tightly. My hands rest on his, grounding me. I start to inhale deeper before I allow my eyes to open. Worry spreads across his face. “Hey, you good? What happened to your face? Where are your glasses?”

I take a few deep breaths, and I finally look into his eyes. “Yeah, sorry, I’m good.”

“What the hell happened?”

My voice quivers, coming out shaky. “Did you know Killian was a fighter?”

He looks a little sheepish before nodding. “He has been for years; it’s how he paid for the shop.”

“Paid for the shop?” What the hell is happening?

“He owns it.”

“How did I not know that?” I don’t know whether or not I’m hurt right now. Do I even know him?

“He wanted to protect you.” The look he gives me says it all.

I nod and rest my head against the door again. Steven pulls me towards the sofa, and I go along with him, flopping down and snatching the cushion, dragging it against my chest.

“Scott, what happened?”

I blow out a breath and stare at the cushion, not sure if I want to tell him everything. I’m so embarrassed, mortified even. Unwilling to believe that I was so stupid. Where do I even begin explaining everything?

“What happened with Derren?”