Chapter 47: The Rescue

The man jumps about a foot in the air. Rafe is suddenly beside him, glaring down at him with a fury I've never seen in his eyes before.

"Easy, buddy," the bearded man says. "I was just trying to buy her a drink."

"She's not available for drinks," Rafe says. "Or anything else."

The man shrugs, obviously shaken but trying to look casual. "How was I supposed to know that? She was flirting with me."

I start to defend myself, but there's no need. Rafe grabs the man by the front of his shirt, lifting him up onto his toes.

"Is that right?" he growls, his voice like thunder.

"She batted her eyelashes at me when she passed," the man says breathlessly, trying to free himself from Rafe's grip. "She was teasing me."

"And I told you she isn't available."

The man is still squirming. "I prefer to let the lady make that choice."

That only pisses Rafe off even more. He nearly lifts the man off the ground.

"She isn't available," he says. "Not now or ever. She's mine, do you hear me?"

"Rafe."