Free The Heart's Shrapnel by S. J. Lynn Page A

the rush, sweet thing? Looking for company?”
    “Oh, no . . . uh, I just need to get through, please.”
    His hands slide down and grasp the upper part of my behind. A sudden panic attack threatens and my chest feels heavy. The music and happy chatter around me get louder. God, I can’t think. I just want him to leave me alone. I don’t want his hands on me.
    “I think you don’t know what you want.” His warm beer breath invades my nose. My stomach starts to heave.
    “No, really. I just need some fresh air.”
    Drunk man pulls me against him and whispers into my ear, “I’ll go with you.”
    “I believe the lady said no,” a deep threatening voice says.
    Phillip?
    Philip tosses the man across the room. The crowd around us scurries in every direction, leaving Phillip alone in the center. His fists clench as he goes to where the drunk man landed. He bends down and lifts up the guy by his hair. Phillip quietly talks to the drunk man who nods agreeably.
    My insides clench from not knowing what he’s going to do or say.
    What is he saying?
    “Oh my God, what happened? Are you all right?” Mandy asks as she rushes to me. Ryan heads over to Phillip.
    “I’m fine,” I assure her, though I’m a little shaken.
    Mandy looks at the scene before us and then gives me a doubtful look. “Well, you are now. Mr. Big Shot Sexy Pants came to the rescue.”
    I wave her off. “The guy put his hands on me. He’s also a bit tipsy, but he didn’t do anything.”
    “Yeah, because Phillip stopped it before anything started. Don’t worry, though.” She glances at the men. “Ryan will calm him down.”
    She’s right. Ryan is doing an amazing job calming him down. Phillip scratches his chin and looks at me. When his eyes meet mine, they soften. He nods his head and walks over to me as Ryan helps the man off the dirty, wooden floor.
    “Sorry about that,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck. “That was a bit overboard.”
    I wrap my arms around myself to fight a sudden coldness. I hate unwanted attention especially like that of the drunkard. It evokes too many nightmares. “It’s okay. Thank you.”
    He smiles, making everything better.
    The crowd finally settles down and continue with their conversations and dancing.
    “You ready?” Ryan asks Mandy.
    “Yeah, I’m taking Ryan home.” She smiles at me. “You don’t mind, do you?”
    Do I mind? Yes, I mind. She’ll take him home, and I’ll have to stay over most of the night while they get more acquainted.
    “I’ll take her,” Phillip says. All eyes turn to him.
    “You sure, boss?” Ryan asks.
    Phillip turns to me, a slight smile on his lips. “I don’t mind if Jane doesn’t.” Everyone looks at me expectantly. Like I can say no. Frankly, I’m tired. Today has been stressful, and I need to go home and think about Phillip’s mixed reactions.
    “That’d be fine. Thanks.”
    “Oh, I still need to pay my bill.” Mandy opens her purse.
    Ryan puts his hand on hers to stop her. “I’ve already taken care of it.”
    “Yours is paid, too,” Phillip says to me.
    Huh? When?
    “Um, thanks.”
    “Not a problem. I’ll bring the truck around.” Phillip leaves to get the truck, and Ryan and Mandy take off.
    I wait outside under the blanket of stars and wonder if they’re getting serious. They seem to really like each other. And someday, way down the road, I’d love to have what they have.
    Someday .
    Phillip comes to a stop, quickly gets out of a big black truck and opens my door. Once I’m in, he shuts the door and gets back in on his side.
    I can’t make anything out on his face. He’s very good at hiding emotions it seems. Except when he’s throwing drunken men off damsels in distress. I grin to myself.
    “What’s so funny,” he asks as he shuts his door and starts the engine.
    “Nothing.”
    He keeps silent as he drives.
    I wonder what being a soldier in the army means to him. And for him. They leave at the drop of a hat. Who knows if