Free Lust and Bound by W. Lynn Chantale Page B

heartbeat. Trisha glanced between the two men, unsure of what either would do at this point. She’d seen the way Zach reacted earlier when a man grabbed her, but Gordy was equally dangerous. She had a few mental and physical scars to prove it.
    Gordy jerked from Zach’s grasp, sat back glowering.
    Zach merely tossed a cold smile across the table. Trish sucked in a breath. As if sensing her agitation, Zach gently kneaded the tight muscles in her neck.
    Emboldened by Zach’s support, Trish met her ex-husband’s lecherous gaze. “You’re violating a restraining order.” She held up her phone. “I’ve already dialed.”
    Surprise flickered through Gordy’s irises. “That bit of paper is the least of your worries, bunny.”
    Zach raised a hand and signaled for someone. “I think the lady would like you to leave.”
    Gordy stood and straightened his clothes. “You really have no idea, do you, Trisha?”
    When he laughed a chill formed in the pit of her stomach.
    He glanced at Zach. “I can’t wait until she finds out the truth, Zach. She won’t even see it coming.”
    Trisha swallowed. She was not going to let her ex bait her with innuendo.
    “You still believe in fairytales, bunny? I always liked that about you. You always see the good in everyone.” He leaned close and smiled when she shrank from him. “I may not be the particular villain in this story and Zach may not be the hero you want.”
    She trembled, yet again thankful she wasn’t alone, but what did Gordy mean?
    “Enough,” Zach said with a growl.
    Gordy drifted his gaze over Trisha’s face. “I’d say you’re right. I’ll be in touch.”
    “This way, sir.” A thick slab of a man stood behind Gordy. Security was emblazoned in white letters on the front of the black t-shirt.
    “You never fail to surprise me, Zach. I wonder if I’ll tell her first.” He strolled away, the security guard trailing in his wake.
    A long moment passed before either of them spoke. Trisha looked down at her hands and realized she still clutched Zach’s arm. Tiny indentations from her fingernails remained just above the cuff of his sleeve.
    “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean...”
    He silenced her with a fingertip against her lips. “No worries. Are you okay?”
    She nodded, not trusting her voice.
    When he held her hands, she realized she was trembling. Zach stroked a caress against her skin.
    “Did you want to leave?” He held her gaze.
    “I think a little laughter may help.”
    He nodded and continued his soothing touch.
    She relaxed against him, relishing the safety of his arms. Seeing her ex had shaken her more than she cared to admit. If she’d had to face him alone—the last time that happened, he’d thrown her down a flight of concrete stairs—he wouldn’t have been so pleasant.
    As if sensing her thoughts, Zach swept his lips to her ear. His warm breath reignited her earlier desire.
    “You’re safe with me, beautiful.” He nuzzled her neck. “I promise I won’t let him hurt you.”
    “But what if he’s the one who sent that picture?” She twisted her head and met his gaze. “Gordy always said he’d make my life miserable. And I know he’s planning something.” She shuddered. “I don’t understand why no one called me. Shauna should’ve at least given me a heads up.”
    A decidedly drunk female from the audience on the far left heckled the comedian onstage. Laughter erupted from the crowd when the performer fired back.
    “I don’t know why she didn’t warn you. Did she say anything when you called her the first time?”
    “Only that he was still locked up.”
    “You could always call her now and find out what happened.”
    Trisha nodded. “Yeah.” She slid off his lap. “I’ll be back.”
    Zach followed her progress up the aisle and toward the corridor announcing the restrooms. The last thing he expected was an appearance from Gordy. Zach made no attempts to disguise his dislike for the other man.
    For a long time he knew Gordy