Free Marry Me for Money by Mia Kayla Page A

stopped right in front of us. “Get off of her,” he said slowly, not shouting but firm and loud enough for both of them to hear. His chestnut eyes were dark with intensity as he flexed his fingers at his side.
    The lankier guy moved away from me while Mr. Brawny grabbed my backside one more time before placing himself in front of Kent, challenging him. He was broader than Kent and slightly taller. Kent was over six feet, so this guy looked massive.
    “What are you going to do about it, pretty boy?” he snapped, giving Kent a slight push on his chest.
    When I looked at Kent, shivers ran down my spine.
    Kent let out a slight smile that was eerily disconnected, not meeting his eyes. “I’m going to break your arm for violating a woman.”
    Before I could even blink, the broader guy swung at Kent, but he moved, avoiding the impact. Kent grabbed the guy’s arm, twisted it, and brought the broader male to his knees. The harder Kent twisted, the louder the guy moaned in pain. The high-pitched cry of pain didn’t sound as if it could come from a male that immense. Kent showed no mercy as he had the other guy immobilized.
    I knew Kent had meant it when he said he would break the guy’s arm, and I was scared. “Stop, Kent.” I inched closer as he tightened his grip and maneuvered the guy’s arm.
    “Didn’t your mother ever teach you some manners about how to treat a woman?” he said slowly, twisting the male’s arm to an uncomfortable angle.
    “Kent!” I yelled louder, looking at his face.
    I knew he hadn’t heard me. He seemed so focused, so intent. The hair stood at attention at the nape of my neck as I knew what was going to happen next.
    “Apparently not, but I will.”
    I grabbed his arm, tugging it toward me. “Kent, he’s had enough.”
    “Oh, I don’t think he has,” he said, maintaining his grip on the immense male in front of him.
    “No, stop!” I yelled, lunging toward him. I hugged his arm, yanking it toward me. “Please stop,” I begged.
    Kent angled his head to look at me, finally seeing me and realizing I was there. Slowly, he released the guy and stepped away. He ran one hand through his dark brown hair as he released a heavy sigh.
    Two bouncers moved through the spectators who had already surrounded us. Before they could reach Kent, I stepped in front of them.
    “That guy assaulted me.” I pointed to the man lying on the ground, clutching his arm. “My friend here taught him a lesson,” I said, linking my arm through Kent’s.
    The bouncers picked the man up from the floor, forcing him forward through the crowd.
    Kent took hold of my wrist and dragged me toward the other room. Tension was in the air and I released the breath I’d been holding because the near event had been averted.
    “Where did you learn how to do that?” I asked, trying to regain my composure while processing what had just happened.
    “Black belt in karate,” he said, glancing behind me and toward the brawny guy being led out.
    We drifted past the roped-off area and back into the pretty-people room. After Kent plopped me down on a stool by the bar, he motioned toward the bartender and asked for a glass of water.
    “Drink this,” Kent ordered, placing the water in front of me.
    “Thanks,” I replied.
    “Are you okay?” His eyes quickly inspected me from head to toe before meeting my eyes.
    I nodded my head but didn’t speak. I was afraid that my voice would quiver as my pulse lowered to its regular pace. He observed me while I drank my water.
    “Beth, pick yourself a nice guy, okay? Don’t pick up a guy at a club. Club guys are not good for girls like you. Understand?”
    I was surprised at his sentiment, and I nodded again. “I was only dancing. Plus, you’re a club guy.”
    “Exactly.” His tone was serious, matching his eyes. My insides warmed at Kent’s protectiveness.
    Luke walked up behind Kent, tapped him on his shoulder, and whispered something in his ear.
    Kent’s demeanor changed as a slow