Page 23 of Connectio

Chapter Five

“Put me down, you prehistoric Neanderthal.” I try to wriggle free, but his arms are like pythons.

“A Neanderthal? Is that code word for Sex Master?”

“What? No! It’s code word for put me down now!”

“Okay, your highness. I’m sorry.” He places me on my feet again and crosses his giant python arms over his chest. “You’re short, and I can’t hear you down there. Conversation is easier when you’re level with my face.”

“The only thing that’s gonna be level with your face is my fist.”

Will throws his head back and laughs. “Word of advice—if you’re going to make threats, you need to be able to follow them through.”

I punch his arm; it’s the only spot I can reach.

He looks at the spot then back at me, as if an unexplained phenomenon just occurred. “What was that?”

“What was what?”

He points to the spot I punched.

“That was me following throu—”

“Everything all right here?” a man asks, his finger tapping my shoulder.

I flinch, turn to face him, and—strangely enough—move closer to Will. “Yes, everything is fine. Thank you.”

“You sure?” His eyes are on Will, his chest puffed, which looks ridiculous. Because if Will were a lion, this dude would be a gazelle.

“Yes, I’m sure.” I turn back to Will, his face still crumpled in that unexplained phenomenon kinda way, but now it’s directed at the gazelle and not at me.

I can’t help but giggle.

“Because if this guy is hassling you—”

“Oh my God!” I look over my shoulder at him. “No, he’s not hassling me. You are! Now go away or I’ll punch you too.”

The guy raises his hands and says, “Just tryin’ to fuckin’ help a bitch,” then walks off.

Will’s body stiffens, and his funny expression turns sinister as his eyes follow the guy. He takes a step in his direction, and I panic, clasping his arm and pulling him to me.

“Don’t bother,” I say, scoffing.

His hands find my hips again, and this time, I leave them there.

“Don’t bother what?” he prompts, still focussed on the guy.

“Defending my honour.”

His eyes lock on mine. “Why not?”

“Because I don’t need nor want you to. I can defend myself.”

He lets me go and rubs his chin with his thumb and knuckle. “I’m not convinced.”

“You don’t need to be.”

“Yes, I do.”