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I t had been a while since I started my car, and even though it was cold as a witch’s titty outside, I planned on doing just that.

Besides, I needed some snacks, and I wanted to drive down to Trader Joe’s, anyway.

Grabbing my coat, I headed for the front door, startling when I saw the big, tough-looking man standing just outside. I almost ran into him, but stopped short.

“What the heck are you doing standing there like that?

“Sorry, ma’am. I didn’t mean to scare you,” the man said, obviously distressed.

“Are you here to see Ono? He’s not in,” I said, eyebrows raised.

“No, ma’am. I’m supposed to watch the door. Did you need something?”

“Um, no. Just going for a drive,” I replied, smiling tightly.

“Boss didn’t say anything about that, ma’am,” the big stranger said, blocking my way.

“Well, that’s probably because he didn’t know,” I replied, trying to move past him.

“Sorry, I can’t let you go.” He frowned and opened his arms wide, blocking the path.

“Let me? Let me! Look, I don’t recall asking you or anyone for permission on where I can go. Now get out of my way,” I growled, completely indignant.

“I apologize, ma’am. It’s my job to make sure you’re safe. If you could just call Mr. Bottarelli to confirm?—”

“I swear to God, if you don’t move, I am going to kick you right outside your knee,” I threatened.

“My knee?” he asked, eyebrows disappearing into his hairline.

“Yep. And when I do that, you’re gonna wind up falling down all those stairs and breaking something. Now. Move.”

“I am sorry, ma’am.”

“Oh, the hell with this,” I growled and tried once more to go around him, but the big brute put his hands on me.

I struggled against his hold.

“Stop struggling,” he huffed, but of course, I didn’t.

I was panicked, shocked. I’d never been the victim of a violent assault, but he was hurting me, and I was scared.

“Get the fuck off my wife,” someone snarled.