Page 37 of Falling Too Soon (Seasons of Love #1)

NATHAN

W hen I saw that guy with his hands on Daphne, I saw red.

I’d never been a particularly jealous or violent man, but seeing Daphne being manhandled by that piece of shit made me practically homicidal.

He got off lucky. If I hadn’t been pulled away from him, there’s no telling what I would have done.

After we were ripped apart, I wanted to go straight to Daphne, but then the bouncers were there, and then the cops.

It was a total cluster fuck. When I had a moment to check on Daphne, I saw her being led out the front by Lexi, so at least I knew she would be taken care of.

Once we were in Brandon’s car, he turned to me and asked, “What the hell happened? I saw you and Daphne talking, and everything seemed to be going well, and the next thing I knew, there were people hollering, and you were knocking some guy out. ”

“He was hurting Daphne. He’s lucky I didn’t kill him.” I was so mad I was shaking. “If she’s seriously hurt, I may have to find the asshole and do just that.”

“Okay, take a breath. I’m sure she’s okay.” Brandon started the car and headed to my place.

I was staring out of the window, clenching my fists, trying to calm down, but I was livid. I couldn’t get that terrified look on her face out of my head, and the sight of his hand on her neck was seared into my memory. I needed to see her and make sure she was okay. I shot off a text to her.

Me

Hey, are you okay? Can I see you?

I didn’t know if she’d respond or even look at her phone, so I quickly pulled up Lexi’s number and sent her a text as well.

Me

Hey, is she okay? Where are you? I need to see her.

I was impatiently staring at my phone, hoping one of them would reply, when Brandon tapped me on the arm, “We’re here.

” I looked up and realized we were already at my place.

Fuck. The last thing I wanted to do was go inside.

There was no way I was going to be able to relax until I heard from Lexi or Daphne.

Brandon must have read my thoughts and suggested we get a drink instead, and I was grateful for the distraction. I hoped he’d forgive me because if Daphne responded and was willing to see me, I was going to ditch him so fucking fast.

We ended up at a dive bar within walking distance of my place that I had been to a number of times.

I liked this place. It was the perfect place to disappear to when I wanted a quick drink without being disturbed.

I’d sometimes come and write here when I needed a change of scenery from my apartment.

The music was never too loud, and I found the hushed whispers of the other patrons oddly soothing.

Each of us ordered our respective drinks at the bar and then retreated to a high top in a corner. “So what happened?” Brandon asked once we were settled in.

I took a breath. I didn’t want to think about that asshole’s hands on Daphne, so I started at the beginning.

“Everything started out well. Daphne and I were catching up, and it seemed like our chemistry was still there. Then, when she went to the bathroom, that dickhead must have cornered her. I had a weird feeling that something was off, so I went to make sure she was okay, and that’s when I saw his hand on her throat.

I didn’t think. I walked up to him, pulled him off her, and laid him out.

I guess that’s when you showed up. It was all kind of a blur. ”

“Yeah, Lexi and I were just chatting. But then she saw something that made her jump up and head toward the back. I’m assuming now that it was Daphne’s ex.

But I gotta tell ya, brother, posting your bail wasn’t really on my bingo card for tonight, ya know?

Glad I was able to get you off him.” Brandon chuckled and then took a long sip of his beer.

“Listen, you can’t be going around knocking people out like that.

This could come back to bite you in the ass, brother. ”

“I know, you’re right, but the thought of anyone hurting Daphne just sets me off.” Just then, my phone dinged with an incoming message.

Lexi

Hey, she’s fine, but I think she’s in shock. She hasn’t been on her phone at all.

Me

I need to see her. Can I come over?

Lexi

She’s pretty shaken up. Maybe just give her the night.

Me

Will you please tell her I’m here if she needs me and that I’ll try her tomorrow?

Lexi

Will do. And bt dubs, good job. I’ve wanted to punch that piece of shit for years.

I laughed and put my phone away. “Lexi said Daphne’s okay and that I should give her some space tonight. I think that’s a terrible idea, but she knows her best, I guess.”

“Lexi is a good friend, and she seems nice.” My brother smiled and seemed to be remembering something.

I raised my eyebrow, “Nice, huh? Is that all?”

“Oh, stop. We were just passing the time. Yes, she seems nice. That’s all.

” Was my brother blushing? What the hell?

I had to put a pin in that because my thoughts drifted back to Daphne and how scared she looked.

I tipped my drink back, letting the warmth spread down my throat and throughout my body.

I hoped after a few more of these, I’d be able to quiet my mind enough to get some rest tonight.