Page 33 of Running from Drac

My heart leaps at the sound of Eddie’s familiar bravado, and races even more when Finn tries to swing on him. Eddie ducks so effortlessly, then swings, laying him out with a single punch. The pretty boy goes sprawling to the ground, blood appearing on his bottom lip.

Finn wipes at his face, scowling up at my ex with blinding hatred. “You’re going to pay for that, asshole.”

Eddie crosses his arms, just as Wesley and Rich appear behind him, crowding Gideon until he puts his hands up and steps away from Poppy.

“Hey, I don’t want any trouble,” he says, pushing his glasses nervously up his nose.

Poppy immediately moves towards Rich, standing behind his tall physique, knowing that he’d protect her without question. Wesley would too, but it’s a known fact that Poppy avoids Wesley like the plague. She somewhat hates him, mostly because of his reputation, which isn’t the greatest. Not that any of thesemen are angels. All of them have been to juvie, but Wesley has been there more than anyone else. His criminal record is atrocious, and if he’s not careful, he’s going to land himself in prison.

Wesley sneers at Gideon, fists clenched, that wicked look in his eye of a man who craves a good fight. “Well, buddy, you just found a whole lot of it.” Even though Wesley was the shortest of the three, the man’s been bulking up, his muscles multiplying since the last time I saw him. If I were Gideon, I’d run.

Gideon starts to back away, but Finn scrambles to his feet, getting up in Eddie’s face. “You think you’re big and bad, huh? Well, try to fight me when I’m ready for you!” He lays a singular punch to Eddie’s jaw, but barely budges him.

“Fuck! Is your jaw made of steel?” He shakes out his hand, grimacing when he can’t move his fingers. “I think you fucking broke my hand!”

“Serves you right for touching my girl.”

His girl? Did he just call me his girl?

Finn smirks. “I see. You must be the asshole she cheated on. No wonder she looked elsewhere.”

Eddie’s hand clenches into a shaking, angry fist, but before he can swing again, I gently place my hand over his. “He’s not worth it, Eddie,” I whisper into his ear.

“Yeah, listen to your little bitch, big man. I’m not worth it.”

Fuck, this man has a death wish.

Eddie’s already reared back and socked the dude in the mouth before I can even react, sending the pathetic weasel to his knees. He grabs Finn by the hair, forcing the motherfucker to look him in the eyes. “Let’s get one thing straight, asshole. Amber is the furthest thing from a bitch, and if you ever try to talk to her or touch her again, I’ll do more than break your hand, I’ll send you to the fucking morgue. You got me?”

Finn spits blood onto the ground, his perfect white teeth stained a bright, crimson red. “Yeah, big man, I got you. I was only on this date because Gideon promised me I’d get laid afterward, but I can tell a prude little tease from a mile away. And that bitch screams cock tease.”

Eddie lets the guy’s hair go, but not before elbowing him right in the nose, the crunch of cartilage and bone filling the dark space. “Get the fuck out of here. Both of you,” he orders.

Gideon helps Finn to his feet before they both slink away, leaving us with my ex and his two buddies.

The pad of Eddie’s rough fingers traces over my cheek as he looks deeply into my eyes, the light of the moon reflecting the little golden specks in his deep green irises. I practically melt to his touch, loving the way it brings me peace. “You okay?”

I nod, unable to really form coherent words. “How did you know?”

He shrugs. “We had just exited the mall and were walking to our cars when we saw you come rushing out of the restaurant looking upset. So, when that asshole came up behind you and grabbed you, I guess my possessiveness reared its ugly head again. I’m sorry, Amber.”

My hand traces the stubble of his cheek, noticing the withered look in his eyes. He looks disheveled and broken, like he hasn’t shaved his face since we last saw each other. “It’s okay, Eddie. Thank you for stepping in when you did.”

He nods, shoving his hands into his pockets before taking a few steps back, almost as if my touch was burning his skin. “You’re welcome. Hopefully, he won’t press charges.”

“I don’t think he will. Poppy’s the unfortunate one who will have to deal with seeing the other guy every day in her biology class.”

She shrugs. “I finished my finals. He asked me out because he thought we’d never see each other again. Now we definitely won’t.” She slightly chuckles, making everyone else smile.

“Well, for what it’s worth, thank you guys for intervening. Those guys gave me the creeps.”

“You know I’d do anything for you, Amber. Broken up or not, I’ll always protect you.” There’s a longing look in his gaze, but he shakes it away, his hair falling lazily over his brow. “Anyway, can we walk you guys to your car? You know, to make sure you’re safe.”

Poppy speaks before I have a chance. “We were gonna do some shopping in the mall, then call a Lyft. They drove us here.”

Eddie drags his lip between his teeth, turmoil flashing in his eyes. “I can give you a ride home, I don’t mind.” He looks over at Wesley and Rich. “They came in their own vehicle, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind sticking around a bit longer.”

His friends share a look then nod eagerly, smiling stupidly at Eddie.