Back in the Saddle (Jessica Brodie Diaries #1)(39)

I barely stopped myself from gulping before I asked, “What’s up, Dusty?”

“Howdy, darlin’. I just thought we might chat right quick.”

“Probably not a great idea, Dusty.” Visibly unaffected, I smoothed my skirt and went to stand, a firm look of disapproval on my face. I got halfway up before his hand found my shoulder again, only this time, he dug his fingers into muscle and bone. He roughly forced me back down.

Breath coming fast in fear crusted panting, my mind went blank of everything Lump had ever taught me. Every cutting quip smart Jane might come up with to disable an adversary. Panic consumed me, blocking out logic.

“Now,” he said quiet and slow, “I think we should take a little stroll outside, don’t you?”

I shook my head. I had to stay inside.

“Now darlin’, I really am a very nice guy.” His grip tightened painfully, his eyes taking on a savage look. He leaned so close I could smell the beer his breath. “And I’m gonna show you just how nice. C’mon now…”

He shook me, my head rattling on my shoulders. I opened my mouth to scream, or yell at him, or something, but no breath came. I couldn't get words past my constricted throat.

Suddenly his hand was ripped away. His body yanked up, out of his seat, the vacated chair toppling over backward with a loud clang.

His clutching hand gone, my body continued forward, spilling me onto the ground. Candace was there in an instant, holding my hand and trying to lift me back up.

Moose had dusty in some sort of body lock, carrying him out of the dance hall, Dusty's legs barely finding purchase, swinging and kicking the whole way. Adam waited by the door, the firm hand of judgement showing on his face. William and his dad trailed behind, ensuring the removal went smoothly.

I was lifted from the floor, Candace and Georgie helping me into my seat.

“They are taking care of that rat,” Georgie said softly, his body facing me, one hand on the table, one sweeping the hair out of my face. He wasn’t picking up on me this time. He was acting like a nursemaid. “Are you okay?”

I let out a ragged breath I didn’t know I was holding. Tears, unbidden, filled my eyes. Shaking my head, I stood up. I was not going to go to pieces.

At least not until I was in my room without anyone watching.

Georgie and Candace stood up with me.

I wiped my face with the flat of my palm, looking at Georgie with blurry eyes.

“Dance.” I croaked.

“What?” he and Candace said together.

“Dance!” I said louder.

Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t cry.

“Let’s dance. C’mon.” I grabbed his hand, half-dragging him to the dancefloor.

It was obvious Georgie was out of his element with my emotional response, but he followed me to the dance floor, taking my lead. We launched into the two-step, him allowing me to wipe my eyes every so often. After that song was over, we danced to another one; I was desperately trying to hold myself together. Him peering at me worriedly was not helping.

That song done, I decided it was now time to get drunk. Mind numbingly drunk with nothing but hangover misery for two days following. Between making an ass of myself with the hottest man alive, not to mention his friends and family, and then needing saving, I wanted to put all this behind me. There was one too many embarrassing things going on at this rodeo, and it was just par for the course for what William had experienced with me thus far.

Plus, I had definitely overstayed my welcome. I should have gone home with JP.

I walked back to the table with a straight back, struggling to keep tears from leaking down my face. The good news was, Georgie wasn’t trying to bed me anymore. The bad news was, for him to give up, I must have become damaged goods.

Need beer.

The table was full, housing our whole party, all with somber expressions. They were waiting for the victim. Staring. Preventing me from moving on.

"Thanks, guys. Moose." I cleared my throat, face red and not from dancing.

“Did he do this?” William stepped to my side, so close his breath tickled my face, mingling with mine.

I followed his eyes to my shoulder, where angry red finger marks etched my skin.

Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t cry.

I didn't speak. Couldn't. We both knew the answer.

Another step had him directly in front of me, thunderclouds hovering over his eyes. He looked down at me, into me. I distinctly remembered how good his embrace felt. My face against his hard chest. His strong arms wrapped around me supportively, protectively.

My head bent, trying to hide the tears drowning my eyes.

"Did you hurt you Jessica?" William asked quietly, the tips of his fingertips running along my jaw to my chin, then lifting slightly.

The waterworks were coming. I did not want to give Dusty’s friends the satisfaction! I needed to stay strong. I needed to keep my head up and shake it off. I was fine. Dusty scared me. No biggie. I was surrounded by a safety net and Dusty was thrown out.

I shook my head, breathing deep. Struggling for calm. I stepped around him, grabbed my beer, and downed it with thirsty, desperate gulps. Adam gave a hoot, called me a good girl, and went to get me another.

William pulled the chair out for me, but I shook my head again. I needed to stay busy.

“Dance.”

Without question or hesitation, William offered his hand, completely at my disposal. Thank God. I was going to have a good time if it killed me, damn it!