Fierce Salon, Episode Four: A New Adult Smexy Serial Read Online Free Page B

few steps away from my chair but once he catches my eye, he doesn’t move. He’s frozen in the salon, watching me through the glass.
    Not willing to let him think me any weaker than he already does, I square up my shoulders, run my hand through my hair and adjust my bag. I’m fine now. Just a little sleepy.
    Since I don’t feel completely ready to drive, I cross the street and head to the coffee shop. I could use a jolt of caffeine and a few minutes to calm down before I head up the hill.
    The shop is quiet so I sit at the window bar and people watch for a few minutes. There’s a well-read romance novel in the magazine rack so I pull it out and start to thumb through it.
    I can’t remember the last time I took the time to read a book but I quickly get caught up in the story of a disabled war vet that finds himself at the mercy of a primitive community of wolf shifters. It’s actually quite interesting so when I hear a tap against the window in front of me, I’m startled.
    Shane is standing outside the café with a smug look on his face. How could I have ever found that endearing? It just looks stupid.
    I quickly gather my stuff and head to the door. I don’t want to deal with him so leaving is the best option. I must have been reading for a while because the sun has set and the street lights are already glowing.
    Shane is standing at the entrance with his arms open as if he’s expecting me to rush into them. I scoff at his absurdity and turn in the other direction, walking away from my car just to avoid him.
    “Amy, babe, what are you doing?” He’s walking directly behind me but I don’t turn back. As soon as I see a break in the traffic, I cross back toward the salon. I’m debating whether I should seek shelter in the brightly lit salon or just head to my car. As soon as I approach the door, I decide against going in. If he follows me in, that would just be more humiliating. “Just stop for a minute,” he begs from behind.
    I walk past Fierce without a glance in, trying not to be noticed or let on to Shane that I’m connected to that place. The last thing I want is for him to show up when I’m with a client.
    Before I get within ten feet of the alley, Shane grabs my arm. “I said stop.” He’s got a crazy look in his eyes like he’s high or something. I’ve never known him to use drugs but he doesn’t seem completely lucid. “You can’t still be mad. Just come home, baby.  I miss you.”
    “Let go of me, Shane.” I try to yank free but his grip doesn’t budge. Instead, his fingers dig into my skin and pull, causing me to curl with his movement to lessen the tension.
    “Shane, please let go.” I don’t think begging will get me very far so I try to placate him. “We can talk it out. Just let go and I’ll follow you home.”
    “That’s my girl.” His other arm wraps around my back and he pulls me into his chest. “I knew you missed me too. Let’s go home.”
    I nod and try to smile through the tears in my eyes. He’s completely lost it. “Okay,” I whisper, willing to agree to anything just to get to my car so I can get away from him.
    “No, it’s not okay.” The deep voice behind Shane causes both of us to freeze.
    I don’t even look up. I can’t bear to face Nate in yet another moment of need. How many times has he had to rescue me in the past two weeks? He doesn’t even like me and it’s no wonder why. I’m a complete mess.
    “We’re good, buddy.” Shane glances over his shoulder but doesn’t pay much attention to my angry boss. “I’m taking her home now. You can keep walking.”
    Not sure what I could possibly say to make this end any faster, I don’t say anything at all. I just drop my chin to my chest and turn back toward the alley.
    “Take your fucking hands off her before I remove them from your body.” Nate sounds murderous as he rests a hand on Shane’s shoulder.
    I don’t know if it’s the words or the valiant act itself but I can’t stop the shudder