Chapter 117: 117

Emily

Carter’s words rang in my ears, his tone sharp and commanding. “Don’t ever tell me I’m wasting my time again. I know what I want.”

I crossed my arms, forcing myself to keep my composure. “You don’t know what you want, Carter. If you did, you wouldn’t have stopped me to discuss something as silly as this.”

The flicker of anger in his eyes didn’t intimidate me; it only made me stand taller. But before I could process his next move, his hand darted forward, reaching for me.

A loud gasp rippled through the crowd gathering around us. Before Carter’s hand could touch me, someone else’s grip stopped him mid-motion. I froze. The murmurs around us grew louder as I turned, my heart racing.

It was Ben.

His fingers were wrapped firmly around Carter’s wrist, and his expression was unreadable, but there was a simmering intensity in his eyes.

“What the hell?” Carter’s voice was venomous as he yanked his hand back. “Who are you? Another one of Emily’s little sex toys?”

The insult hit me like a slap across the face, and I felt the heat rush to my cheeks—part anger, part embarrassment. I opened my mouth to snap back at him, but before I could utter a word, Ben’s fist collided with Carter’s jaw.

The impact was brutal. Carter staggered back, and the crowd erupted in chaos. Gasps, whispers, and shouts filled the air. I barely registered any of it as I stepped back, caught between disbelief and anger.

Carter recovered quickly, his hand flying to his jaw as he glared at Ben. His shock morphed into rage, and I knew he was about to retaliate. Before he could lunge, I wedged myself between them, my hands pressing against Carter’s chest.

“Enough!” I shouted, my voice cutting through the noise.

Ben didn’t back down, his gaze fixed on Carter like he was daring him to try something. Carter, breathing heavily, seemed to weigh his options before stepping back reluctantly.

The crowd started to disperse, but the whispers and curious stares lingered. I turned to Carter, narrowing my eyes. “You deserved that.”

He looked at me, incredulous. “You’re seriously taking his side?”

“You started it,” I shot back. “Now, leave!”

He muttered something under his breath but didn’t press further. I grabbed Ben’s arm, pulling him away from the crowd before anything else could escalate.

The murmurs followed us as we left. I could feel the eyes on us, and I knew what they were thinking. It wasn’t just the fight they were talking about, it was Ben. His striking features, the quiet confidence he exuded, and the effortless way he had handled Carter.

When we finally reached a quiet spot away from prying eyes, I let go of his arm and turned to face him.

“What are you doing here?” I demanded, my voice tinged with exasperation.

He leaned casually against the wall, his expression softening as he looked at me. “I missed you.”

His words caught me off guard. My resolve faltered for a moment, but I quickly masked it. “Ben, you can’t just show up like this. Especially not here.”

His eyes searched mine, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of vulnerability. “I couldn’t stay away,” he admitted.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “You shouldn’t have gotten involved back there.”

“He was out of line,” Ben said firmly. “Someone had to put him in his place.”

“That someone didn’t have to be you,” I replied, my voice softer now.

He shrugged, a small, unapologetic smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “I’d do it again if I had to.”

I shook my head, a mixture of frustration and gratitude swirling within me. “You’re impossible.”

He chuckled, the sound warm and familiar, easing some of the tension in the air. “And you wouldn’t have it any other way.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the small smile that crept onto my face. “You’re going to be the death of me, Ben.”

“I’ll take my chances,” he replied, his tone light but his gaze unwavering.

“Let’s go. We can’t stay here.” I grabbed his arms and started walking away.