“You want me to walk away after what he did to you?” James asked hoarsely.
“Please, just go,” the woman begged. “I’ll get him home. He didn’t mean it. He’s just drunk. He has no idea what he’s doing. He won’t even remember in the morning.”
“And how the hell will you explain that bruise on your cheek?” James demanded.
The woman glanced in panic at the man who was trying to get to his feet. “It doesn’t matter. Okay? Just go, please. I’ll deal with him. He didn’t mean anything by it. Please just go. It’ll be worse for me if you interfere.”
Sophia found her feet and her tongue at last. She slid up behind James and tucked her hand into his. He turned as if just realizing she was there. Darkness simmered in his eyes. Rage coiled and burned, his entire body bristling.
“Let’s go, James,” she
