Part 302 (2/2)

way to treat an old friend?”

”Get out of my way.”

”We'll have to work on those manners.” He gripped her braid and tugged

hard enough to make her gasp. ”little girls who grow up with money

always end up spoiled. I'd have thought your husband would have taught

you better-before you killed him.”

It wasn't fear, she realized as she began to shake. It was fury. Hot,

glittering ftiry. ”You b.a.s.t.a.r.d. Let go of me.”

”I thought we might have a chat, just the two of us. Let's take a

ride.” He kept his hand on her hair, pulling her along.

She swung back, bringing her camera case hard into his midsection. When

he doubled over, she stepped back, and into someone else. Without

thinking, she whirled and nearly caught Stevie in the face.

”Hang on.” He threw up a hand before her fist could connect with his

nose. ”Don't hit me. I'm just a poor recovering addict who's come to

play guitar.” He put a hand on her shoulder, gave it a quick squeeze.

”Is there a problem here?”

Almost carelessly, Emma glanced back at Blackpool. He'd recovered his

wind, and was standing, fists clenched. Emma felt a quick surge of

pleasure. She had taken care of herself, and very well. ”No, there's

no problem.” Turning, she walked toward the theater with Stevie.

”What was all that about?”

There was still a smile on her face. Pure satisfaction. ”He's just a

bully.”

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