Chapter 5

　　I nod glumly. “Do you always grab them by the arm when they did mistakes or just Samantha?”

　　His eyes widen, looks alarmed. “O-of course not, Mr. Williams. She’s like a sister to me, and it was her first time to get into an accident with a customer. I apologize for my behavior earlier.”

　　I cut in, “Don’t apologize to me, Chase. Apologize to Samantha. She looks terrified back there, and it’s not good to scare someone in front of the customers, is it?”

　　He nods. “You’re right, and I will, Mr. Williams.”

　　“Good. Now tell me about this coffee shop.”

　　After almost an hour, we wrap-up the meeting. Daniel Chase is actually good at what he’s doing even though my blood is still boiling to what he did to Samantha. He does his job seriously.

　　I get out of his office and scan the place. Samantha is nowhere to be found.

　　“Where is Samantha?” I ask the waitress with big tits.

　　She smiles at me. “Mr. Williams, she went through the back of exit. Her shift is over thirty minutes ago.”

　　Her apron has the name Amy on it. “Wait a sec. Did she go home?” The panic in my voice is obvious, making Amy chuckles.

　　“Not yet. Her ex came and wanted to talk to her.”

　　I narrow my eyes. “And you let her go there alone to talk to her jerk of an ex?”

　　Shit! Did I just burst out my anger on her? Poor Amy.

　　“Um, she insisted on talking to him alone. She said she can handle him.”

　　I groan. “Where?”

　　She points to the kitchen.

　　I stride inside the kitchen and see the exit sign. I pull the door open, and there they are, in an intense conversation, and I want to break every bone in his body. One more touch on her again, he will regret the day he’s born. I hear footsteps coming, and it’s her friend, Amy.

　　Then I see red when he grabs Samantha’s arm.

　　My rage takes over—I stride to them and push him away from her. His eyes widen in shock to see what I just did.

　　Sam gasps beside me.

　　I grab his shirt. “This is the last time you ever going to touch her! You, motherfucker hurt her more than once, and I wouldn’t dare do that if I were you. If I ever see you get near her, or I heard that you talk to her again, I will fucking find you and kill you myself!” My fist is already trembling and wanting to punch him, and it takes all my courage to control myself for the sake of Samantha. “Did you understand me?”

　　“Y-yes.”

　　I don’t release his shirt, yet. “Apologize!”

　　He hesitates, and I grab his shirt stronger that might rip off from his body.

　　“I-m s-sorry, Sam.”

　　I push him and let him stumble to the ground.

　　“Get the hell away from my property before I will break your worthless bone!” I grit my teeth and face Sam, who’s still in shock, wrapping her arms around her body.

　　I take a huge breath to calm my nerves. “Come here, Samantha. Let’s get inside.” I offer my hand.

　　She grabs my hand firmly. Shit! Just her simple touch makes me feel alive. I ignore Daniel and Amy at the door. I glance at Sam who has not said a word.

　　“You okay, Samantha?” I’m worried about her because I have seen this kind of scenario, and I don’t like men hurting women in general.

　　“Yeah, I’ll live. Thank you by the way.” She smiles at me tightly.

　　She tries pulling her hand when she notices we are not alone, but I tighten the grip—I’m not ready to let her go. She looks confused, and the two exchange a look as well.

　　I face Daniel. “If that asshole will show up here again, either as a customer or wanna talk to Samantha, let me know. I don’t want him coming near her again.”

　　I look at Amy. “Even at school. Amy. Call me when that jerk gets near her.”

　　She gives me a wide smile and winks at me. “Got it, boss.”

　　“Are you going home now, Samantha?” I look at her. Our hands still intertwined.

　　“Yeah, it’s been a very long day. Can I have my hand now, Mr. Williams.” With the emphasis of Mr. Williams.

　　I bark into laughter. “Not a chance. I still have to send you to your car.” I shrug, causing Amy and Daniel to laugh with me.

　　“I got to get inside. Mr. Williams,” Daniel said.

　　“Thank you, Daniel.”

　　I smile at Samantha when she suddenly glares at me. “Just trying to be a gentleman.”

　　“You said your name is Phoenix, but they said it’s Alex Williams. You lied to me.”

　　“Is that why you’re upset? Only a few people call me by Phoenix. Those are my family and my old friends. My name is Alexander Phoenix Archibald Henry Williams.”

　　“Wow! Your mother was having fun giving you that long name, isn’t she?”

　　“I think so. Hawk is Albert Hawk.”

　　She shakes her head with amusement.

　　“Now it’s time for you to introduce yourself. We’ve met twice, but you haven’t told me your name. Don’t you think it’s unfair.”

　　She rolls her eyes. Jesus, she’s so beautiful. “You know my name, it’s Samantha. Friends call me Sam.”

　　A new girl joins us. “Sam’s life has been boring for a year now, but her name is Samantha Lorraine Anderson. Don’t kill me, Sam.”

　　“Samantha Lorraine. Beautiful. Suits you well.”

　　“Ugh. I need to get my bag. Now, can I have my hand back?”

　　“Fine, but I will still send you to the parking lot.”

　　“So, he must be the hot one you met last Saturday.” Amy looks at her and bumps her arm on Sam’s, causing her to blush as red as a tomato.

　　“Uh-huh! So, you told her about how we met?” I tease.

　　“Both of you, please, leave me alone!”

　　That makes us laugh more, then she rushes inside the kitchen.

　　“So, Phoenix, do you like my friend?” Amy crosses her arms over her chest and raises her eyebrows.

　　“Is it too obvious?” I raise a brow.

　　She gives me a high-five. “I like you already.”