A Promise

Matthew

I don't like this guy.

I decide that immediately as I watch Josh flirt with Sarah.

Yes, flirting. I don't care if Sarah says he is just her childhood friend. That guy has been flirting with her, it's clear as day.

The way he leans in when he speaks to her, the little smirk that never quite leaves his face, the way his eyes linger a second too long—he's testing me. Pushing to see how far he can go before I snap.

And I'm close.

I grip my fork so tightly I swear I hear it creak. Sarah, completely oblivious, laughs at something he says. My jaw tightens. She hasn't laughed like that all evening.

Since we got married, in fact. Well…I do have everything to do with that.

Josh leans back, looking far too comfortable. "Man, Sarah, I still can't believe you're married. Feels like just yesterday we were sneaking out past curfew, getting into all kinds of trouble."

She shakes her head, smiling. "We didn't get into that much trouble."

Josh grins. "Speak for yourself. I distinctly remember you convincing me to break into that old theater downtown. We almost got arrested, remember?"

Sarah laughs again, and something hot coils in my chest.

Josh glances at me, that smirk still playing on his lips. "But I guess you've changed. Settled down. Must be a pretty big adjustment."

Sarah shrugs. "Yeah, but it's—"

Josh cuts her off. "And you are taking over your father's company now. That's so cool!"

I clench my jaw.

Sarah smiles, but I can see the tension in her shoulders. "Yeah, it's a big responsibility."

Josh leans in, resting his arms on the table like he's settling in for a deep, personal chat. "I bet. Your dad always had big shoes to fill. But if anyone can do it, it's you."

Sarah gives a small, appreciative nod. "Thanks, Josh."

I feel my blood pressure rising with each passing moment. Josh's gaze lingers on Sarah, his eyes glinting with clear admiration and something more. Something that makes my skin crawl.

He's looking at her like she's the most fascinating thing he's ever seen.

What the fuck is the deal with this guy?

And Sarah, damn her, is just eating it up. She's practically glowing under his attention, a soft smile playing on her lips, her eyes bright and engaged.

It makes me want to reach across the table and shake her.

I take a long sip of my scotch, relishing the burn as it slides down my throat. I need something to dull the edges of my anger, to keep me from saying something I'll regret. I am trying my hardest to be civil. I don't even know why I bother.

I need to get a grip. I can't let Josh see how much he's getting to me, and I can't give him that satisfaction.

I force myself to tune back into the conversation, just in time to hear Josh say, "—and then, if you can believe it, she actually agreed to go out with me."

Sarah shakes her head. "You always get the girl, Josh. Why do you act surprised?"

Josh smirks, clearly enjoying himself. "Well, I wouldn't say always."

"So, are you living here for good now? Where are you staying?" Sarah asks brightly.

Josh shrugs, taking a slow sip of his drink. "Yeah, I'm back for a while. Got a place not too far from here. Thought I'd settle in, see some familiar faces."

His eyes flick to Sarah again.

I set my glass down with a thud, earning a brief glance from her, but she didn't say anything.

Josh grins. "It's crazy, isn't it? How life turns out. Never would've guessed you'd end up married. And running the company, no less."

Sarah smiles, but there's a stiffness to it now like she's starting to sense the shift in the air. "Yeah, well, things change."

Josh chuckles. "They sure do. Hey, why don't you two come over to my new place this weekend? I am kind of having a get-together to celebrate my return. I invited some of our mutual friends, Sarah, so I think you will have a good time."

"That sounds nice," Sarah says.

I take a slow, deliberate breath. "We'll see if we're free," I say, voice calm but firm.

Josh smirks. "Of course. Wouldn't want to impose on newlyweds."

My fingers twitch against the table. I want to punch his smug face so badly.

Sarah smiles at him again. "It'll be great to catch up with everyone," she says.

~-~

I grab Sarah's arm as soon as we get home and drag her toward the bedroom.

"Matthew! What is your problem?" she cries out as I practically throw her in bed.

"What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you?" I hiss.

Sarah scrambles up from the bed, her eyes wide with shock. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

I stand over her, my hands clenched at my sides, my chest rising and falling with barely restrained anger. "Are you seriously asking me that?" I bite out.

She glares at me, crossing her arms. "Yes, I am. You've been acting weird all night! What is your problem?"

I let out a sharp laugh, shaking my head. "My problem? My problem is that asshole Josh practically undressed you with his eyes at dinner, and you just sat there, giggling like a schoolgirl."

Her brows furrow, her lips pressing into a tight line. "Oh, come on. I was just catching up with an old friend! That's all!"

I step closer, lowering my voice. "He doesn't see you as just a friend, and you damn well know it."

She huffs, throwing up her hands. "You are insane. Even if that was true, which it isn't, by the way, why do you care? You hate me, remember?"

I grip her chin, tilting her face up so she has no choice but to meet my gaze. "It doesn't matter if I hate you. You still belong to me."

Her eyes flash with anger. I hold her there for a moment, forcing her to stare at me. She doesn't look away, but her lips are trembling just slightly.

"Stop acting like you own me," she mutters.

"You know that's not what I'm saying." My voice is low and controlled, but every word is laced with an edge. "But you're mine, Sarah. Whether you like it or not. And I'm not gonna sit back and watch some asshole like Josh try to get a piece of you."

She pushes me away, but her tone is weak like she's unsure whether to be angry or resign. "And why not? Is this part of your punishment to me? Isolating me from my friends? The people I care about?"

I don't release my hold on her, not yet. The tension in the room is thick, and every muscle in my body feels like it's on edge.

"Punishment?" I whisper, stepping forward so my voice is almost a growl. "I guess I am trying to punish you that way, Sarah."

"Well, I don't accept," She says. "I'm not going to lie down and take your punishment."

I smirk, a dark, twisted smile painting my lips. "Maybe not yet, but you'll learn. I'm not asking for your permission, Sarah. You will take everything I give you. All the pain, all the misery."

She tilts her chin in defiance. "I will agree with one thing, Matthew. I do belong to you. But you…you also belong to me."

"What does that supposed to mean?" I growl.

"If I can't see Josh, you can't see or speak to your precious Amanda. I know you are itching to rekindle your flame with her even though you are married to me. But I won't let that happen," Sarah says.

I chuckle. "And you really think you can stop me?"

"I can and I will," she says.

I stare at her, her defiance catching me off guard. I can't help but admire her a little.

"You want to play this game with me?" I say, a smirk playing on my lips. "Fine. Let's see who really has the upper hand."

Sarah crosses her arms, her defiance unwavering. "I'm not afraid of you, Matthew."

"Maybe you should be," I say, my voice laced with a dark promise.