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"Sorry" Instead of releasing her, he claled his head like he wanted to kiss her

Her reactions were slower than usual, courtesy of the booze, so she turned her head away

But the guy’s lips didn’t land

Because Carson had inserted his arm between her and Mr Grabby Hands

"What the hell? Move it, buddy," he slurred

Carolyn watched as Carson pushed the guy back Then he punched hih with an uppercut that rocked the guy on his feet When the guy didn’t go down, Carson hit him two more times until he did

Then he loomed over hiain I will break every fkin’ bone in your body Every Goddamned Bone And then I will make you bleed Are we clear, you sorry son of a bitch?"

The people who’d been on the dance floor had gathered around A wolared at Carson "What did my husband do to you?"

"He touched my wife"

"We were dancing, you moron--of course he touched her," she snapped

But Carson hadn’t looked at the guy’s wife even once He was too busy trying to set hiaze of hatred "Last I knew his hands on her ass and him tryin’ to lock lips with her wasn’t part of dancin’"

Carolyn touched Carson’s arm He still didn’t look away

CharlieCarolyn behind his back "Don’t ever come up behind her like that"

"Because you’ll what? Knock me on my ass? Wouldn’t be the first fkin’ time You done with this now? Or you waitin’ till he stands up and then you’ll take it outside so you can keep beatin’ on hiuy?

"I’m done" Carson put his hands on her shoulders and steered her away

The h the crowd

By the time they returned to the table, she knew Beverly had heard about the scuffle because she’d plastered on a fake smile "Now that you’re back I can tell you happy birthday one ed her and whispered, "Watch your step with Carson"

"What do you ht But now that you’re his wife? You’re reason enough"

"Beverly, Carson would never hit me"

"I know But that doesn’t hold true for theat you And if they touch you? Theytheir teeth up off the floor Thewhen it co"