I Promise by Adrianne Byrd Page B

her.
    â€œI’ll catch you later, man.” Daniel slapped Malcolm’s shoulder, then disappeared from the bar.
    The houselights dimmed and the music’s tempo changed into a slow jam. Christian’s partner wrapped his arms possessively around her.
    Malcolm drained his glass in one gulp, then pushed from the bar and staggered to the dance floor.
    Christian laughed at Tanner’s quick wit. Alex had been right about coming here tonight. This was just what she needed before heading home tomorrow.
    â€œMind if I cut in?”
    Christian pivoted, shocked to come face-to-face with—“Malcolm.” Her gaze traveled the length of him.
    â€œSo you do remember me.”
    Tanner glanced between the couple. “Is there something I can do for you?” he asked Malcolm.
    â€œNo. I just wanted to have a moment alone with my fiancée, if you don’t mind.”
    â€œHey, I don’t want trouble.”
    â€œThen leave,” Malcolm replied dryly.
    The heavy stench of alcohol assaulted Christian’s senses and she stepped back. “You’ve been drinking.”
    â€œYou noticed.” He grabbed her wrist and pulled her body against him. “Mind if I have this dance?” He moved with the music without waiting for a reply. “I see you’ve wasted no time replacing me. Though I’m surprised you didn’t choose my brother. Or is he here, too?” He took a quick look around.
    â€œI think you need to go home and sleep off some of that alcohol,” Christian suggested, turning to leave the dance floor.
    Malcolm grasped her hand. “Wait. I just want to talk to you.”
    Christian struggled to break his grasp, but his grip tightened. “Let me go.”
    â€œI just want to talk to you.”
    â€œLet me go!” Christian wrenched from Malcolm’s grasp and slapped him. Despite the club’s dim lighting, she could make out her handprint against his smooth dark complexion.
    He snatched her by the wrist and glared down at her. “What was that for?”
    Alex rushed over and placed her hand on his shoulder. “Let her go,” she coaxed softly.
    Shrugging her hand away, he ignored Alex’s plea.
    A deep threatening voice spoke up from behind them. “I think the lady wants you to leave her alone.”
    Malcolm turned.
    A brother dressed head to toe in black stood with his fists settled against his hips.
    Malcolm stood unfazed that the man challenging him towered over his six-two frame, and outweighed him by at least thirty pounds. Malcolm cocked his head to one side and said, “I think you need to mind your own business.”
    Horrified by the threat of confrontation, Christian jumped between the two men. “Malcolm, let it go.” She turned to her rescuer. “Sir, everything is all right. We were just…talking.”
    A sly grin slid across Malcolm’s face. “See? We were just talking. So piss off!”
    Anger flashed across the giant’s features as he swept Christian out of the way to land a punch square on Malcolm’s jaw, knocking him to the floor.
    â€œNo!” Alex shouted, dashing to his side.
    â€œIf you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay down,” the giant threatened.
    Malcolm jumped to his feet, again ignoring Alex, to send his own punch, which missed the giant by several inches.
    All hell broke loose.
    People who weren’t involved in the confrontation suddenly dove into the action.
    Christian screamed for everyone to stop, but Alex’s wild shrieks caught and held her attention. Dumbfounded, she stared at her friend’s troubled expression.
    â€œBust it up!” a voice thundered.
    A group of muscular men shoved through the crowd. Two snatched Malcolm by the collar, while four other men grabbed the giant and led them both off the premises.
    Christian rushed behind them.
    â€œChris, wait!” Alex pulled her back. “Will you wait a