He shoves back from the desk and slams my laptop closed. The monitors all turn off. “Let’s go.”
I follow him. “You found where he lives?”
“Yup.”
“And we’re going to go there?”
“Yeah.” Glitch stops. “Unless you don’t want to come with me? But until I get a security system on your doors and windows and in your studio, I really don’t want you at either place alone.”
This can’t be happening. Cool night air hits my face as we step outside. Glitch hadn’t parked in his garage. He parked in the driveway this time. I’m almost to the car when my phone rings. I pull it out of my back pocket as dread coils in my gut. Unknown number.
Glitch’s deep voice shoots confidence down my spine. “Answer it.”
I refuse to give Jason my fear. Or my pain. I refuse to give that jackass one more ounce of my energy. I hit the answer button and say, “Go fuck yourself, Jason.”
“Ara, listen to me, baby. I won’t post the video, I swear. I just sent it to you so you’d answer your phone and talk to me. I miss you so much, I’m dying inside.”
“You’re sick. You’re a sick, twisted—”
“Jason,” Glitch says after taking the phone from me. “It’s nice to finally talk to the man who ruined his chances with my Ara.”
My heart’s in my throat. I’m dizzy and frazzled.
“Thank you for the video compilation. My girl’s fire, isn’t she? She’s fucking hot when she touches herself.”
I hear a door slam on the street. Next thing I know, Jason’s storming across the cul-de-sac, cell phone still up to his ear.
Oh my God, he must have put a tracking program on my laptop too!
I’m going to be sick.
Glitch hangs up my phone. The smile he’s wearing is nothing short of feral. He’s not at all shocked to see Jason here.
“Ara,” Jason barks, looking half-crazed. Dressed in a suit, his tie loose around his neck, shirt untucked, he stalks closer. “I need you, baby.”
I step back. “Jason, you need to leave me alone.”
His face contorts with anger. “You need to do as you’re told and get the fuck over here.”
Glitch steps between us. “Come near her,” he warns, “and I’ll tear your goddamn face off.”
Jason’s got this awful, smug, shit-eating grin on his face as he strides over to us, raises his fist, and swings at Glitch.
I’m so stunned, I can’t move.
Glitch doesn’t block the hit. Doesn’t duck. Doesn’t even rock back when Jason clocks him in the face. “She’s mine.” Jason barrels into him, roaring like a maniac, driving Glitch backwards. He swings out again, only this time Glitch doesn’t give him another freebie. He blocks the punch with one hand, and cold cocks Jason in the jaw with a hard left hook.
Jason drops instantly. His head hits the ground, skull smacking on the cement.
“Holy shit!” I hope he’s not dead. Glitch can’t go to jail for murder. I don’t know what to do! Bending down for a better look, fear spikes my bloodstream when I see blood.
“Don’t touch him, Ara.” Glitch pulls his phone out and calmly holds it up to his ear. “I’d like to report an assault.” He gives the location and steps back a few paces. I can tell he’s furious and ready to snap. He hangs up after answering several questions, and then the flashing lights appear minutes later.
Cops arrive and take our statements.
“We were on our way out when Ara’s ex came out of nowhere and attacked us.”
One cop asks, “Do you want to press charges?”
Glitch looks over at me, giving me all control. I know he’ll respect whatever I decide. My stomach clenches. I can’t believe this just happened. “Yes.”
I absolutely want to press charges. And when I see the red mark on Glitch’s face start to swell, I wish I could murder Jason for hurting him. For all the shock, anger, and nausea rolling through me, having Glitch stand strong at my side, remaining calm with the cops and being a rock for me, gives me strength.
Glitch holds the laptop under his arm as he laces his freehand with mine. His squeeze reassures me.
“I have video of the attack if you want it.” Glitch points at the surveillance cameras he has set up that I never even noticed.
“Yeah. That’ll be a help.” One of the police officers hands him a card. “Email me the clip. We’ll be in touch.”
They take Jason away in an ambulance.