Toban’s gun was drawn and pointed Logan’s direction.
Aster stepped between them. “Put your gun down.”
“What happened?” the man demanded instead.
“I fucking tripped.” Jarek spat it in Logan’s direction rather than at the guard.
He’d tripped, all right. Logan wished for a way to make sure he didn’t get back up.
Toban’s attention jumped between them. There was no missing the hostility that fizzed in the space.
Finally, he slowly lowered his gun while his eyes narrowed in concern. “Are you okay, Sir?”
“Just meet me at the car, Toban.” Jarek never looked at the man since he was glaring at Logan.
Chaos spun through Logan’s being. The urge to end it right there.
Do or die.
Except he could feel terror radiating from Aster. Her sweet spirit crying out in horrified desperation, at the truth they would never be together if Logan touched him again, the truth that it might already be too late.
Toban hesitated. “Are you sure, Sir?”
“Yes.”
Jarek stared Logan down while Toban retreated through the garden toward the front. A sneer curled his face while Logan stood there wanting to go back to tearing the asshole to shreds.
Aster spun and got in Jarek’s face. “I want you to leave.”
“I don’t give a fuck what you want.”
She pulled out her phone, all kinds of fierce bravery. “Fine. Then we’ll take this up with my papa.”
Jarek tried to bottle the fear that flashed through his expression, and his teeth gritted when he spat, “I’m leaving.”
He started to walk, only he grabbed her with his other hand, dragging her close by the upper arm. “But don’t think I’m finished with you.”
It curled through the air.
Logan almost went for him again.
Jarek lifted an arrogant chin like there wasn’t blood smeared down his face, stepped around Aster, and leaned in toward Logan as he passed, “Or you.”
Then he disappeared into the shrubs.
Logan sagged.
Aster rushed for him, taking him by the hand and hauling him into their secluded spot. “Oh my god, are you hurt? That asshole.”
“I’m fine.” It was pure frustration.
Aster touched the bruises that were undoubtedly forming on his face. Tenderness wept from her fingertips.
Logan’s raging heart slowed the barest fraction.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Logan met her eyes. “I would die for you, Aster Rose.”