Page 69 of The Originals

“Who the fuck are you?” Grain shouted and jerked his head to her. “Who the fuck is this?”

For as jealous as Regina was with Grain, he was a step above with his own possessiveness. Grain would never admit it. He didn’t have to. His actions proved it time and time again. Regina could’ve played that card and treated this man to a far worse beating.But, I’m feeling generous.

Regina shrugged. “Unsatisfied customer.”

Grain furrowed his brows.

Regina lifted her chin, gesturing to Rick, who’d yet to move an inch. She couldn’t be sure if he was frozen in fear or just stupid.It doesn’t matter. Either way, he’d missed his opportunity to get away unscathed. Regina loosened her grip on her keys, and walked over to Grain. She hiked up on her toes, brushing her lips against his cheek.

Grain didn’t even flinch, keeping his eyes locked on the man ten feet away.

“He came here for an apology.”

Grain slowly angled his head in confusion. Her lips twitched, and she raised her brow.

“He wants me to apologize. I hurt his feelings.” Regina could barely keep a straight face with her explanation.

The corner of Grain’s mouth curved.

Yeah, baby, I know.

****

Grain had been on edge the whole ride to Lawry. It had started to rain halfway from Ghosttown. The smartest thing to do would’ve been to pull over and wait it out. Grain settled for slowing down. When he pulled into the city limits, it was a little after closing. His plan was to go to Starr’s, and if she’d already left, he’d head to their apartment. As he rounded the corner pulling into the back lot, his headlight shined on two people near the bar’s exit.

It was hard to make out the person with Regina, but when he did, a fire raced through his veins. Nothing prepared him to see his woman with another man alone in the parking lot. Grain was usually a man who acted first and thought later. He wasn’t sure if Regina could read his rage, but she was quick to give an explanation.

A fucking apology?Good luck, motherfucker.In all the time he’d been with her, Grain had never heard her mutter the words ‘I’m sorry’. And if she did, it certainly wouldn’t be to this man.

“My woman hurt your feelings?” Grain smirked. “She’s got a way with words, this one.”

He heard Regina’s soft chuckle on his right, but he kept his control intact, refusing to give in.

“She’s got a mouth on her,” the man said, darting his gaze between him and Regina.

Grain folded his arms. When he took a step forward, the man immediately retreated.

“So, what’s your plan?” Grain asked.

The man furrowed his brows.

“I mean, you come here looking for something you ain’t gonna fucking get. Now what?” Grain lifted his chin to her but kept his gaze locked on the man. “Gonna teach her a lesson? Rough her up? Show her who’s boss?”

His eyes widened, and he held up his hand. “I didn’t touch her.”

“But you want to, right? Show her she can’t fucking disrespectyou. Why else would you show up when she’s alone?”

“Look, I…” He never got to finish.

Grain rushed forward, grabbed the man’s collar, and balled his fist. He slammed his fist, catching the corner of the lowlife’s jaw, sending his head jerking back. It was probably enough to knock him out, but Grain wasn’t done. He lifted him off the ground, taking another shot, this time landing directly in his stomach. He gasped and groaned, keeling over. Grain tightened his hold, knowing the second he let go, this guy was falling straight to the ground

Grain squatted down, and reached into the man’s pocket, grabbing his wallet before tossing him against his car. He flipped it open and found exactly what he was looking for.

“Richard Arnold.” Grain said and glanced over at him. “And now I know where you fucking live. Know what that means? You get to live knowing I can fucking show up any time. And I won’t come alone.”

Grain stalked toward him. The man scrambled, trying to get to his car door, but Grain was faster and grabbed him by the back of his neck. He spun him around and slammed him, face first, on the hood of the car. The whimpering plea had Grain tightening his hold.

“You better hope and fucking pray nothing ever happens to her. ’Cause if something does happen, the first place I’m showing up is your fucking house,Richard. You fucking hear me?”