Protect My Heart

Chapter 3

Clover

20 April 2018 (Three years ago)

"I'm hungry, Logan," I whined.

"Seriously? Clo, you just ate. We're never going to make it to Adam and Bella's if we stop every ten minutes."

"Please. Just stop at the next gas station. We need gas anyway."

Miles from our town, miles from any town, as a matter of fact, we stopped. The gas station was deserted. The next drive was two hours away; our friends' home was in that very town. I adjusted my sundress after Logan helped me out of my seat, slapping his hands off. "I can get out myself. But can you get me a double hotdog with extra ketchup and mayo?"

Logan nodded, lips on my forehead. "I'll be back in a second."

While I waited for him, I texted Bella.

Me: almost there. I miss you, bitch.

She texted back: lol, me too. hurry, kitchen in the oven. Josh wants his favourite aunt.

My laughter died down when my phone got snatched out of my hand. A man in his late fifties, stinking of booze was there, holding my phone high in the air. Jumping high in the air, I tried to retrieve it, but he was taller. Laughing stupidly, he held it higher.

"Look, this isn't funny ­–"

"Didn't know they sold girls like you on the side of the road." He smirked. "How much for a night? How about I trade you this phone for a night?"

Repulsive pig.

"My boyfriend is in that gas station, you pig!" I snapped. "And I'm pregnant. Give me back my phone before I cut your dick off."

"I see the little girl has language." His words slurred.

Who's he calling little?

"Watch who you're calling little! I'll watch your ass in prison if you don't –"

"And I suggest you watch your mouth, you little –"

"And I suggest you back the hell off!"

Logan gripped the drunk's neck from behind. Something they must've taught him in police academy. "Apologize to the lady."

"I'm fucking sorry." He clearly wasn't, but Logan let him go anyway, not wanting a fight.

"You better be." Rushing to my side, Logan inspected my appearance, visibly gagging at the stench of booze. "How close did he get, baby? I'll shoot his dick off for that –"

"Wait, I know you!"

Logan faced the man and blanched. "No, you don't."

"Yes, I do!" the drunk exclaimed. "You're the guy who has been buying drugs from me and my buddy."

Pardon me? What am I missing here?

Glimpsing up at Logan as he shoved the hotdog into my hand, I couldn't believe my ears.

"Listen here, I don't know you, so you better shut the fuck up!" Now not believing my own eyes, Logan shoved the man.

The drunk wasn't fazed by the shove. Instead, he erupted into fits of laughter. "Oh, I see little bitch isn't enough. I'd need some drugs too if I was you. I bet she doesn't know what you've been up to."

Oh, no, wrong words to say.

"What did you just call her?" my boyfriend seethed.

I had to stop him before things got out of hand.