Fame- A Shawn Mendes Fanfic

Chapter 29- Protection

Shawn Mendes *POV*

     I knew I couldn't fool myself any longer. I couldn't resist. The past three days had been the longest of my life.

     I needed a change of pace.

*****

     I rarely participated in open mic nights, but it seemed to be the change of pace I needed. Something to keep my thoughts from focusing solely on Katie. Upon arriving at the venue, I attempted to disguise myself partially, if not completely. I know, I know, sunglasses don't conceal anything, but if I was being utterly honest, I was tired of the efforts I made to keep my identity from being discovered. And with that came laziness.

     I walked over to a bar tender asking for a soda, noting the couple who sat at the counter talking heatedly. The woman was blushing feverishly to the man's words. He appeared to be insinuating something while she shook her head insisting otherwise.

     That was when I realized who the woman was. Katie.

     I took a few hesitant steps toward the two, overhearing the dirty comments spewing from the man's mouth.

     "Please, you're wasting your time. Leave me be," she breathed, trying to remain level-headed.

     I sensed the trouble she was in and without thinking stepped in saying, "Sorry for being late, babe. You know the traffic around here. Who's this?" I asked in a menacing tone, hoping he caught the hint.

     "Me? Oh, I'm your worst nightmare," he smirked, eyeing Katie with a lustful look.

     "Well, I can see you're no daydream. Buzz off, she's mine," I growled, my tone escalating. "Come on, babe, let's dance," I said, offering her my arm.

     Katie nodded, whispering in my ear a quick thanks as we headed to the dance floor. "There's one problem," she began.

     "And what's that?" I asked.

     "I don't know how," she admitted shyly.

     "Well, then it's a good thing I'm your teacher," I replied, reaching for her arm and placing it on my chest. "Follow my lead."

     She nodded as we swayed to the music. I looked over my shoulder to see the same man at the bar watching us closely. "Our 'worst nightmare' is watching us. If you want to shake him off, we need to give him more of a show," I whispered into her ear.

     "Okay," she whispered in reply. She stepped closer to me, leaning in. I searched her eyes for permission to kiss her. She nodded with no hesitation, and I placed my lips on hers. As my tongue probed her, she began to respond, kissing lightly in return. When she paused abruptly, I looked at her, concerned. "Are you upset yet?"

     My heart fluttered at the nervous tone edging her voice. I was a fool to hurt her, she was fragile, and it was my duty to guard that fragility. "Of course not. I love you and that will forever stay the same."

     Upon scouting out the stools skirting the counter of the bar, I found that our friend was no longer there. "He's gone."

     "How nice," Katie muttered sarcastically. She merely responded by placing her head on my shoulder and closing the gap that lay between us.