Chapter 343
Chapter 343 Possessive Outburst
Ava’s POV
Joseph’s jaw clenched as he walked toward me. The look in his eyes reminded me of a predator ready to pounce.
“Where the hell have you been?” he demanded.
I squared my shoulders, refusing to be intimidated. “Having dinner.”
Kenneth rolled down his window before driving off. “I happened to run into this lovely young lady at the diner. Since it was late, I offered her a ride home.” His smile looked real, but I caught something in his eyes when he looked at Joseph.
Joseph’s hand found my waist, fingers pressing possessively against my hip. “Thank you for bringing my girlfriend home safely,” he said with forced politeness. “I appreciate it.”
The way he emphasized “my girlfriend” made my stomach twist. Like he owned me.
“Your girlfriend is delightful company,” Kenneth grinned. “You’re a lucky man, Alpha Joseph.”
“I’m well aware,” Joseph’s grip tightened slightly.
Kenneth nodded politely, though he glanced at me with slight concern. “I should be going now. Goodnight, Ava.”
The tension between the two Alphas was so thick I could almost see it, like invisible currents of electricity arcing between them.
Alpha Kenneth’s car drove away.
The moment we were alone, Joseph spun me around to face him. His eyes burned with an intensity that would have been sexy under different circumstances. Right now it just pissed me off.
“What exactly is going on between you and Kenneth?” he demanded.
“Nothing is ’going on,’” I snapped, pushing his hand off my waist. “We had dinner. He drove me home. End of story.”
“So you’ve been seeing him since Caroline’s joining ceremony? After I specifically told you to stay away from him?”
“Told me?” I repeated, my voice rising. “You don’t get to tell me who I can and can’t talk to, Joseph!”
“He’s old enough to be your father, Ava!” Joseph ran a hand through his perfectly styled hair, messing it up in a way that would have been endearing if I wasn’t so angry. “What business does he have taking you to dinner?”
The implication in his words made me snap.”What, you think I’m fucking him? You think I’d be so desperate that I’d jump into bed with a man I barely know?”
I stepped closer, jabbing a finger into his chest. “Do you think I’m like you? Someone who can’t keep it in their pants when their current relationship isn’t even over?”
Joseph froze, his face paling slightly. I’d hit a nerve, and we both knew it.His reputation as Harbor Bay’s most eligible bachelor was well known, along with his status as a notorious playboy.
“That’s not what I—”
“Then what?” I cut him off. “You think I’m some gold digger looking for a sugar daddy? Is that it?”
“No, of course not!” Joseph looked genuinely horrified. “That’s not what I meant at all.”
“Then what did you mean?” I crossed my arms, waiting.
Joseph sighed, his shoulders dropping slightly. “I meant I’m jealous, okay? I get insanely possessive when it comes to you.” His voice softened as he reached for my hand. “The thought of you with anyone else makes Dean go crazy, and honestly, it makes me crazy too.”
“That doesn’t give you the right to act like I’m your property,” I said, pulling my hand away. “If you’re going to throw a tantrum every time I talk to another man, maybe you should worry about me walking away.”
“Ava, please—”
“I’m tired of this, Joseph. Tired of your control issues and your lack of trust.” I stepped back, creating distance between us. “I need some space.”
“Let me drive you home at least,” he pleaded, gesturing toward his black sports car.
“I am home,” I said coldly, nodding toward Nina’s apartment building. “Goodnight, Joseph.”
I turned and walked away, feeling his eyes boring into my back with each step.
By the time I reached Nina’s floor, my anger had cooled into a dull ache. I fumbled with the keys, still shaking slightly from the confrontation.
Nina opened the door before I could get my key in the lock. Her curious eyes told me she’d been watching from the window.
“Holy shit,” she whispered, pulling me inside. “That was intense! Who was that silver fox who dropped you off? And why did Joseph look ready to tear his throat out?”
I collapsed onto her couch, kicking off my shoes. “That was Kenneth Flynn. I’ve run into him a few times. Tonight he found me at that little diner.”
“And Joseph just happened to be waiting outside my apartment?” Nina raised an eyebrow.
“Apparently.” I sighed. “God, Nina, he acted like I was cheating on him or something.”
“I mean, the older guy is pretty hot for his age,” Nina admitted. “But I know you don’t have to explain yourself to me. I’m not your jealous ex-boyfriend.”
“He’s not my ex,” I corrected automatically.
“After that display? Give it time.” Nina snorted.
I sighed, leaning back against the cushions. “It’s not funny.”
“Kind of is,” Nina said, but then her expression shifted. “Wait a minute. Kenneth Flynn…” She picked up her phone and began typing. “He looks really familiar.”
Nina’s eyes widened as she stared at her phone screen. “Ava, you’re not going to believe this.”
“What?”