Husband With Benefits

As Ian approached the table, he could feel the tension in the air. Isabella’s eyes met his, a mix of embarrassment and desperation in her gaze and he had the overwhelming urge to take her away immediately. The man in front of her, however, remained unaware of his presence as he continued to rant," You need to get your head out of the clouds, Isabella! This is not how life works."

Isabella winced at the voice and tried to shush the man, however he continued, impervious to the danger behind him continued, as voice rising with each word." Are you really going to spend the rest of your life trying to please different men and sleep with them. Just because your parents are not looking into yuor who*ing ways, does not mean I will look the other way! Don’t forget, I am going to inherit the family business. And Once I do, I will cut off your allowance! Then you can earn money in the way you know best! By sleeping with men!"

Ian’s temper flared, a white-hot anger simmering beneath the surface as he looked at Isabella’s face which was almost in tears. He had seen enough. Without a second thought, he reached out, grabbing the man by the collar and yanking him off his feet and raising him away from the ground.

The suddenness of Ian’s intervention sent shockwaves through the café, while the man screamed loudly and tried to get away from Ian and onto the floor. But for all of Ian’s lean build, he was able to easily hold the man as he continued to scream.

Isabella was shocked at Ian’s sudden move and quickly stood up trying to say something but as he turned his head to look at her, she felt a lump in her throat. Never has she been more humiliated in her life. And that too in front of a man she admired and respected.

Even as the man’s panicked screaming echoed in the now stunned silent cafe, Ian could hear the derogatory comments echoing in his mind, fueling the intensity of his grip.

Once the man’s screaming slowed and he tried to catch his breath, Ian uttered a single word," Apologize." as he let go of the man who almost slumped to the floor. As the man stood there shakily, Ian spoke again, a silent threat in his words," Apologize."

The man, finally seemed to realize that Ian was asking him to apologize to Isabella and he raised his chin as he said," No. I don’t think I said anything that would make me want to apologize to this bi*ch."

The next moment, the man found himself flailing in the air again as this time he was caught by the neck instead of the collar and he started to suffocate. Once again, the man tried to struggle but in vain.

Finally, Isabella, seeing that the man was turning almost blue, found her voice and pleaded," Ian. Let him go. Its okay."

But Ian couldn’t let go just yet. The man’s insults lingered, and the atmosphere crackled with tension as he growled, "No one should treat you like this."

The onlookers in the café remained frozen, unsure whether to intervene or let the scene unfold.