Andrew didn’t understand the desire to control this woman, but he sure as hell wanted to protect her. If anyone tried to hurt her, they’d have to get through him first.

Gavin wasn’t stupid and did as he was told. “Relax, buddy. We’re just talking.”

Andrew took three purposeful steps forward.

Gavin remained where he was, having given Lauren space but still within arm’s reach.

The adrenaline coursing through Andrew’s body clouded his vision, and he held his jaw so tight the muscles burned. “The hell it isn’t. If I ever hear about you bothering her again—”

“Andrew,” Lauren said, widening her eyes at him. He stopped short at her tone and turned his head in her direction. Don’t, she mouthed.

Gavin looked between them. “There is something going on between you two, isn’t there?”

Andrew crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Fuck off.”

Lauren closed her eyes and sighed.

Gavin smirked. “Got it. Well, good for you two.” He looked at Andrew. “Sorry I stepped on your toes, dude. I didn’t know.”

Andrew’s arms twitched with the need to grab the guy and shove him against the wall. He focused on taking measured breaths and rolled his shoulders. “It’s not my feet I’m worried about. It was pretty clear she was saying no before I happened to walk by. I suggest you move on, now and for good.”

Gavin raised his eyebrows and made a slight bow before he sauntered off. The slight grin on his face concerned Andrew, but he had something more important to focus on right now. He went to Lauren immediately. “Are you okay?”

“Why did you do that?” she snapped.

His head jerked back. “Seriously? He was basically forcing himself on you.”

“There are fifty people right outside the hallway. He wouldn’t have done anything, and I was handling it.”

“You were handling it? Is that why he had his hand on you, touching your hair? That asshole doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as you.” Andrew moved closer to her, a fire consuming his entire being. Despite her angry tone, she swayed toward him, her green eyes locked on his. Her body language, the opposite of what he’d seen in response to Gavin standing near her, encouraged him to surge on. “That’s my hair he was stroking. My breath he was stealing. You’re not the only territorial one here, Lauren.”