48 Attack

“If you keep that expression, you might age quickly,” George joked. “What did you say?” Vladimir stood up, his eyebrows furrowing. “You’re going to age prematurely if you don’t smile,” George repeated. Before Vladimir could close the distance between them to confront him, Linda intervened. Jumping in front of him, she placed her hand on his chest, preventing him from moving forward. “Maybe you should consider therapy for your anger issues. No woman would want to settle with a man like you,” George continued to provoke. Linda sensed Vladimir’s rising anger and worried she might not be able to restrain him for much longer. Clenching her hands, she hoped George would stop talking. “Linda, let go of him and help me here. I need to go ease myself,” George requested. Turning around to assist him, Linda felt Vladimir grab her wrist. “She’s not going anywhere. If you need help, help yourself,” Vladimir asserted, holding Linda firmly. “Let go of me!” she struggled in his arms, but Vlad