"Bloody hell, mate!" The man shouted, trying to push Jamie away from where he lay sprawled on top of him. "What the hell's wrong with you?"

Jamie straddled the man's skinny body, his face a mask of anger and raw masculine power. Juno took one look at Jamie and found herself taking a few steps back, unsure what he was going to do next.

"Don't you ever speak to a lady like that again." Jamie hissed, his voice tight and the muscles in his back contorting as he tried to control himself while glaring at the younger man.

"It's none of your business how I was talking to her, mate." The man rasped from the stony pavement. "She's gagging for it, you can tell!"

In a flash, Jamie's arm was beneath the man's chin, performing a perfectly executed headlock on the man. "Apologize to the lady, and get out of my sight."

"Jamie, this really isn't…" Juno argued weakly, feeling awful for being the cause of a scene in the middle of the town square.

"Apologize." Jamie said softly so that only the pinned man could hear. "Apologize to this woman who's done nothing to you."

"Get the hell off me." The man wheezed, clawing at Jamie's arm still under his chin. "It's a free country."

Jamie eased his arm back a little. "Sure, it's a free country. But you aren't free to assault a woman who isn't interested, and you aren't ever free to tangle with that girl right there. She's mine." Jamie said, his face only inches from Juno's assailant's face. "Apologize."

Jamie slowly, cautiously released the man entirely and crawled off him, standing up and brushing off his clothes absently, his eyes darting from the man and then to Juno, his eyes filled with concern for her. The man stood unsteadily and looked at Juno, his _expression still defiant. "I didn't know you had a rugby player for a boyfriend. I didn't mean any harm, luv. Just having a bit of fun."

"I think it would be best if you just left." Juno said, her voice a little unsteady as she looked at her would-be attacker.

The man opened his mouth, as though ready to retort, but one glance at Jamie and he shut his mouth again. Turning on his heel without a backwards glance, the man wove his way through the booths and out into the street.

"Are you alright, darling?" Jamie said, rounding to look at Juno. Without a thought, he stepped forward and wrapped her into his powerful arms. "I'm so sorry."

Juno melted into his embrace, raising her face to accept the kiss that Jamie pressed against her lips. She jumped at the sudden sound of applause and took a step back. Several of the nearby sellers, and a number of the townspeople were smiling at them and clapping enthusiastically.

Apparently, they had put on quite a show, Juno thought ruefully. She smiled shyly as the applause continued, and Jamie gave a small mock bow to the crowd, making them all smile more broadly.

"That man..." One of the men said from behind Juno's shoulder. "He thinks he's God's gift, but he's nothing but a menace and a drifter. About time someone put him in his place. Nicely done, lad." The man said, clapping a hand down on Jamie's shoulder.

Jamie smiled slightly and nodded, but his eyes were still locked on Juno's ashen face. "Let's get out of here." He said, his voice quiet next to her ear.

"Good idea." Juno said. "I'm about to die of embarassment here."

With a final wave to the onlookers, Jamie threw a protective arm around Juno's shoulders and steered her away from the square and towards the car. When they were out of sight, He stopped on a corner and pulled Juno against him again.

"I knew I shouldn't have left you." Jamie said huskily. "Are you really alright?"

Juno gave him a wavering smile before burying her face against Jamie's shirt. "I'm fine. I could have handled it..." She ventured, her voice muffled against Jamie's chest.

"You shouldn't have to." Jamie argued. "A few minutes after I left, my run was cancelled, and I dashed back. I just had a feeling that something..."

Juno pulled away and looked up at him. "Maybe you are the rogue rescuer after all." She said, a small smile on her face. "I might have to give you an upgrade in my novel."

Jamie gave her a broad smile as he cupped her cheek in one of his warm hands. "After that tackle, I should think so. I think I hurt my shoulder." He said with a small groan. "I might need some nursing back to health." He added, a glint suddenly appearing in his eye.

Juno looked at Jamie, her heart filling with affection and pride at this man riding in to save the day, to save her. "You should kiss me now." She ordered, and Jamie laughed.

"At least." Jamie agreed, pulling her back against him and kissing her deeply. Juno lost track of time and space until she heard cat calls from behind her, and encouragement from the onlookers to get a room.

"Um." She said, looking around, embarassed. "Maybe we should..."

Without a word, Jamie grabbed her hand and tugged her back towards the Mini. Juno struggled to keep up with his long strides, giggling at his apparent eagerness for a little privacy.

"Eager, are we?" Juno teased as she half jogged to catch up to Jamie.

"Damn right." Jamie said over his shoulder. "I have to capitalize on this rescuer bit while I can."

Juno giggled in delight at his words as they continued on towards Thor the Thunder Car.

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before . after