Page 106 of The Bad Boy Rule

I watch the muscle in his jaw turn steely as he grits his teeth together, his face starting to turn red. Mhmmmm. She hit a soft spot.

“You actually fucked him?” A humorless laugh seeps through his lips. “Fuck, Len, what the hell are you doing?”

“That’s none of your business, Chandler. You lost that privilege when you cheated on me. When you used me. When you fucked myfriend.When you had audacity bigger than your little-ass dick to look me in the eye and ask for another chance without even being sorry for what you did.”

That’s my girl.

I level my gaze, brow arched as she fucking gives it to him, just like he deserves. I bet it feels good too.

Chandler rubs a hand along his mouth before dropping it and laughing again. This time, it sounds a little more maniacal. “You’re such a righteous fucking bitch, Lennon.”

Oh fuck no.

Now, that I can’t allow.

In two short strides, I stop in front of him, closing the distance between us. “I suggest you watch your fucking mouth when you speak to her.”

“Oh yeah? And what are you going to do about it, trailer trash?” he snarls.

My lip curls into a menacing smirk. “If you want to find out, then let me know, pretty boy.”

The air crackles around us, heated tension stealing all the oxygen from the hallway. He’s lost the fucking plot if he thinks that I’m going to stand here and let him disrespect Lennon. He can insult me all day. But her? Not happening.

Suddenly, a hand slips between us, shoving me away from him as her father steps between us. “What is going on?”

I’m quiet, leaving the answer to that question up to the asshole standing across from me.

His jaw works as he contemplates his answer. “Just a friendly little conversation with the degenerate that’s been having sex with your daughter.”

Lennon’s breath hitches at the same time that her father’s eyes narrow into slits, landing on me with a hard, lethal look that should feel intimidating. Maybe it would be to someone else, but not me.

Fuck him.

“Is this a joke, Lennon?” her father hisses quietly, leaning into where we’re standing, his gaze darting around the room like someone’s going to jump out and tell him he’s being punked, or worse, overhear such a scandal. “You know how important this gala is. You know how much rides on the donations, yet you’re out here making a scene with these two while they’re measuring their dicks?”

I snort. Mine’s bigger. Obviously.

“Do you even care thatChandleris the one who started it? That Chandler is the one who said vile, disrespectful things about me? Do you even care at all?” Her voice wavers, and I hate that they have this effect on her.

It does nothing to quell the simmering rage that has my blood boiling.

“This is not the place, Lennon. I truly do not know why you’ve suddenly started to act so childish and obstinate. But this silly little rebellion ends today. This—” He sweeps a hand toward me. “—ends today. I am not going to have it. Walk away and handle this later. Do not cause a bigger scene.” His voice is low, authoritative, and for a second, I’m worried she might back down, that she might cower to the narcissistic asshole.

But instead, she squares her shoulders and lifts her chin, jaw tense as she grits her teeth together. I watch, transfixed by her. “Contrary to what you might think, Dad, my life doesn’t revolve around you and what you want. I have my own feelings, my own dreams, my ownneeds. Saint is my boyfriend, and if you’re making me choose… I’m going to choose him. Every single time. You’ll lose me. Is that something you’re prepared for?”

“You are my daughter, and you are aRousseau. Youwillbehave like a Rousseau, and you will not embarrass our family any further than you already have, Lennon. You will not be traipsing around town with this trash any longer. Do I make myself clear?” His words drip with venom, face bright red with fury. She wanted to hit him where it hurts, and she did exactly that by refusing to play the part.

When he reaches for her arm like he’s going to drag her out of the room, I step forward, blocking him. “Don’t touch her.”

His face goes slack as he stares at me, then behind me at Lennon, before he takes a step closer. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are, but this is a matter between mydaughterand me. I suggest you back the fuck up before I have you thrown out like the trash you are. “

A chuckle rumbles from my chest, devoid of all humor. I’m about two seconds from giving security a real fucking reason to throw me out when Lennon steps between us, placing a hand on my chest and pushing me back slightly. “He’s right, this isn’t the time or the place. I’ve said everything that I had to say. He’s made his choice, and I’ve made mine.”

For a second, he looks like he’s going to say something back. Something fucking stupid, if I had to guess, but ultimately, he says nothing.

She’s right. He did make a choice, and unsurprisingly, yet again, he hasn’t chosen his daughter.

Lennon captures my hand in hers, her fingers tightening in mine as I throw both of them one last look before we start to walk away.

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