Page 61 of Fractured
I didn’t hesitate.
I ran out of my house and to my car.
Then I started it up and raced to Talia’s apartment building.
To see blue flashing lights, along with an ambulance.
Frank and Misty were there at the back of it, and I saw Carter, Ethan, and Alec, along with Smoke, Wolf, Ice, Hyde, and Jekyll, trying to keep Bronson and Garrick held back.
Then I looked in the direction where they were trying to go, and at the man.
I kept my eyes locked on the man in a blue polo and jeans, who had scratches on his face, and then headed to the back of the ambulance.
Harlee, Cassie, Lila, Tatum, and Everly were there.
And when I saw the paramedics putting an ice pack on Talia’s bruised face, I got it.
Then I stormed to the motherfucker who was in handcuffs, ignoring everyone, brought my arm back, and punched him as hard as I fucking could.
He went down like a sack of grain.
I brought my boot back and kicked him as hard as I could in his ribs.
Fucker didn’t move.
I hoped I broke a few.
Then, for good measure, I lifted my foot and then stomped on his forearm.
Hearing that audible snap.
I spun around just in time to see Talia looking at him, then up at me.
And then I didn’t think about what I was doing.
I just moved.
To Talia.
I pulled her in my arms and felt her body tense, but I didn’t let go.
And when she whispered, “He agreed with you about my clothes. Said I shouldn’t advertise if I didn’t want it.”
And that was a kick to the balls.
I bent my neck and pressed a kiss on her forehead.
I could stand here all night long and tell myself I was in the wrong.
I could stand here all night long and apologize to her.
I could stand here all night long and explain to her why I was the way I was.
But what good would it do?
And when she pulled out of my arms and went to her parents, I stood there and let her.
Misty caught my eye, then she walked over to me and said, “I bet you're feeling low right now. But she fought back. He didn’t do anything.”
