Page 16 of Careless
The fear in her voice was mixed with worry, and I finally let out a breath. I released my hold and stood up, not bothering to be careful where I kicked.
“What the hell?” a few voices said behind us, and I turned to see an entire group of people moving.
I pulled Felicity into my arms and ran my hands up and down her skin. “What hurts?”
“I’m fine,” she whispered, but her teeth chattered.
I cursed again and just held her close.
“Felicity!” one of the Ls said, probably Laura or Lauren. I didn’t fucking care.
“I’m fine,” Felicity whispered against my chest as I just crushed her to me.
“What the hell did you do to him?” another kid asked, his polo askew.
“He attacked me,” Felicity said as she pulled away from me slightly. But I wasn’t about to let her go. “And he wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
The guys looked at her for a moment, and I was worried that they were going to stand up for their friend, but instead, two of them just sighed, and another lowered his head while the fourth came forward. My hand fisted at my side, and I glared at him.
The other kid held up both of his hands and shook his head. “I don’t want any trouble. But we’ll take him from here.”
“Oh? You’re just going to take him away, and we’re not going to press charges? I don’t fucking think so,” one of the Ls said, chin raised. She surprised me, and from the way Felicity stiffened, it surprised her as well. Why the hell was she even hanging out with these girls?
“Stupid bitch,” the boy growled beneath us, and I looked down at him, narrowing my gaze. He shut up.
Felicity tugged on my shirt, once again bringing my attention to her. “I don’t want to press charges. I just want to go home. Please, can I just go home?”
“What if I want to press charges?” the little weasel snarled.
“Shut up,” the other kid said. “We’ll take care of this. He’s not going to be a problem.” He turned to Felicity, gaze narrowed. “If you want to press charges, we’ll vouch for you. He’s a little dick weasel.”
“Then why the hell did you want him to go on a date with her?” one of the girls asked, and thankfully, she looked sober.
The other kid’s cheeks pinked. “His dad works with my dad. I knew he was an idiot, but I didn’t realize the rumors were true, and he was actually a creep too.”
“Are you kidding me?” Felicity asked as she slid her hand into mine, taking a step away from me. I didn’t let go, but I knew I probably should. “That’s why you thought it’d be okay for him to take me out alone? What the hell is wrong with you?” She looked between all of them, shaking her head. “What’s wrong with all of you?” Her knees nearly buckled, and I wrapped my arm around her waist.
“Take care of him.” I lifted my chin at the piece of shit struggling to stand. “I’m taking Felicity home.” I stared at the sober girl. “You good to drive?”
She nodded, eyes wide. “Yes. I’m good. Felicity?”
“I’m fine, Laura. I’m fine.”
I didn’t think that was quite the truth, but I wasn’t about to let go of her. Everything moved quickly after that. The guys half-dragged, half-fireman carried the idiot away, and I lifted Felicity into my arms.
“Callum,” she gasped as she wrapped her arms around my neck.
“You don’t have any shoes on.” I paused. “Where are they?”
“I kicked them off when I was running. I was wearing wedges, and it was harder to move with them on.”
“Good girl.” I struggled with my control once more. “The guy looked like he had a beating or two before I got to him.” My jaw tensed, and it took all within me not to go back and kill the kid. That was the anger that ran through my veins. The carelessness. The Ashford.
And I wouldn’t let Felicity see any more of it.
“My father and brothers taught me to defend myself. I didn’t think I’d ever have to use it.”
I cursed under my breath. “Let’s get you home.”
