Cole’s murderous glare makes my blood run cold as he snarls, “You fucking whore.” He looks up at Jensen. “Enjoy the slut. She’s damaged goods anyway?—”
I see black as rage rattles my bones, and I’m moving before I realize it. My fist collides with his cheek, and he grunts in pain, as do I, my hand screaming with agony.
How dare he?! I’m not damaged goods! My heart sinks as the words echo over and over in my mind.
Tears stream down my cheeks as I shove him backward, and he falls to the driveway, holding his jaw.
Turning on my heel, I keep my head down and rush back toward the house, ignoring the outstretched hands reaching my way. I need a moment alone, far away from that fucker.
Screaming sounds outside, but I ignore it, knowing that Cole is far outnumbered as I turn into the bathroom, shut and lock the door, and slide down the back of it, my head in my hands.
CHAPTER 19
JENSEN
Red isthe only color I see as I bring my crutch up again before smacking the end of it across Cole’s mouth. “I’m going to fucking kill you!”
Cole smiles up at me, blood on his teeth and dripping down his chin. He laughs, only fueling my anger more. “Maybe I’ll take her back after all. She’ll always be mine in some way after I took her virginity and fucked her repeatedly over the years. Over and over?—”
“Say she’s yours one more time, and I’ll cut your throat with my skate. Lainey. Is. Mine,” I growl.
A security car pulls up, and I put my crutch back under my arm as Cole chuckles.
“I look forward to it …next season, when you can actually skate again.”
“Jensen.” Matty holds me back as I nearly lose control again.
Kos talks to the security guy, who loads Cole into his backseat, explaining that he got through security somehow and isn’t welcome. The security worker apologizes profusely as I walk back toward the house with only one thought on my mind—finding Lainey.
The girls went after her, so I’m sure wherever they are, she won’t be far. I can’t thank my team and partners enough for having her back.
Morgan’s waiting in the hallway by the bathroom when I walk in, and she points to the closed door.
I nod thankfully and walk to it, leaning my forehead against it as I knock. “Hey, it’s me.”
Movement sounds inside before the door unlocks and opens. Her eyes are red, but she doesn’t meet my gaze, keeping it locked on the floor. “Can we go home?”
“Yes.” I pull her into me and kiss the top of her head as she sniffles. “Let’s go.”
I lead the way, and she shrinks behind me, looking smaller than ever as her body turns in on itself, her stare fogged over.
Thankfully, the guys must have gone into the backyard or into the house from another way because the driveway is empty when we get back outside, the security guy and Cole also gone.
Lainey doesn’t say another word as she unlocks the car and quietly slides inside, forgetting to blink, staring at the steering wheel.
I toss my crutches in the backseat before sitting down up front as she starts the car.
Playful, happy music hums through the speakers, sounding mocking as her eyes well with tears.
Reaching over, I turn it down as she backs out of the driveway, my heart aching at her pain.
I don’t know whether to say something or wait for her to break the silence. I don’t want to push her too far, but I also don’t want her to think that I’m not worried sick about what she’s feeling.
She answers my unspoken question as she turns the radio back up, her phone giving instructions through the sound system.
I don’t pressure her or make a peep while we leave the community, but as she merges onto the freeway, I gently slide my fingers into hers, brushing the back of her hand to remind her that I’m right here.
Night’s fallen in the city, and the lights illuminate her face as she drives us home.Home—the word she used to describe my penthouse. Was that a slipup? I sure hope not. I hope she considers my place hers, and I hope she never wants to leave.
