“You think you can step in?” he sneers.
Instead of answering, I step between them. Every muscle in my body is coiled and ready to defend her.
“Get away from her.” The words come out stronger than I feel.
His lip curls. “Big man now, huh?”
I barely see it coming.
Pain explodes through my ribs as his fist slamsinto me. The air leaves my lungs in one violent rush as I crash onto the floor.
Everything inside me rattles.
I try to breathe, but can’t.
“Stay down,” he growls.
I don’t.
I can’t.
I force myself up, despite the pain.
Another hit.
White-hot pain erupts through my shoulder. Something pops.
I collapse again, my vision blurring.
“Daltyn!” my mom cries.
I hear her scrambling toward me?—
Then another crack.
A sob.
My head turns sluggishly.
Too slow.Everything feels too fucking slow.
I see him grab her.
See her flinch.
See the fear in her eyes.
And I can’t stop it.
I can’t fucking stop it.
My fingers scrape uselessly against the hardwood as I drag myself forward.
But I’m in too much pain to move.
I’m nothing.
Just lying there, watching her get hurt. Unable to stop it.
