No. I start hyperventilating as his hand grabs my skirt. I scream in panic. Stop it !
I try pushing him off, but he pins my hands down above my head. That’s when I see something that shocks me to the core. His black eyes flashing bright gold.
I screamed out in shock as he bares his teeth and viciously pulls my head to the side, biting down into my neck, ripping through my skin.
Jared slams his fists into the mattress by the side of my head, snarling out in frustration, his eyes wide with anger.
Why isn’t it working ? he yells, making me shudder. It’s the first time I’ve seen him this angry. He’s always been an ass, but not like this. I’ve never felt like he was ever going to attack me.
Bringing my hand up to my neck, I shiver in pain when my fingers touch bloodied, swollen flesh. It hurts so bad. This isn’t like the time when Colton bit me. His hurt, but this hurt worse.
Tears fall out of my eyes as I look back at Jared, hatred burning inside of me. I can’t believe he’d do this to me. He’s meant to be Ray’s friend. Drawing back my hand, I slap him across his face, causing his head to turn to the side. Slowly, he turns to me, and my breathing hitches when his eyes once again flash gold.
Get off me ! I beat him with my fists, and when I have some leeway, I try to get away from him. But he catches me and slams me back down onto the bed.
You’ve been marked already. Who by ? he demands.
I stare at him with my mouth hanging open, unable to form words. Is he what Colton is ?
He slaps me across the face when I don’t answer. I cry from the smarting pain on my cheek, whimpering, Please stop.
No. He grounds his teeth, moving his hand up my skirt. I scream and close my legs, trying to fight his hand off me. Again, he pins my hands down with one of his hands, while the other tries pulling down my panties.
I scream and start thrashing on the bed, trying to push him off me. Stop, please !
There’s a huge bang and the bedroom door breaks off the hinges, crashing against the wall. Colton walks inside, his fists clenched and his body jerking with anger. I don’t know how he’s here, only that I’m glad. His eyes lock on Jared on top of me and he growls.
Shit, Jared gets off me quickly and I scramble off the bed, backing away from him. Shaking, I bring my hand to the bite that’s bleeding and sway on the spot, dizziness hitting me. Colton looks at me, his eyes turning gold the moment he see’s the blood.
Everything happens so fast. One minute Jared is standing by the bed, then the next Colton has him against the wall. You tried to mark what’s mine.
Jared pales. I didn’t know, I swear. I couldn’t smell it !
He throws Jared into the wall, causing bits cement to crumble around him. He then hits Jared in his face with his fast, hard enough I hear something crack. Jared cries out, blood splattering out of his nose and down his chin. But Colton smacks his fist into his stomach, the blow causing Jared to double over and gasp for air.
Colton leans in close, his face like stone. You’re so fucking lucky you have pure blood running through your veins because that’s the only thing saving you from me killing you.
Jared bristles with fear when Colton pulls him off the wall. I shiver, somehow knowing what’s coming. Without hesitation, he twists Jared’s neck. His eyes roll back and he falls to the ground in a heap.
I scream when Colton storms over to me, his expression full of rage. My world flips upside down as he lifts me and throws me over his shoulder. I start thrashing and beating his back with my fists. Colton, put me down !
No.
I hear him slide open the balcony door and the wind whips around us. What are you doing ?
He steps onto the edge of the balcony with me still over his shoulder. His grip tightens, and before I know what’s happening, he steps off the side of the building. We’re falling and I’m screaming so loud my voice strains. But then the wind robs me of my breath and my stomach flips as we fall down. Digging my nails into his back, I cling on for dear life as I watch the ground get closer and closer, the only thought that’s running through my mind is that we’re going to die.
His feet slam into the floor and my ribs crush into his shoulder. I’m winded and can’t breathe. We’re still alive. I can’t believe it. The path where he landed has cracked from the impact of our fall, but he continues walking casually like we haven’t just fallen ten stories from a building.
Put me down right now. This isn’t funny ! I yell like a crazy woman when I finally find my voice.
I heard his huff of frustration and he bends over, throwing me off his shoulder. My legs are like jelly as I stumble to catch my balance. Once I do, I step forward and beat his chest with my fists. What the hell was that ! That wasn’t funny you asshole !
He reaches out and grabs my arms. Am I laughing ?
His body quakes with anger, and when I look into his eyes, they’re still flashing between his normal colour and gold. Like he’s fighting control. Grabbing my hand, he drags me toward his car that’s parked on the curb.
No. I shake my head. Get off me.
Layla, he says. I suggest you stop fighting me and get in my car. I need to get out of here.
It’s the pleading in his tone that makes me stop. After pulling me over to his car, he opens the passenger door and forces me inside. I get in, not sure pushing him is such a good idea when he’s this angry.
My body trembles as I sit, my neck throbbing from Jared’s bite. Colton gets into the driver’s seat, his expression still murderous. I can tell he’s trying to calm down as he takes two deep breaths through his nose as he twists the key in the ignition.
Without thinking, I reach out and place my hand over his. He turns and looks at me for the longest minute, the agitation on his face softening. I squeeze his hand, silently thanking him for saving me. I shouldn’t be in the car with him but it beats being back up there with Jared.