Colton’s here. He’s here and he’s taking Kyle outside by his neck. I wonder, briefly, if my mind has somehow made him up, because I’m not sure how he’s here. How he knew where I was. It’s like he’s come out of nowhere once again.
A gasp leaves my mouth when he flings him head-first out of the front door. With his fists clenched by his sides, he storms after him as Kyle tries pathetically to scramble up from the ground.
I’m not sure, as I walk outside after them, if I should stop it. He’s attracted a small crowd already, people forming a large circle to watch. I don’t make a move to interfere, because deep down, I don’t want to stop it.
With very little effort, he grabs Kyle and forces him to stand. Until they’re face to face. I think somebody needs to learn manners.
My insides shudder when I see his eyes alight with anger. But, at the same time, there’s something dangerously calm about him. Like he knows how easy of a target Kyle is. But he then does something I least expect. He turns his head to find me, and when his eyes land on me, he asks silent permission.
I nod.
Get the hell off me ! Kyle shouts, and I cringe because I know that aggression all too well. This is assault !
Colton easily twists his arm up his back when he tries to hit him. Yelling out with pain, Kyle tires to get away, but he doesn’t let go.
Never touch a girl when she doesn’t want you to, he says, twisting his arm further up his back. Kyle yells out in agony and my insides jolt. How many times have I dreamed of getting back at him for hurting me ? I lost count. And here Colton is, doing just that.
Stop, please !
When she says no, she means fucking no. I hear a crack and it’s followed with a yell that makes even the crowd gasp. I swallow hard, knowing his arm is probably broken. I shouldn’t be enjoying this but I am. I can’t help it. Colton turns him to face him. And, finally…
Kyle’s eyes go wide with fear as he starts struggling. No, please. I’m sorry ! I won’t go near her again, I promise-
If you ever touch her again, he says menacingly. I promise you’ll wish you were never born. Lifting his arm, he suddenly punches Kyle so hard he flies back onto the ground with a thud. He doesn’t move after, knocked out cold.
There’re whispers all around me as Colton turns to look at me once again. Before I know what’s happening, my legs move on their own. When I get close enough, I throw my arms around his neck and hug him close to me.
His addictive scent almost knocks me out cold and I sigh with relief as his arms wrap around me and he hugs me back. Why is this so right with him ?
Thank you, I whisper into his neck.
Burying his head in the crook of my neck, he takes a deep breath. My eyes flutter closed when his lips brush against my neck. Remembering we have an audience, he pulls away. Ready to go ?
Go ?
You’re not staying here, he says, taking my hand. And I won’t take no for an answer.
He pulls me toward his car that’s parked on the curb. I stop. What about your other car ?
I’ll get Toby to pick it up.
I nod, but it’s in that moment, I hear someone yell, Layla ! behind me. Glancing over my shoulder, I see Vicky pushing herself through the crowd, her angry eyes on me. Sighing with frustration, I turn back to Colton. I’ll be right back.
He leans against the bonnet of his car as I make my way over toward the girl I thought was my best friend, knowing if I don’t do this now, I never will. Even more of a crowd has gathered now, even Tasha, Matty and my other friends. Kyle is still sprawled on the floor, and although people are looking at him, nobody has gone to help him.
What do you want, Vicky ?
I just want to say that I’m glad you’re leaving because nobody wants you here. I laugh a little, which makes her angrier. And I will be calling the police on what your friend did to Kyle !
She pointed at Colton and I shake my head. You need to get over yourself.
And you need to just fuck off, she slurs drunkenly. You think you’re better than everyone because you’re Ray’s sister.
Stop it, Vicky ! Tasha yells at her.
No, I won’t. She laughs and I can’t believe her.
You’re not even worth it, I say to her, about to turn away.
Kyle was cheating with me when he was still with you. I stop. We even did it at your house and on your bed. Your brother knew all about it because he saw us, yet he was still all over me the other night. She sighs, as if bored. Do you know why that is, Layla ? Because nobody gives a shit about you.
Something inside of me snaps at what she said. Turning around, I smack her across the face. Gasping, she falls back onto the floor, shock on her face as she cradles her cheek.
I’ve never hit anybody before, but I’m not having her think she can just come and use me and my brother. Stepping forward, I lean down. Karma will eat you alive, Vicky. And I can’t wait.
Turning, I walk back over to Colton, who has the car door ready for me.
>
I guess Colton could feel my anger because he didn’t say anything, instead he got into the driver’s seat of the car while I slid into the passenger.
As he started driving I huffed in frustration at how I freaking pissed off I was at Vicky. But it soon disappeared when Colton took hold of my hand, bringing me back to reality. Don’t let her ruin your night.
I sighed and interlaced my fingers with his, knowing he was right. Yeah, you’re right.
Just so you know, he said a moment later making my heart skip a beat. There it was again, that sentence that made Colton the best, because I knew something sweet was going to come after it. I swallowed, but couldn’t help a smirk from forming on his lips. That was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen a girl do.
I raised my eyebrow questioningly but managed to laugh. A moment later I decided to finally bombard him with questions I’d been meaning to ask.
How did you just show up out of nowhere ? I thought I wasn’t seeing you until tomorrow ?