“I’m waiting for the right time.”
Holt scoffed. “Chicken.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but a crash sounded from inside, and Thor started barking like crazy. Panic lit through me, and I dropped the bag of presents, charging up the stairs and inside.
I skidded to a stop as I found Reed rolling around on the floor, crying and cupping his junk.
Hallie shoved her hair out of her eyes, her face red.
“What the hell happened?” I demanded, striding across the living room and pulling her into my arms.
“He’s a creep who isn’t keen on the word no,” she said with a huff.
Rage, hot and fierce, flashed through me as Reed clambered to his feet.
“She’s lying. She hit on me. When I said no, she kneed me in the nuts.”
“Law,” Holt warned, moving to try to get between us.
But he was too late. I whirled on Reed, my fist catching him right across the nose.
Hallie gasped behind me, and Reed crumpled to the floor again.
“You broke my fucking nose.”
“Dude, I think you tripped,” Holt muttered.
“She’s a fucking cock tease,” Reed snapped.
I started to charge, but Holt pushed me back, and Hallie caught hold of the back of my shirt.
“Don’t,” she pleaded. “Remember the son you just grounded for doing the same thing.”
My breaths came in ragged pants as I turned into her. “Did he put his hands on you?”
“Barely,” she said quietly. “He pushed me against the wall, said some ugly things, and I kneed him in the balls. He was crying.”
“She’s lying!” Reed yelled.
“Get him out of my sight,” I snarled at Holt.
Thankfully, he listened, hauling Reed up and dragging him out the front door.
My hands skimmed over Hallie, checking for injuries. “Are you hurt anywhere? God, Hallie. I’m so sorry.”
She gripped my flannel shirt hard. “Blue.”
I stilled at the use of my nickname.
A smile spread over her face. “I got him. I was scared at first, but then I thought about you. How much you believe in me. And I was able to think. To remember all the self-defense lessons I’ve taken. He went down with one knee.”
I dropped my forehead to hers. “Hallie…”
“He wascrying. Like a freaking baby.”
In any other scenario, I would’ve laughed. “He could’ve hurt you.”
“But he didn’t. Because you’ve reminded me how strong I am. That I can fight back.”
