Forgotten Rules (Rules 4)

“Like I said, I work early tomorrow. I should be asleep right now.” My voice quivers. Get a grip.

“That’s too bad. I was hoping we could do something other than sleep.” Dismissing my rejection, he grabs the back of my neck for a forceful kiss. I manage to whip my head just in time.

“Stop!” I try to shove him off, but he barely staggers. Fear paralyzes me. Kendrick’s not home—he’s still hiding from my mom in Blake’s man cave—Winter seems to be out, and my mom is at work. I’m all alone.

“You fucking tease. You’ve been making eyes at me the whole night, and now you don’t want it? Two seconds ago, you were practically begging me to fuck you.”

Balls smashing in 3, 2, 1…

“How fucking blind do you have to be?”

Simon leaps three steps away from me, caught in the act. I could cry when I glance over his shoulder and see Will slamming his car door. I have no idea why he’s here, but I couldn’t care less if I tried. He’s here. That’s all that matters.

“Who’s this clown?” Simon frowns.

“Someone who’s going to smash your face to the fucking concrete if you don’t get back in your car in the next five seconds,” Will says in a chilling, calm voice, the only indicator of his anger his clenched, blood-drained fists.

I watch as Simon considers his options: fight or flee. He has the good sense to opt for the latter and walk away. Wise choice. Not only does Will have a good four inches on him, he’s also buffer, bearing broader shoulders. He would murder him.

“You’re fucking ugly anyway,” Simon spits, trailing to his car.

That’s what does it.

Will snaps. “The fuck did you just say to her?”

Uh-oh.

Will’s strides toward Simon before I can blink.

“Will, no!” I screech just as Will’s cocking his fist back and launching it square into Simon’s jaw, who plummets to the ground like dead weight.

“Apologize,” Will grits out, hoisting Simon up by the collar of his branded shirt. That’s when it ceases to be about defending my honor. When it becomes about something else.

Something more.

Pure rage emanates off him.

I have never seen Will lose his temper like this.

“Or what?” Simon confirms he has a death wish.

There goes another punch. Will doesn’t once let go of him, watching blood trickle down Simon’s forehead.

“Last chance, rapist,” Will hisses.

“Fuck you.” Simon spits out blood.

“Get over yourself and do it!” I shout at the top of my lungs.

Will puts up another fist, and Simon’s entire body tenses before he squeezes his eyes shut and yells, “Okay! Okay! Fuck. I’m sorry.” He holds his hands up in surrender.

Will halts himself midswing, his fist drooping by his side. Can’t blame Simon for backing down. I almost shit my pants for him.

“Leave.” Will seethes inches away from Simon’s face. “And lose her fucking number.” He releases Simon’s collar with a strong push that sends him swaying. Simon stumbles to his car and disappears down the street in a deafening roar.

“What the hell was that?” I blurt out.

“It’s called saving your ass. You’re welcome.” Will spins around, steering toward his car.