Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 32934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 165(@200wpm)___ 132(@250wpm)___ 110(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 165(@200wpm)___ 132(@250wpm)___ 110(@300wpm)
Drake brushed his lips to my forehead as he slid into the backseat, cradling me on his lap like I was the most expensive, fragile thing he owned. “I won’t; I promise. No one—not a goddamn soul—is ripping me from your side, baby girl,” he swore.
7
Drake
The only thing keeping me from seeing pure fucking red was holding Elizabeth on my lap as Kaleb sped toward the hospital. I cradled the side of her head as she held the shirt to her nose, and I rubbed my palm soothingly over her thigh, wishing I could take her pain away and make it my own.
The moment I’d heard her scream, I’d panicked, trying to get that fucking bathroom door open. Kaleb and I were both shouting and banging on it, trying to fucking get to her. It wasn’t until a janitor heard us shouting that he came to unlock it.
And fuck, seeing Whitney with her hands wrapped around my girl’s neck, seeing Elizabeth’s face so damn pale…
I still wanted to throw up. It was by sheer force of will that I didn’t. Because Elizabeth needed me to be strong for her. I could break down and do whatever I needed to later when she was safe, protected, and rested.
I chanced a glance down at her neck, and a low growl sounded from my chest. Elizabeth’s pale skin was already bruising.
Fucking Whitney better go to a goddamn psych ward for attacking her like this. I’d never even touched Whitney. I had no idea what her fucking obsession with me was, but I’d always let it slide. I didn’t think any harm would come of it. After all, we were graduating this year. Her obsession would have had to end somewhere.
But then, she targeted Elizabeth. I had no idea why the fuck she did that day, but every protective instinct I had kicked into high gear when I saw Whitney and her fucking friends surrounding my girl in the hallway after first period.
I’d always admired Elizabeth from afar, but I made sure to keep my distance. She was shy and timid, and I was afraid that I’d only scare her off.
Instead of scaring her off though, I’d only brought on more bullying and hate. But like hell was I letting her slip through my fingers. Like hell was I ever leaving her alone. This girl was mine—mine to protect, mine to take care of. And I may have failed her today, but I’d never fail her again. She’d be fucking lucky if she ever got to use the bathroom in private again. The mere thought of her going into a public restroom without me again made my heart knock hard inside my chest with fear.
I looked up through the windshield, sighing with relief when I saw the hospital just ahead. I managed to dig my phone out of my pocket, soothing Elizabeth as I did so. I called my mom as soon as I had my phone in my hand.
Elizabeth jerked in surprise when my mom’s voice sounded through the truck speakers, her eyes wide in shock. I pressed my lips to her forehead, hoping it soothed her some.
“Drake? You’re supposed to be in school,” she snapped when she answered.
I cringed. I hated disappointing my mom, but this couldn’t be helped. “I’m almost at the hospital. My girlfriend got attacked in the bathroom—”
“Jesus Christ!” she exploded. I sighed, tightening my hold on Elizabeth when she flinched. “Is she okay? Tell me what’s going on. I’m on my way to the emergency doors now. We’re slow, so I can get you back here now.”
“Pretty sure her nose is broken, and she was being strangled when I managed to get in the bathroom.” Even I could hear the anger in my voice as I recounted her injuries, and my sweet girl pressed her hand to my chest, trying to soothe me despite the pain I knew she was in.
I didn’t deserve her. No one in this cruel fucking world did, but I’d always cherish her.
“I see your truck,” Mom said before she ended the call.
Kaleb pulled up beside her, and I shoved open the back door before sliding out with Elizabeth in my arms. Mom grimaced at the sight of her. “Come on. Let’s get her in a triage room so I can get her nose reset and take a look at her throat.” She smiled at Elizabeth as she led me inside, Kaleb pulling off to go park my truck. “I’m Drake’s mom, Rita. Heard a lot about you. Glad to finally meet you. Just hate it’s under these circumstances.”
My chest warmed at the sight of Elizabeth blushing beneath the blood on her face. “Nice to meet you, too,” she said quietly, her words raspy, her throat no doubt sore and tender.
Mom pushed open a door and led us inside. Though I didn’t want to, I set Elizabeth in the chair and then took up residence right beside her, my hand on her shoulder. Mom began taking her vitals, talking quietly to her, allowing me to get lost inside my head—which also included all the shit I wished I could do to Whitney for daring to touch Elizabeth.