Page 82 of My Grumpy Billionaire Soccer Star

I get out of the car and run toward the crowd, pressing my way through the observers. “What’s going on?” I try to get a peek at what everyone is looking at.

“There’s a cat stuck in the gutter!” one of the bystanders exclaims, their eyes wide with worry. I look at where they’re pointing, and my heart drops.

I peer down into the narrow gutter at a small, frightened face that looks up at me. I know with a jolt it’s Archie. Instead of panic for Rachel, I feel a rush of determination.

“Hold on!” I drop to my knees and reach down. “I’ve got him!”

I carefully direct my hands around the scared cat, feeling his soft fur under my fingers as the crowd parts. I murmur, “Come on, buddy. I’ve got you,” as I pull him free from the gutter.

Archie scurries for a moment, but when he sees me, his eyes widen with relief. I cradle him against my chest and feel the warmth of his tiny body. I pet his head and say, “You’re okay now. Let’s get you home.”

I clutch Archie tightly as I dash back to my car, ignoring the crowd staring at me. Once more, the urge to get to Rachel surges in me. I place Archie on my lap, jump into the driver’s seat, and turn the key in the ignition. The sound of the engine roaring to life pumps my determination back to life.

“Hang on, buddy,” I say, glancing down at him as we pull away. “We’re going to see Rachel.”

The traffic is still heavy, but I weave through the streets as fast as I can. My heart pounds in relief at having Archie back, but my worry for Rachel remains. I can’t believe I actually found him. I’m going to get them both to safety.

I finally park, hastily throwing the car into park and shutting off the engine. Archie is cradled securely in my arms as I dashout of the car. Thoughts of Collins and all the trouble he could still cause race through my mind as I sprint toward the entrance.

With my heart pounding in my chest, I burst through the door and race up the stairs. I bang on the door to her apartment, yelling, “Rachel! Open up!”

“Vaughn?” she replies, her voice sounding surprised. The door swings open a moment later, and relief floods over me as I see her standing there, staring at me with wide eyes.

“I got Archie!” I exclaim, showing her the cat, and her face lights up.

“Oh, thank God!” she breathes, rushing forward to take him from my arms. Tears well in her eyes as she cradles him in her arms, stroking his fur. “You found him!”

The adrenaline kicks in, and I can feel it. “Where is he?” I demand, scanning the room for any sign of Collins.

“He left a little while ago,” she says, her brow furrowing. “I didn’t want to provoke him further. He was angry.”

“But I think I’m done letting him intimidate us,” I say. “I’m not going to let him get away with whatever it is he’s planning.”

Just then, I hear a noise from outside, and my instincts take over. I shoot to the window, my breath catching in my throat. Collins is leaning against his car, looking up at the building with a sinister smile.

I’m so pissed off that I storm out of the apartment. He won’t threaten Rachel or Archie anymore. I’m not going to let him. Determination leads me to the door, and I stride outside.

“Vaughn, wait!” she calls after me, but I can’t stop now. I have to face him so he knows I’m no longer afraid.

I step outside and push through the door, locking eyes with Collins, who stands up with a look of surprise on his face.

“What’s the matter, Vaughn?” he taunts. “Do you miss me?” His voice drips with mockery.

“I’m going to enjoy watching you regret messing with us, Collins,” I say, keeping my tone steady but laced with anger. Adrenaline courses through me as I step closer to confront him.

“Is that right?” he replies, a smirk playing on his lips. “And what are you going to do about it?”

He lunges at me, swinging at my jaw before I can respond. I barely react in time, instinctively sidestepping as his fist grazes my cheek.

I retaliate immediately, throwing a punch of my own that lands solidly on his gut. He grunts, doubling over, and I shove him back against my car, grabbing him by the collar.

“You think you can just mess with us and get away with it?” I growl, my voice low and dangerous.

His eyes narrow, and Collins pushes off the car. “You’re going to regret this, Vaughn.”

He comes at me again, swinging wildly. I duck underneath it and jab him in the ribs, the satisfaction of impact filling me. He winces but isn’t done yet. This time, he throws another punch. I catch his wrist and twist it, forcing him to his knees.

“Stop it! Just stop!” I hear Rachel’s voice. Memories of her fear and the violation of her home make my anger boil over. I won’t allow him to get away with this.

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