Page 83 of My Grumpy Billionaire Soccer Star

But he struggles against my grip, and I push him down, tightening my hold until he’s on the ground. “You think you can intimidate her? You think you can threaten us?” I say, my voice rising with every word. “You’re just a coward.”

I catch him off balance for a moment, and he tries to kick me, but I regain my footing. I’m done playing games. I want him to feel every bit of the pain he’s caused.

Without hesitation, I throw a solid punch to his jaw. His head snaps back, surprise etched across his face. I hit him again, this time in the stomach, and he gasps, struggling for breath.

“Vaughn, stop!” Rachel’s voice cuts through the fog of anger, but I’m beyond listening. The anger running through me is intoxicating; I’m not done yet.

I grab him by the collar, drag him back to his feet, and slam him against my car again. “I’ll make you pay for what you did to Rachel. You can’t just walk in and ruin everything.”

“Let me go!” he snarls, but I see the fear flickering in his eyes now.

I shove him back again and throw another punch. It feels satisfying as my fist connects with his face. The fight drains from him, and blood trickles from his lip as he stumbles back.

“Please, Vaughn! Enough!” Rachel’s voice cuts through the haze again.

I pause, looking back at her.

“She’s not worth it!” Collins spits, but I see the fear in his eyes as he realizes he’s losing ground.

I breathe heavily, my fists clenched and turn back to him. “It’s not for you to decide who’s worth it. I’m not letting you threaten her anymore,” I say firmly. “You’ve crossed a line.”

“Get off me!” Collins shouts, but I feel my resolve hardening. He won’t get away without a mark to remember this by.

Before I can react, he lunges at me again. I sidestep, and he crashes into the car. Seizing my chance, I start punching fast, one blow rapidly following the other, adrenaline coursing through my veins.

I hear the sound of sirens in the distance, and I know this has to end, finally. With one final blow, I toss him to the ground, and he falls, completely out of breath and defeated.

My heart is racing as I watch him try to gather himself. I step back, panting heavily. “Stay down, Collins,” I warn, my voice low and steady.

“Just you wait,” he mutters, but I can see the fight has gone out of him.

I snatch my phone and dial the police, my hands still a little shaky from the adrenaline. “Yes, I need to report an assault. There’s a guy here who’s been harassing my girlfriend and trying to put drugs in my locker.”

I look over at Rachel, who’s watching us with concern and disbelief mixed in her expression. It makes me feel protective of her. Whatever it takes, I’ll keep her safe.

I hang up and turn back to Collins, who is still on the ground, trying to recover. “You think this is over? I’m done letting you mess with us,” I growl, low and menacing.

“Just wait until I get out,” he snarls, but I can see the fear in his eyes now.

My heart is still racing from the fight, but as I stand over Collins, I feel the weight of everything that’s happened pressing down on me. Rachel is still watching from a distance, her relief and disbelief mixed together. The police are on their way, and for now, we’ve gained some ground. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that this is far from over.

The sirens wail closer, and I turn to Rachel, who has walked over, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The gratitude on her face is undeniable as she reaches me. “You . . . you really stood up for me,” she breathes, her voice trembling.

“Of course I did,” I reply, my heart swelling at her words. “I won’t let anyone hurt you, Rachel. Not him. Not anyone.”

I don’t even realize it when she wraps her arms around me. Her warmth surrounds me like a lifeline, and I feel her trembling against me. She leans into me as I hold her tight, and I can’t help but notice the tears dripping down her cheeks.

“Thank you, Vaughn,” she whispers, her voice muffled against my shoulder. “Thank you for saving me and Archie.”

The mention of her cat sends worry through me. I know how much she loves Archie, and it’s almost too much to think he could’ve been in danger.

“We’ll get him back, Rach.” I pull back slightly and look into her eyes. “I promise,” I say.

Her gaze meets mine, and for a moment, I’m unsure what I see—fear and relief intertwined.

“I just . . . There’s no way he would do something like this. It’s terrifying,” she says, her voice trembling.

“I know,” I reply, my voice steady. “But you’re safe now. And that’s what matters.”

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