Page 119 of If Our Hearts Collide

Vibrant.

Enthralling.

Livid.

Collins Stone.

I blink to clear my vision and verify I’m not hallucinating.

“You came,” I say in shock, my hands clutching at the fabric of my shirt over my heart.

My breathing is erratic, as if my lungs suddenly forget how to work.

The energy of Collins flows around me, coating me with the weight that can only come from someone with power.

“I will always come for you, Penelope.”

23

COLLINS

I’m going to kill him. Straight up, on the streets in Portland, I’m going to gut the man alive and paint the city with his sacrificial blood just to send a message to anyone who dares to touch Penelope Hoffman.

All witnesses can be paid off. All security footage can be wiped clean.

Because right now, I don’t think I’ve been angrier.

Or more dangerous.

He touched her.

He fuckingtouchedher.

And all of the self-defense moves I taught to her just days ago went right out the window because she was paralyzed by fear.

Bastard.

I’m done with this game of tug-of-war with Penny where the only way it ends is by us both getting hurt. But dammit if I’ll stand back and watch another man claim her soft lips or touch her smooth curves.

“Penny, are you okay?” I mean, how can she be?

Her silent nod is all I need to confirm that today’s the day I wage war on this poor excuse for a man.

“She wanted it.”

Turning my attention back to the kiss thief, I pull back my fist and drive it forward, connecting with the flesh of his cheek. He roars from the pain and stumbles to the concrete. As I pull back to go another round, I feel soft determined hands tug at me.

“Please, no, Collins,” Penny pleads.

“He touched you,” I say simply, as if that is explanation alone.

Does she not understand the severity of this? Because I’m about to show her what happens to assholes who overstep boundaries.

“I know. But I’m okay. Let’s go before someone calls the cops for assault.”

“He won’t call anyone because the cameras on the store front will show him pushing himself on you first.”

“I’m okay,” she whispers. “Please…”

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