Page 77 of The Off-Limits Play

I move to stand beside Carson, crossing my arms and glaring at the guy while trying to ignore the spray of raindrops that are now starting to fall in a steady beat.

Shit. Shit. Shit!

I want to go inside, but I can’t leave Carson out here alone with this asshole.

“I’m gonna have to report you, McAvoy. Coach made it explicitly clear, and you’re breaking the rules.”

“Don’t be a dick,” Carson warns him. “You keep your mouth shut.”

“Oh, so it’s true. You’re fucking the girl no one’s allowed to have. That is so typical of you.”

“I’m not fucking her,” Carson growls. “Now back off!”

Fleischer ignores him, moving a little closer and eyeing me up like I’m a tasty treat. “You know, if you can have a taste, I think it’s only fair that I should too. Maybe then I’ll keep your dirty little secret.”

I’m about to tell him he’s a disgusting, repulsive excuse for a human being, but I don’t get the chance because Carson lets out this feral roar and lunges at Fleischer.

It’s kind of terrifying, actually. Carson’s face has taken on this beast-like quality that I assumed would be sexy. When he stood up for me in the bar that time, I kind of wanted him to punch that guy. But this is something else.

Fleischer lets out this weird grunt as they both go flying back, their bodies hitting the wet grass, limbs flailing as they curl their fists and start punching each other. Fighting it out like feral dogs.

“No, stop!” I yell, blinking rain out of my eyes, then wincing when Carson gets the upper hand and punches his opponent with a fury I didn’t know he was capable of.

Shit. I don’t even recognize him right now.

“Carson, stop!” Moving as close as I dare, I try to shout the words in his face, but he doesn’t even acknowledge me. “Carson!”

Fleischer struggles beneath him, bucking and rolling him off before landing a right hook in Carson’s face.

“No!” I wince, then hiss when Carson falls backward onto the dirt, barely missing the tree behind him.

Fleischer takes advantage, jumping on him and attacking him with flying punches.

“Stop! Stop it!” I reach for his arm, trying to slow him down, just as Carson swings out with his fist.

Fleischer gets clipped in the chin, and the momentum throws him sideways. I jump out of the way, skidding on the rocks lining the garden. My knee twists, but I manage to keep my balance. It really hurts, though. I hiss and hobble a few steps away from them.

I seriously should run and get help. Carson looks about ready to kill the guy. I’ve never seen his face like this before. It’s not just kind of terrifying anymore, it’s just plain terrifying!

“Carson.” I try one more time, limping toward him to get his attention just as Fleischer lunges forward, tackling Carson to the ground.

They both go flying backward again, but this time I am totally in the way.

“Ah!” I yelp, trying and failing to brace my fall while not getting squished by these two morons.

“Shit!” I hear someone cry just as my body hits the concrete path leading around the house.

CHAPTER28

CARSON

Fuck! No!

“Nylah,” I rasp, shoving Fleischer off me and scrambling to my feet so I can check on her. I tried to swivel away as I landed, not wanting to squash her, but I have no idea how successful I was. “Nylah?”

“Is she okay?” Fleischer asks, but all I can do is growl at him, snarling like a fucking wild animal. “Okay, man, chill.” He raises his hands and steps away from me. “Fucking psycho,” he mutters as he walks off.

I’ll have to deal with him later.

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