Page 49 of Most Eligible Boss

I turned the doorknob, but it was locked.

“Jill!?” I called again.

Adrenaline surged through my veins as I burst into her bedroom, the door swinging open violently. The sight before me fueled the fire of anger smoldering since Cole first entered the picture. There he was, standing in the opposite corner, a sinister smirk playing on his lips. She cowered in a corner, fear etched across her face.

"Get the hell out of here, Cole!" I barked, my voice a low growl.

He chuckled, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "Or what, Jeremy? You going to play hero and save the day?" Cole's eyes narrowed, and he stepped forward, sizing me up.

I squared my shoulders, fists clenched. "You don't belong here, and she sure as hell doesn't want you here. Leave, now."

Cole's laughter echoed as he lunged at me, fists flying. I dodged his first swing, a rush of determination coursing through me. I couldn't let him hurt her.

Our fists collided, the sound of the impact reverberating in the confined space. It was a dance of rage and desperation, each blow thrown with the intensity of our conflicting emotions. I managed to land a solid punch to Cole's jaw, momentarily staggering him.

"You think you can just waltz in here and take what's not yours?" I spat, circling him as we both caught our breath.

Cole wiped the blood from his split lip, a malicious glint in his eyes. "She's not some possession, Jeremy. She can choose who she wants."

The mention of her choice fueled my determination. I charged at him, a primal roar escaping my lips. The fight intensified, a chaotic blend of grunts and thuds filling the air. Furniture toppled as we clashed, the room turning into a battlefield.

I managed to land a series of blows, my frustration and anger propelling me forward. Cole fought back fiercely, but I refused to let him win. This wasn't just about me and him; it was about protecting her from his toxic presence.

As we grappled on the floor, I caught a glimpse of her wide-eyed stare. It fueled the fire within me. I couldn't let her down. With a surge of strength, I managed to pin Cole against the wall, his resistance waning.

"Stay away from her," I seethed, my voice dripping with venom.

Cole's defiant grin faded into a scowl as he nodded, realizing the futility of the situation. I released him, watching as he stumbled to his feet and staggered toward the door. He shot one last venomous look in my direction before disappearing out the front door.

Breathing heavily, I turned to her, offering a reassuring smile. "He won't bother you again."

She nodded gratitude in her eyes. At that moment, I knew the fight was worth it. I had protected her, and no one could take that away.

“C’mon. Let’s get some of your things, and you can spend the next few days with me while we get this place back together.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

JILL

HewincedasIcleaned the blood off of his arm, careful not to get any drops on the floor of his immaculate bathroom. “I’m sorry. Almost done,” I assured him. “You’re lucky you came out of that fight with only this cut.”

“Please, he was no match for me. I’ve been working out, you know...” he smirked.

I giggled. It was no secret that the man took care of his body. We both paused and looked into each other’s eyes.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

“No thanks necessary. I was only doing my job, ma’am.”

“Oh? Are you moonlighting as a boxer on the weekends now? And here I thought you were just a highly successful businessman,” I chuckled. “Anything else you’re not telling me that might be useful?” I carefully placed the bandage on his arm and kissed him. I stood up from kneeling beside the chair on which he was sitting.

As I went to walk away to clean up, he grabbed my arm and gently spun me around.

“Hey,” he said more seriously, “I would do anything for you. That asshole has no right to terrorize you.

“I know. The police insisted that if I file a restraining order on him, it should help. But I don’t think he’ll ever return knowing that my bodyguard would give him hell.”

He moved the hair out of my face, not taking his eyes off mine.

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