Page 176 of Endgame

“Prancing around, displaying your emotions like some trash who came from the street.” He isn’t hissing anymore. He’s the most furious he’s ever been, shouting and shaking me. “Where the hell are your manners? You can’t come in here, doing whatever the hell it is you?—”

“The fuck she can.” Everett’s hand clamps around my father’s wrist.

My husband is seething. Veins bulging, body radiating heat and rage as he stands at my side.

“She can do whatever the fuck she wants. Anywhere. Anytime.” His voice drops, deadly. “Now do yourself a favor before I snap your wrist in two. Get your hand off my wife.”

31

EVERETT

I’ve done a lot of fucked-up things in my life, but bringing Aurora here wasn’t one of them.

It isn’t about my revenge anymore. About humiliating her and her parents.

She’s here because I want her here.

As my fucking wife.

As the woman I’m proud to call mine.

No one gets to hurt her.

Winston Clarke ruined the people I loved most. All three of them. He’s already tried to break Aurora.

No more.

Whether he rots in prison or has maggots eat his decaying body, it doesn’t matter.

He’s done.

“You should be thanking me.” He sneers, looking even uglier than before with that purple bruise on his jaw.

The one I put there.

“A favor?” Since he isn’t letting go of her, I make good on my promise and twist his arm.

In the process, Aurora slides to the side until our arms brush. To her monster. Her protector. But she isn’t whimpering. Isn’t crying or showing any sign that he’s gotten to her.

Her bravery has pride surging through my veins. I’m hard as a rock.

I can’t let it distract me.

He. Still. Has. Her. Arm. In. His. Grip.

“Yes, a favor, Everett.”

His bones feel like they’re about to crack. I can tell I’m close to causing him actual damage.

“I’m teaching your unruly wife how to behave. You’re obviously failing at the simple task.”

The attention of the entire room is set on the three of us. No one says a word. No one comes to Aurora’s or Winston’s rescue.

That’s fine.

Because the latter doesn’t deserve it. And the former? She’s being rescued by me.

I’m fueled by years of rage. I’m turning into a beast in this luxurious space with its upscale catering and so-called civilized folks. Digging my fingers into the fabric of his jacket.