Page 35 of Man Vs. Woman

“Who the fuck sent you?” I shout.

He starts to say something, but instead chokes up some blood.

“Who fucking sent you” I repeat.

“Fuck you.” He finally spits out.

And, like that, I’m done. I clock him upside the head and he tumbles down like the fucking tree he is. One more kick to the gut and of course his groin—that one was for me—and he’s knocked out.

I kick him again, for good measure, and his body flails weightless.

I bend over, resting my hands on my knees and trying to catch my breath.

See, baby, Wesley isn’t the only one who can beat Andre the Giant. Maybe I’m the romantic heart throb after all.

Once reality sets in, I hear Serena sobbing.

“Oh my god, Colt.” Her hands cover her mouth, but she drops them as soon as our eyes meet.

She runs over to me and I slowly stand up. My senses come back and so does my feeling. My muscles are sore, and I can feel the bruises begin to form.

She looks over me and grabs my face. “Are you ok? What do you need?” Her voice is frantic, fearful, but oddly calming.

“I’m fine,” I finally reach a standing position. I move her arms and wrap them around my waist. “I need this.”

“I do too,” she sighs and lays her head on my chest.

“It’s ok. I’m ok…shit, are you ok?” In the thick of it, I completely forgot about her and her well-being. He was fucking choking her…what the fuck is wrong with me!

I push her out in front of me and examine her. My hands tracing the markings on her throat. A whole new level of anger rises in me, stronger and more powerful.

“That fucker…” I turn to go kick his ass again, but she stops me.

“He’s already down, it’s fine.”

I look at her, guilt overwhelming me. “Does it hurt?” I massage her neck.

“It’s a little raw, but I’ll be fine.” She looks up at me, tears glistening in her eyes. “Colt, you saved me. I thought…I don’t know, I thought I was…” I put my finger over her mouth to shush her and pull her into my arms again.

“Don’t. You’re not. I’m here… and I will always be here. I will always come for you.”

Despite everything, Serena smiles.

“Even if I’m not a senior citizen in a pool?” she asks, in a low cute voice.

In spite of everything, I fucking laugh.

This chick makes cracks even after getting attacked.

It’s like God built her with me in mind.

Of that, I’m now certain.