Page 11

CARSON

Wily stops me from smashing the asshole’s face in. I have no idea who he is or how he knows my name. He probably recognizes me because I’m a Cougar or something. But I don’t give a shit about football when all I want to do is see this guy bleed.

“Not worth the bench, man,” Grady softly reminds me.

I growl, which seems to be the only sound I’m capable of right now, before shoving the guy back into the table. He winces, reaching for his hip, and I’m satisfied to know I hurt him just a little.

What a shitgibbon.

I can’t believe Nylah agreed to play pool with him. I need to go and check on her, make sure she’s okay.

The red haze that was obscuring my vision before is starting to fade and I glance around, wondering where she went.

I created that space for her to leave, but did she legit walk right out the door?

Fuck.

“You cool?” Wily tries to stop me as I head toward the Exit sign.

I nod and flick his hand off my shoulder. “I’m fine.”

He doesn’t believe me, but I don’t give a fuck right now.

Nylah better not be walking home alone in the dark.

An image of her limping down the street with her arms crossed, looking small and fragile, forms in my brain. Fuck! It’s doing me in.

Racing around the tables, I ignore Grady’s “Where are you going?” and bolt outside.

And my stomach instantly settles.

There she is.

Standing by herself near the curb.

No one is bothering her. She’s looking at her phone with this little smile on her face, and I instantly wish I’d opened the door more quietly.

Because now her smile is gone and she’s glancing over her shoulder with this brief look of panic.

Fuck. I hate that shithead for scaring her.

She obviously came out tonight to have a little fun.

Came out all by herself.

Damn. I love how brave she is.

And then that fucker had to go and ruin it for her.

She eyes me up, like she’s waiting for me to say something, but I have no idea what she wants to hear.

So I just move toward her without a word. Glancing down at her screen, I can see the Uber app open and relax a little more, relieved she’s not stupid enough to walk home alone.

I wonder where she lives.

With her parents?

Fuck. I should go back into the bar.

But maybe she lives in a dorm.

Why would she live in a dorm when it’s free to live at home?

Clenching my teeth, I shove my hands in my pockets and wait with her. Just until the Uber comes. It’s not like I’m trying to score myself a ride or anything. I just want to make sure she’s safe.

She doesn’t need some jerkoff hassling her. She’s already dealt with enough shit tonight.

So I’m just gonna stand watch. Silent and still.

I won’t flirt. I won’t engage.

I’ll just play bodyguard.