My Grumpy Billionaire Soccer Star (HOT Firefighters & Sportsmen)

36. Chapter Thirty-Six

Vaughn

I ’m too worried to focus on the road as I drive toward Rachel’s apartment. The traffic is worse than I thought, and with each red light comes an eternity of my mind spinning with thoughts of her safety. Maybe Collins has done something to her already. I can’t get Rachel’s face from our last confrontation out of my mind—the look of complete terror. And though I want more than anything to protect her, I know it won’t matter.

“Come on, come on,” I mutter as I inch forward in the gridlock. I can see my knuckles whitening around the steering wheel and feel my heart pounding in my chest. I have to get to her, and I have to do it quickly.

I spot a commotion up ahead just when I think I can’t take it anymore. There’s a group of people on the side of the road, their voices raised in concern. I slow down and pull over. My heart races at the thought that maybe something is wrong.

I get out of the car and run toward the crowd, pressing my way through the observers. “What’s going on?” I try to get a peek at what everyone is looking at.

“There’s a cat stuck in the gutter!” one of the bystanders exclaims, their eyes wide with worry. I look at where they’re pointing, and my heart drops.

I peer down into the narrow gutter at a small, frightened face that looks up at me. I know with a jolt it’s Archie. Instead of panic for Rachel, I feel a rush of determination.

“Hold on!” I drop to my knees and reach down. “I’ve got him!”

I carefully direct my hands around the scared cat, feeling his soft fur under my fingers as the crowd parts. I murmur, “Come on, buddy. I’ve got you,” as I pull him free from the gutter.

Archie scurries for a moment, but when he sees me, his eyes widen with relief. I cradle him against my chest and feel the warmth of his tiny body. I pet his head and say, “You’re okay now. Let’s get you home.”

I clutch Archie tightly as I dash back to my car, ignoring the crowd staring at me. Once more, the urge to get to Rachel surges in me. I place Archie on my lap, jump into the driver’s seat, and turn the key in the ignition. The sound of the engine roaring to life pumps my determination back to life.

“Hang on, buddy,” I say, glancing down at him as we pull away. “We’re going to see Rachel.”

The traffic is still heavy, but I weave through the streets as fast as I can. My heart pounds in relief at having Archie back, but my worry for Rachel remains. I can’t believe I actually found him. I’m going to get them both to safety.

I finally park, hastily throwing the car into park and shutting off the engine. Archie is cradled securely in my arms as I dash out of the car. Thoughts of Collins and all the trouble he could still cause race through my mind as I sprint toward the entrance.

With my heart pounding in my chest, I burst through the door and race up the stairs. I bang on the door to her apartment, yelling, “Rachel! Open up!”

“Vaughn?” she replies, her voice sounding surprised. The door swings open a moment later, and relief floods over me as I see her standing there, staring at me with wide eyes.

“I got Archie!” I exclaim, showing her the cat, and her face lights up.

“Oh, thank God!” she breathes, rushing forward to take him from my arms. Tears well in her eyes as she cradles him in her arms, stroking his fur. “You found him!”

The adrenaline kicks in, and I can feel it. “Where is he?” I demand, scanning the room for any sign of Collins.

“He left a little while ago,” she says, her brow furrowing. “I didn’t want to provoke him further. He was angry.”

“But I think I’m done letting him intimidate us,” I say. “I’m not going to let him get away with whatever it is he’s planning.”

Just then, I hear a noise from outside, and my instincts take over. I shoot to the window, my breath catching in my throat. Collins is leaning against his car, looking up at the building with a sinister smile.

I’m so pissed off that I storm out of the apartment. He won’t threaten Rachel or Archie anymore. I’m not going to let him. Determination leads me to the door, and I stride outside.

“Vaughn, wait!” she calls after me, but I can’t stop now. I have to face him so he knows I’m no longer afraid.

I step outside and push through the door, locking eyes with Collins, who stands up with a look of surprise on his face.

“What’s the matter, Vaughn?” he taunts. “Do you miss me?” His voice drips with mockery.

“I’m going to enjoy watching you regret messing with us, Collins,” I say, keeping my tone steady but laced with anger. Adrenaline courses through me as I step closer to confront him.

“Is that right?” he replies, a smirk playing on his lips. “And what are you going to do about it?”

He lunges at me, swinging at my jaw before I can respond. I barely react in time, instinctively sidestepping as his fist grazes my cheek.

I retaliate immediately, throwing a punch of my own that lands solidly on his gut. He grunts, doubling over, and I shove him back against my car, grabbing him by the collar.

“You think you can just mess with us and get away with it?” I growl, my voice low and dangerous.

His eyes narrow, and Collins pushes off the car. “You’re going to regret this, Vaughn.”

He comes at me again, swinging wildly. I duck underneath it and jab him in the ribs, the satisfaction of impact filling me. He winces but isn’t done yet. This time, he throws another punch. I catch his wrist and twist it, forcing him to his knees.

“Stop it! Just stop!” I hear Rachel’s voice. Memories of her fear and the violation of her home make my anger boil over. I won’t allow him to get away with this.

But he struggles against my grip, and I push him down, tightening my hold until he’s on the ground. “You think you can intimidate her? You think you can threaten us?” I say, my voice rising with every word. “You’re just a coward.”

I catch him off balance for a moment, and he tries to kick me, but I regain my footing. I’m done playing games. I want him to feel every bit of the pain he’s caused.

Without hesitation, I throw a solid punch to his jaw. His head snaps back, surprise etched across his face. I hit him again, this time in the stomach, and he gasps, struggling for breath.

“Vaughn, stop!” Rachel’s voice cuts through the fog of anger, but I’m beyond listening. The anger running through me is intoxicating; I’m not done yet.

I grab him by the collar, drag him back to his feet, and slam him against my car again. “I’ll make you pay for what you did to Rachel. You can’t just walk in and ruin everything.”

“Let me go!” he snarls, but I see the fear flickering in his eyes now.

I shove him back again and throw another punch. It feels satisfying as my fist connects with his face. The fight drains from him, and blood trickles from his lip as he stumbles back.

“Please, Vaughn! Enough!” Rachel’s voice cuts through the haze again.

I pause, looking back at her.

“She’s not worth it!” Collins spits, but I see the fear in his eyes as he realizes he’s losing ground.

I breathe heavily, my fists clenched and turn back to him. “It’s not for you to decide who’s worth it. I’m not letting you threaten her anymore,” I say firmly. “You’ve crossed a line.”

“Get off me!” Collins shouts, but I feel my resolve hardening. He won’t get away without a mark to remember this by.

Before I can react, he lunges at me again. I sidestep, and he crashes into the car. Seizing my chance, I start punching fast, one blow rapidly following the other, adrenaline coursing through my veins.

I hear the sound of sirens in the distance, and I know this has to end, finally. With one final blow, I toss him to the ground, and he falls, completely out of breath and defeated.

My heart is racing as I watch him try to gather himself. I step back, panting heavily. “Stay down, Collins,” I warn, my voice low and steady.

“Just you wait,” he mutters, but I can see the fight has gone out of him.

I snatch my phone and dial the police, my hands still a little shaky from the adrenaline. “Yes, I need to report an assault. There’s a guy here who’s been harassing my girlfriend and trying to put drugs in my locker.”

I look over at Rachel, who’s watching us with concern and disbelief mixed in her expression. It makes me feel protective of her. Whatever it takes, I’ll keep her safe.

I hang up and turn back to Collins, who is still on the ground, trying to recover. “You think this is over? I’m done letting you mess with us,” I growl, low and menacing.

“Just wait until I get out,” he snarls, but I can see the fear in his eyes now.

My heart is still racing from the fight, but as I stand over Collins, I feel the weight of everything that’s happened pressing down on me. Rachel is still watching from a distance, her relief and disbelief mixed together. The police are on their way, and for now, we’ve gained some ground. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that this is far from over.

The sirens wail closer, and I turn to Rachel, who has walked over, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The gratitude on her face is undeniable as she reaches me. “You . . . you really stood up for me,” she breathes, her voice trembling.

“Of course I did,” I reply, my heart swelling at her words. “I won’t let anyone hurt you, Rachel. Not him. Not anyone.”

I don’t even realize it when she wraps her arms around me. Her warmth surrounds me like a lifeline, and I feel her trembling against me. She leans into me as I hold her tight, and I can’t help but notice the tears dripping down her cheeks.

“Thank you, Vaughn,” she whispers, her voice muffled against my shoulder. “Thank you for saving me and Archie.”

The mention of her cat sends worry through me. I know how much she loves Archie, and it’s almost too much to think he could’ve been in danger.

“We’ll get him back, Rach.” I pull back slightly and look into her eyes. “I promise,” I say.

Her gaze meets mine, and for a moment, I’m unsure what I see—fear and relief intertwined.

“I just . . . There’s no way he would do something like this. It’s terrifying,” she says, her voice trembling.

“I know,” I reply, my voice steady. “But you’re safe now. And that’s what matters.”

I reach up to tuck a strand of hair behind Rachel’s ear, and she wipes away her tears. The moment is intimate, and warmth rushes through me. I lean closer, my heart is racing.

“This doesn’t have to be something you experience alone. Stay with me until everything is cleared up.”

Her eyes widen in surprise. “Stay with you? But . . . what about the match?”

“Exactly,” I say, my tone firm. “I don’t want you at risk after everything that’s happened. I want you safe, and I can’t imagine a better place for you to be than with me. I want to keep you close until we deal with Collins.”

Her wheels turn for a moment, and I can see they are turning. “Are you sure? I don’t want to complicate things anymore. I don’t want to impose.”

“Rachel,” I say, taking her hands in mine, feeling the warmth radiate from her touch. “It’s not an imposition. I want you to be safe, and I care about you. I can figure everything out with you. You know that.”

I can hear the sincerity in my voice, and she relaxes her shoulders. “Okay,” she finally says, a hint of a smile breaking through the tears. “I’d like that.”

I feel the weight of the world lifting only a bit, but her agreement is a relief. “Great. Let’s get you settled, then. When the police get here, we can talk to them, and I’ll take care of everything.”

I lead her back to my car and can’t help but look back at Collins, who is still on the ground, nursing his wounds. I can’t help but feel a little gratified at having gotten one over on him, but it’s Rachel I think about as I push myself onward. I have to keep her safe no matter what it requires.

When we get to my car, I open the door for her, and she gets in. Finally, her body starts to slacken. I get into the driver’s seat, and the engine starts. I look over at her. “You okay?”

Softly smiling, she nods. “Yeah, I think I just need to breathe for a minute.”

“Take your time,” I say, pulling out of the parking lot and onto the road. It’s still heavy but having her there lightens the day.

On the drive to my place, I can’t help but look at her. She’s been through so much, and I don’t want her to feel unsafe or scared again. I want her to know that she never has to worry about me.

“Vaughn,” she says suddenly, breaking the silence. “I really appreciate everything you’ve done. I’ve been a bit . . . difficult lately, I know.”

I respond reassuringly, “Don’t worry about it. You’re going through a lot. I just want to be here for you.”

Looking out the window, she admits, “I didn’t expect you to react the way you did with Collins. It was kind of amazing.”

The corners of my mouth rise, and I chuckle softly. “No one can mess with you or your cat. Not now, not ever.”

I turn off the engine and pull up to my mansion. Again, I look at her, and I see gratitude in her eyes and something deeper. It makes my heart race. I try to keep my voice light as I say, “Let’s get inside and work out our next steps.”

I feel the tension in the air transform as we step out of the car. Now we’re in this together. I intend to make sure she understands she’s safe with me. I open the door and wave her in first.

I lead her into the living room, where the warmth I’m used to fills the space. “Make yourself comfortable,” I say, watching as she sinks into the couch, her expression finally starting to relax.

I get a couple of bottles of water out of the fridge and sit down on the couch next to her, giving her one. I suggest, “Let’s talk about what we need to do next.”

She looks at me, a little relieved and fiercely determined. “I want to help, Vaughn. What I don’t want to do is sit here and wait for something to happen.”

I reply, “Then we will act.”

“What are we going to do about Collins and Archie?”

“We’ll figure that out together. Rachel, you’re not the only one in this boat. I promise.”

I’ve fought to keep her, our bond, and I’ll fight for her, no matter what it takes. No one is getting between us, least of all Collins.