Chapter 27 #2
Rolling to my side, I curled into the fetal position as I coughed and tried to breathe.
I watched as Linc kicked Max square in the ribs.
He let out an odd sound—a cross between a gasp and a groan.
He curled in on himself, but Linc wasn’t finished.
Kneeling down next to Max, he pulled him up by his shirt, dangling his upper body off the ground.
“I will fucking kill you. You hear me? You’re never gonna see them again.” Linc slammed his giant fist into Max’s face.
“Fuck you,” Max spit out, a delirious edge to his voice.
It was so fast I almost missed it, but the force of Linc’s next punch had Max collapsing on the ground, his head lolling from side to side as he groaned in pain.
People started pouring into the courtyard, shrieks and cries coming from every direction. Pops and Abigail ran toward me as Garrett and Mason pulled Linc off Max.
“Sophie! Oh my god. The police are on their way. Oh, my poor girl.” Abigail gathered me into her arms, her hands trembling as she helped me into a sitting position so I wasn’t sprawled in the grass.
“Lou?” I managed to get out. It felt like there was a rock in my throat. The word was a ragged edge, scraping me.
“Safe. She’s inside with Quinn. Has no idea anything is going on.
If it’s alright with you, I’ll have Quinn bring Lou to my place for a sleepover.
Then Garrett or I will head there to keep her company while you get checked out.
” I nodded. She was right, and I trusted them to take care of Lou. I didn’t want her to see any of this.
“Yes. Please, before the cops get here. I don’t want her scared.”
“Of course. Let me call Quinn. I’ll be back in a second. Please don’t worry about anything. We’ll take care of her. She’s safe. You’re safe,” Abigail assured me, tears streaking down her face.
“Sophie.” Pops looked broken as he crouched before me. My heart broke for him. I reached out and grabbed his hand. He squeezed it tightly, using both hands to cup mine.
“I’m okay,” I told him, and he shook his head.
I could only imagine what I looked like, my face smeared with blood, makeup, and tears. Pops visibly shook himself before standing up.
Helen and Natalia arrived in the courtyard, their gasps and cries increasing as they got closer to Max’s mutilated form.
“Enough!” Pops yelled. Helen stood up, hands on her hips.
“Really, Walter? I can’t check on my son who’s been severely beaten? Who needs to go to the hospital, for heaven sake! And you! We’re pressing charges.”
“Shut up, Helen,” Pops said, his face grim.
“I have never in my life been so ashamed and disappointed in you all. Blood or not, you’re no longer my family.
Charges will be pressed against Max for assault on Sophie.
I’ll be scheduling a meeting with the board first thing Monday, if Max isn’t already in prison by then.
Regardless, you no longer factor into my concerns.
Just my shame.” Before anyone could answer, Pops walked away as he composed himself.
Linc dropped to his knees next to me, pulling me into his arms as he tried to scan me for my injuries.
“I’m so sorry. So fucking sorry,” he said. I shook my head.
“Lindsey. She set me up.” Linc’s jaw was clenched, and he looked away.
“Mason!” he yelled, and the stern man was crouched near us in an instant.
“Lindsey set her up. Make sure she’s still here and doesn’t sneak off.” Rage flashed over Mason before he masked it.
“On it.” With a determined gait, he was prowling back into the venue, a phone to his ear as more security, police, and paramedics filed into the garden.
“Let me take a look at you,” Linc said softly, cupping my chin as he turned my head from side to side.
I wasn’t sure of all my injuries, but I was sure there were more cuts and scratches than I cared to count.
His gaze scanned my face and neck before trailing down my arms. His eyes refocused on my throat, and he growled.
“Should have killed him,” he muttered.
“No. He’s not worth it. We need you. I need you,” I told him. Linc pressed a soft kiss to my head.
“Help me stand up.” My voice was hoarse, the sound raw even to my own ears.
Gently, Linc helped me stand. I took a shaky step forward. He protested, but I shot him a look. Wrapping an arm around me to hold my weight, he helped me cross the short distance so I could say my final piece to my ex.
“Listen closely, Max. This is the last you’re gonna hear from me.
I do not want you. I don’t want your love.
You’re not capable of it. You’re too selfish, too self-centered to love anyone other than yourself.
You had your chance, and you threw us away.
I love Linc. He’s everything you aren’t and more.
I kept things cordial for Lou, but you won’t get anywhere near her after this.
All your sins are going to come back and haunt you.
I will make sure of that.” My voice didn’t shake.
My words were clear and controlled. Max groaned and turned away, a look of agony on his face.
Looking up at Linc, I gave him a weak smile. He swept me up in his arms and carried me away from it all. I hid my face in his chest, knowing he would keep me safe.