Read Online Bride Interrupted by Taylor Anne - Free Book Online

scowl was inches from her face. His rough lips crushed hers, cutting off her scream. Kayla wanted to vomit from his touch. She jerked her head away.
    “I mean it, get out of here!” She tried sucking in some fresh air, but all she could do was gasp. She grabbed for the wall, trying to support herself from falling.
    “No, bitch. You need to listen up. I want you, and I will have you.”
    Fear wrapped around her insides. Red flashed before her eyes. Memories of the pain he inflicted on her before made her dizzy. He beat her within inches of her life. Over nothing more than a comment that he needed to stop drinking. She barely remembered the Emergency Room visit, or the days in ICU. Her doctor said that one day the memories would crash back on her. Today was that day.
    She folded into herself during the days in the hospital. Weeks of meekness followed. Thankfully, she had supportive friends who had the patience to deal with her for several months until she pulled out of the depression. Once she was free of the endangering thoughts in her mind, she was empowered. That was when she took control of her life once again. And she would never give it up. Especially not now.
    Her hands flailed wildly as she tried to make contact with Craig’s face. She kicked at him, but to no avail. He simply smirked.
    “Bitch.” He reached for her arms. Rage consumed him. She feared it was a repeat of the nightmare. His tight grip on her wrists cut off her circulation and hurt like hell. She twisted her arms, but his strength was too much. He pinned her back against the wall and pressed his body against hers.
    Kayla froze, bracing herself for his touch. She closed her eyes, not wanting to look into his blue hell. She turned her head from side to side. Craig groaned, and his weight lifted off her. Kayla slowly opened her eyes. Colton threw Craig’s body against the wall. His frame landed next to her with a thud.
    “Stop, man.” His voice was weak now that he was no longer in control.
    Colton’s fists pummeled Craig’s face. Every punch elicited a painful grunt from Craig until he could barely stand. His body slumped against the wall, right next to Kayla. The odor of his sweat mixed with the alcohol on his skin turned her stomach.
    Colton stepped back. He looked at Kayla. “Is this man bothering you?”
    Kayla wanted to laugh. Only Colton would kick ass and ask questions later. “Yes, but he’s leaving.”
    With blood oozing out of his mouth, Craig glared at Colton. “What are you, her bodyguard?”
    Colton’s breathing was fast, but he didn’t look like he had exerted much effort in beating the shit out of the other man. He grabbed Craig by the shirt and pulled him close. His words were heavy and full of impact as he spoke right in the man’s face. “The lady doesn’t need a bodyguard. She’s perfectly capable of handling herself, but consider me her back up.” He shoved Craig to the ground. “It’s time for you to go. Now.”
    Craig picked himself up. He cast one final look at Kayla before he staggered away. Somehow, she knew this would be the last time she saw this man. Finally.
    Now to figure out the man still standing in front of her. She had no idea how to handle him. He was burning with rage. Anger rolled off him. He could be brutal when needed. But Kayla had seen glimpses of a softer side of him. It was there, although he hid it well.
    This man just saved her life. Or in the least, saved her from Craig’s brutal wrath. Kayla wanted to reach out to him, but wasn’t sure what his reaction would be. She stared into his dark eyes. Eyes deep with anger that slowly turned to tenderness. He brushed his fingers down her cheek. Her eyes closed at his gentle touch.
    “Fuck. Come here, fireball.” The nickname he pinned on her was starting to sound like a sweet term of endearment. He pulled her into his embrace and hugged her tight against him. “God, when I saw him on top of you, I lost it. Totally fucking lost it.” He sighed