Chapter 266
Chapter 266:
Still, his ego wouldn’t let him back down completely. Embarrassed by his earlier state, he puffed out his chest and tried to sound tough. “Who do you think you are? Was it you who kicked me? You looking for trouble p>
Monica didn’t hesitate. Seizing the moment, she stumbled toward Austin, her steps unsteady as if she might collapse.
He caught her effortlessly, his protective instincts kicking in without pause. As she buried herself against him, he noticed her blouse, the buttons undone just enough to draw attention. His jaw tightened. Without a word, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
Austin’s gaze shifted back to the drunkard, now filled with a cold fury that seemed to cut through the air. “Was it you p>
“What? No! I didn’t touch her!” the drunkard sputtered, his words tumbling over each other. “She unbuttoned it herself!” His voice cracked, and beads of sweat dotted his forehead under Austin’s unrelenting glare.
As the realization dawned, the drunkard’s mind raced. Was this all a setup?
His stomach churned at the thought. Damn it! Did she unbutton her blouse just to get him beaten up?
This woman was the Devil!
He glared at Monica, his face twisted with resentment. Monica averted her gaze, her expression carefully measured to convey guilt and fear.
Without warning, Austin grabbed the drunkard by the collar and hauled him up effortlessly. His voice was a growl, low and menacing. “What did you just say? Do you think I’m stupid p>
The drunkard choked on his words, his bravado evaporating like mist under the scorching heat of Austin’s rage. “No… I… I didn’t mean p>
Austin shoved him backward with enough force to send him stumbling, and then delivered a swift, punishing kick to his stomach.
The man crumpled to the floor, clutching his middle as pain wracked his body.
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He let out a wail, the sound pitiful and weak.
How did this night turn into such a disaster?
Towering above him, Austin delivered his final warning, his voice sharp and unyielding. “If I ever see you pulling something like this again, you won’t get off so easily.” The drunkard didn’t need to be told twice. He scrambled to his feet, clutching his aching stomach as he limped away, his pride and body both in tatters.
Monica let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, relief washing over her. For a fleeting moment, she’d feared the man might expose her little performance. But luckily, he was gone now, and the weight lifted from her chest.
Monica’s voice softened, her eyes wide with contrived remorse. “Austin, I’m so sorry for the trouble I caused. It was a friend’s birthday, and I thought it would just be a fun night. I never expected it to end up like this. If you hadn’t come… I don’t even want to think about it p>
Austin’s sharp expression eased, but his tone remained steady and authoritative. “It’s fine. I was nearby anyway. But you should know better—places like this aren’t exactly safe. Next time, just don’t come p>
Monica nodded demurely, tilting her head slightly. “You’re right. I’ll be more careful. Thank you for rescuing me tonight.” Her voice held a deliberate sweetness.
Austin’s gaze lingered on her for a beat, unreadable, before he asked, “Are you staying, or do you want to head home p>
Her lips curved into a small, wry smile. “I’d like to go home,” she said softly. “This place… it’s not really my scene. I was actually planning to leave before everything happened p>
“Alright,” he said simply, without hesitation. “I’ll give you a ride p>
Monica quickly texted Amanda to let her know she was leaving and then followed Austin out of the bar. Wrapped in his jacket, Monica felt the faint, intoxicating scent of his cologne surround her.