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Everything slowed. Ashley's head jerked to the side from the force as an ugly red welt bloomed on her cheek. Shock and hurt flashed across her face.
Something primal snapped inside me. With a feral scream, I launched myself at Bree, all discipline forgotten. My fists pummeled every inch within reach blindly. Distantly I heard shouting, but wrath had consumed me entirely.
Suddenly I was wrenched forcibly off of Bree. "Natalia, stop!" Derek urged, struggling to hold me back. "You're going to kill her!"
I strained against him furiously, barely comprehending the words. But then Ashley's shaky voice cut through the haze of violence.
"Nat...you're bleeding."
I glanced down to see my torn, bloodied knuckles. The red sight seemed to drain the fury from my veins, leaving only icy calm.
I stopped fighting Derek's grip. When he tentatively released me, I stepped over to cradled Ashley's face gently in my hands. Guilt and helplessness overwhelmed me seeing the ugly bruise marring her delicate cheek. I should have protected her better.
A weak cough reminded me we were not alone. I turned slowly to see Bree attempting to drag herself up off the ground, face swollen and blood. But somehow still defiant.
"You goddamn lunatic!" she choked out hoarsely, spit and blood dripping down her chin. "I'll fucking end you for this!"
I regarded her dispassionately, feeling only disgust for this pathetic bully. "Your empty threats don't frighten me," I said coldly. "But you should choose your battles more wisely in the future."
Bree just emitted an inarticulate scream of rage. "Do you have any idea who I am, you crazy bitch? My family will destroy you!"
I stepped toward her casually. "Bree Russo, only daughter of mafia underboss Fabiano Russo." I enjoyed watching the shock spread across her battered face as I continued.
"Did you really think you could threaten me without knowing exactly who you are dealing with?" I scoffed harshly. "You're a spineless coward. Now get the hell out of my sight."
With a strangled cry of frustration, Bree turned and limped away in humiliation, spewing impotent curses. I watched her go coldly, and then turned to where Ashley stood staring at me with wide eyes.
Seeing her bruised, shaken expression, fury stirred inside me again that I had let her get hurt. But before I could speak, Ashley threw her arms around me, hugging me tight.
"Holy shit, Natalia," she whispered near my ear. "Remind me not to piss you off!"
Despite the lingering chaotic emotions, I found myself laughing weakly in relief. However disastrous the public confrontation had been, at least I had not lost my truest friend.
CHAPTER 16
VIOLENT OVERFLOW
I hugged Ashley tightly for a long moment, adrenaline still coursing through my veins. But her comforting presence helped anchor me.
Finally I drew back, examining the angry red welt marring her delicate cheek again guiltily. “Ash, I’m so sorry I couldn’t stop her from hurting you.”
But Ashley just waved off my concern. “Don’t you dare blame yourself! I’m fine, I promise.” She gave me a tremulous butdefiant smile. “Anyway, did you see how I was holding my own before Hurricane Natalia rolled in? Your girl can talk trash with the best of them!”
Despite the tense situation, I found myself laughing at her indomitable spirit. Only Ashley could lighten even the ugliest confrontations.
Suddenly remembering why she had showed up in the first place, Ashley’s eyes went wide. “Oh crap, wait! Please tell me my notebook is around here somewhere?”
I blinked, the scuffle with Bree having erased my purpose on campus completely from mind. After a moment rummaging in my bag, I triumphantly held up Ashley’s notebook, now slightly crumpled.
“Yes! Natalia saves the day once again!” Ashley cheered, taking it gratefully. Then her eyes widened anew. “Wait, don’t you have that big date with your mystery guy tonight?”
Cursing under my breath, I checked my phone for the time. I was supposed to be home already getting ready before Leonardo arrived to pick me up. This reckless detour had derailed everything.
Seeing my panic, Ashley grasped my hands tightly. “Hey, don’t worry! We’ve still got time to work magic. I swear I will get you looking princess-perfect for tonight.”
I tried to steady my breathing and calm my still-racing pulse. I refused to miss this long-awaited night with Leonardo after we’d already overcome so much just to be together. Come hell or high water, I would make that date on time.
“Okay then, let’s go. We have a clock to beat,” I said with fresh resolve.
