Just as I was about to be caught in his arms, a long, powerful arm suddenly reached out from behind and to the side, firmly wrapping around my waist.
A familiar scent enveloped me instantly.
In the next second, I was pulled hard, my whole body falling into a solid, steady embrace.
Before I could even react, a dull thud sounded in my ear.
Rhett lifted his leg and, without the slightest mercy, kicked Sebastian flying.
His voice was low and icy, like a blade pressed down with restrained fury—
“My girl—and you think you’re allowed to touch her?”
Sebastian crashed heavily to the floor, sprawled in disgrace. It took him several seconds before he could barely lift his head.
He looked at me, his eyes shattered and full of pain, as if clutching at his last straw.
“Aria… I didn’t mean to.”
