[IRAYA]
Barkley chuckled, then turned his gaze on me. "Looks like he really cares about you, babe. Aren't you a lucky girl?"
Lucky? Was I supposed to feel lucky?
Instead of relief, a different emotion surged through me. Anger. I didn't know why I did but when I saw Lyander apologizing, something snapped inside me. This bald bastard thought he could get what he wanted and get away with it unscathed?
I didn't even think. I just moved.
With all my might, I slammed my forehead into Barkley's face. A sickening crack echoed as pain exploded in my skull, but it was worth it when he let out a strangled grunt and loosened his grip.
The next thing I knew, I was falling.
Shit.
The ground rushed toward me, and I braced for impact, a scream ripping from my lips. I was ready for broken bones, for searing pain—
But it never came.
Instead, I landed against something firm. Warm. Strong.
I blinked up in shock.
Lyander was holding me.
Princess style.
