Chapter 102
102:
Amidst the turmoil, Collin took Linsey’s hand gently, urging her to lean in. He whispered, “Let’s go.”
Linsey paused, her surprise evident. Were they actually leaving now? The celebration had just begun.
Observing her hesitation, Collin chuckled. “Clearly, neither Huntley nor Fernanda wants us here. They were just curious about you. Now that they’ve seen you, there’s no reason for us to stay.”
He smirked playfully. “Unless you’re dying to chat with them? But I doubt they have time for us right now.”
Fernanda, preoccupied with Huntley’s distress, didn’t even notice them slip away.
Linsey nodded. “Okay, let’s go.”
They quietly exited the chaotic scene.
Once they were in their car, the evening’s events replayed in Linsey’s mind. She remembered how Collin had shielded her, sending a shiver down her spine.
“That was really dangerous,” she remarked, her concern clear. “You didn’t have to risk yourself for me.”
Despite Huntley’s rude actions, Linsey didn’t want Collin to get into trouble because of her.
Fernanda was fiercely protective of her son. She was yet to make a move because she was distracted by Huntley’s injury.
Yet, Linsey knew that Fernanda would likely plot some form of retaliation.
Linsey thought Huntley was exaggerating. She had seen everything—Collin had been forceful, sure, but not enough to break any bones. Yet there was Huntley, screaming about being crippled, feigning agony while still hurling insults at Collin. It was exasperating.
Noticing Linsey’s concerned expression, Collin chuckled. “If I can’t protect my wife, what kind of man am I?”
Lᴀt𝑒st chαptєrs in ɢ𝓪lnovels.𝑐𝑜𝑚
He raised an eyebrow, his smile teasing. “Besides, didn’t you jump in to defend me earlier without thinking twice about the danger?”
Linsey paused, meeting Collin’s meaningful gaze.
Collin’s laughter was gentle. “Who would’ve thought? My wife can protect me too! I definitely underestimated you. You’re braver than I realized.”
Caught off guard and a bit flustered, Linsey found herself unable to meet his eyes.
“I wasn’t really thinking…” she admitted softly. “I knew about your family’s reputation, but witnessing their behavior firsthand tonight—I just couldn’t hold back.”
Taking a deep breath, she added under her breath, “If I knew we could’ve gotten away with it, I would’ve slapped Huntley twice while I had the chance!”
Collin chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on Linsey, warmth flickering behind his usually indifferent eyes.
“You don’t need to bother with people like that anymore,” he murmured. “Huntley and Fernanda are not worth your time. And honestly, they’re not worth dirtying your hands over. No matter what happens, I’ll always protect you.”
But Linsey met his gaze, unwavering. “It shouldn’t just be you,” she said, her voice steady, conviction clear. “We’re in this together. That’s what marriage is, right?”
A playful glint danced in her eyes as she arched a brow. “And besides, do you really think I was scared of them? Please. Not even a little.” She smirked. “I stood up for you. Put them in their place. Bet that drove those bullies mad.”
Collin blinked, momentarily caught off guard.
Never in his life had he expected to be the one protected—let alone by a woman.
Something unfamiliar stirred inside him, warmth slipping through the cracks of a heart he had long believed was immune to such things. He couldn’t explain it, but today, again and again, Linsey had reignited something in him, something he thought had burned out long ago.
.
.
.