Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1233

He wasn't afraid to take on Tarquin, not even a little!

Zane stormed forward, all puffed-up bravado—at least until—

Before he even got close, Tarquin landed a brutal kick that sent him flying across the parking lot!

It was only when the fists actually started flying that Zane realized just how outmatched he was.

Tarquin moved fast—crazy fast. Every punch was solid, every move precise.

Forget fighting back—Zane couldn't even dodge. He caught punch after punch square in the face, barely able to keep his balance, when suddenly Tarquin swept his leg out from under him.

Zane hit the ground hard, knees first, with a sickening thud.

Tarquin loomed over him, face cold as stone. He didn't hesitate—another hard kick, this one straight to Zane's ankle.

There was a nasty crack, and Zane howled in pain. “Aaaagh—!”

Tarquin wasn’t done. He landed a fierce kick to Zane’s ribs, sending him skidding across the gravel.

Zane felt something snap—probably his ribs. He tried to catch his breath, but it was like breathing through broken glass.

Tarquin stalked toward him, expression thunderous.

Gone was Zane’s earlier cockiness. All that bravado? Nowhere to be found. Just raw terror in his eyes.

“You...you—” he stammered, completely floored by Tarquin’s skills.

Of course he was shocked. How could he know what Tarquin’s past really looked like? Those “years abroad for physical therapy” were a total cover. Tarquin had served in the military, worn the uniform, carried a rifle, flown fighter jets and tanks—even survived a few years in some hardcore survival bootcamps.

And Zane? The guy took two boxing classes a week at the local gym and thought he was hot stuff. Ridiculous.

Tarquin stopped in front of him and, without a word, unleashed another flurry of punches and kicks—this time until Zane coughed up blood.

Finally, Tarquin stood over him, eyes icy cold.

“I never wanted to get my hands dirty dealing with you. But you just had to go and poke the bear, huh?”

“If I hear you running your mouth again, I’ll cut out your tongue.”

“If you so much as touch Elysia, you’ll lose your hand.”