The Rejected True Heiress (Liora and Callum) novel Chapter 173

A warm frame covering me. Not crushing me, but deliberately caging me against the floor.

It must have been Zane. He came back for me.

I opened my eyes, gasping. My vision was still blurry. When it cleared, I saw a male frame covering mine. Broad shoulders pressed around me, taking the brunt of the blows.

But it wasn’t Zane. I saw a piercing, steely gaze fixed on me. Dark hair. A jaw set hard, clenched with pain and determination.

Callum.

He didn’t speak. Just caged me there, taking the kicks and shoves for me. Protecting me. Holding my gaze, holding me, and refusing to let go.

It was only when the next wave let up somewhat that he spoke. “Hurry.” That was all he said. His voice was deep. Authoritative. Despite everything, I listened. I took his offered hand and let him haul me to my feet.

But my head spun. I felt something warm that smelled of metal trickling down my temple, and I stumbled, nearly gagging from the sudden vertigo. Every muscle in my body was on fire, and I was pretty certain I had sustained multiple injuries.

The next thing I knew, Callum was sweeping me off the floor and carrying me to safety. My head lolled against his chest as he shoved his way through the crowd. My vision faded once more, but returned a moment later when he pinched my arm so hard it made me gasp.

“Stay awake,” he commanded.

I nodded and blinked, forcing myself to stay conscious. If I had a concussion, then I needed to stay awake, needed to focus. Passing out could cause brain damage, or worse.

Zane furrowed his brow. “What happened?”

I couldn’t answer. I was too tired now and in too much pain to speak. Zane cursed and scooped me up, carrying me out of the venue with swift footsteps. Red and blue police sirens were blaring in the streets now; concertgoers were scattering, some running, others waving down the cops, and many just standing around, dazed and confused.

It wasn’t until Zane placed me gently in the backseat of his car that it hit me.

Despite everything, Callum had found me in that crowd. And he had saved me, letting himself get injured in the process.

Why?