CHAPTER Twenty-Four

　　Ryland

　　I was outside, leaning against my car whilst I waited for Gracie to come out. She had texted me only ten minutes ago to tell me to hang around outside. And then in a flash, she came bolting out of the door. I have not ever seen someone run so fast in my life, and I soon realized why she was sprinting; her dad came out after her. He was shouting things at her, but I couldn’t make out what they were, as they were slurred. He was definitely drunk, though he was moving pretty quickly.

　　“Get the fuck back in here, you little slut,” he said, grabbing her arm.

　　No, he is not fucking touching her or talking to her like that. I made a quick dash, getting to them.

　　“Get your fucking hands off of her, right now, or I swear I will knock you out,” I hissed, getting in between them and pushing him away from her.

　　“Who the fuck are you” he asked, coming at me.

　　“I will be your worst nightmare if you don’t back off,” I said, standing my ground.