Page 107 of Don't Fall for the Goalie

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“You think you can step in?” he sneers.

Instead of answering, I step between them. Every muscle in my body is coiled and ready to defend her.

“Get away from her.” The words come out stronger than I feel.

His lip curls. “Big man now, huh?”

I barely see it coming.

Pain explodes through my ribs as his fist slamsinto me. The air leaves my lungs in one violent rush as I crash onto the floor.

Everything inside me rattles.

I try to breathe, but can’t.

“Stay down,” he growls.

I don’t.

I can’t.

I force myself up, despite the pain.

Another hit.

White-hot pain erupts through my shoulder. Something pops.

I collapse again, my vision blurring.

“Daltyn!” my mom cries.

I hear her scrambling toward me?—

Then another crack.

A sob.

My head turns sluggishly.

Too slow.Everything feels too fucking slow.

I see him grab her.

See her flinch.

See the fear in her eyes.

And I can’t stop it.

I can’t fucking stop it.

My fingers scrape uselessly against the hardwood as I drag myself forward.

But I’m in too much pain to move.

I’m nothing.

Just lying there, watching her get hurt. Unable to stop it.

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