He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 34

34 /51

Houston stormed across the room and stopped right in front of Ethan.

Ethan and his group froze, staring in shock at the man blocking their way.

Even though Rose was wrapped tightly in Houston’s coat, curled up in his arms, Ethan still recognized her from the familiar pair of shoes sticking out.

Ethan stared at Houston, surprised. But when he saw the rage burning in Houston’s eyes, he instinctively took a step back.

Houston took a step closer. "Did you hit Rose?"

Ethan looked cornered. He nodded, trying to make excuses. "She was drunk—she started saying crazy things, yelling at me and my fiancée. I just... lost it for a second. It was just a slap, really. I felt bad right after, I swear."

Vivian, seeing Ethan hesitate in front of Rose’s friend, was furious. She stepped between them, bracing herself protectively. "Who the h*ll are you? What gives you the right to come after my boyfriend?"

Houston’s voice dropped, cold and sharp. "Move."

Vivian flinched, clearly rattled by Houston’s presence, but she wasn’t about to back down. Using her pregnancy as leverage, she snapped, "We don’t even know you. Put Rose down. Who knows what you might do to her!"

Houston scoffed. "You? Defending Rose? Don’t make me laugh. Let me be clear—stay the hell away from her. She’s nothing like you."

Vivian had never been insulted like that before. Her face burned with shame. "You—" She turned to Ethan for backup. "Ethan! Are you seriously going to let him talk about your fiancée like that?"

Now trapped, Ethan knew he’d look like a coward if he didn’t step up. Even though he was terrified of Houston, he forced himself to step forward. "You can’t talk about my fiancée like that!"

Before Ethan could get another word out, Houston’s foot shot out, catching him hard between the legs. Ethan hit the floor with a gasp, curling up in pain.

Houston stood over him, voice cold and low. "Touch Rose again—see what happens. Next time, you won’t be getting up."

Without another glance, he turned to leave.

Behind him, Vivian shrieked, "Rose! Ever since he met you, everything’s gone wrong for him! You’ve done nothing but ruin Ethan’s life!"

Houston stopped in his tracks and looked back, his stare sharp and deadly. Vivian’s voice caught in her throat. She shrank under his gaze, falling silent.

A few of Rose’s classmates rushed to help Ethan, hauling him off to the hospital.

Houston carried Rose out of the building and took her home.

The next morning.

Rose woke with a splitting headache. Her body felt like it had been run over. As she sat up slowly, she noticed someone lying next to her—Houston.

He was fully dressed, lying on top of the covers. On the nightstand sat a cup of honey lemon tea.

Memories of the night before came rushing back. She remembered gentle hands brushing her forehead—she’d thought it was a dream. But now she realized Houston had been the one taking care of her.

Rose carefully pulled the blanket up around him. Knowing how lightly he slept, she didn’t dare move too much. Instead, she leaned against the headboard, watching him quietly.