Chapter 453

William stumbled back two steps from the punch, finally giving Rachel a chance to break free from his grip. He barely managed to steady himself and instinctively pressed his tongue against the inside of his mouth. Sharp pain flared. When he wiped the corner of his lips, he was startled to see blood on his hand.

Tyler hadn’t held back. He was ruthless, even with his nephew.

William pointed at Rachel, his fury barely contained. “Are you really going to go this far for her?!”

Tyler, true to his nature, remained eerily calm. His expression didn’t even flicker, as if he hadn’t just thrown a punch. His eyes were black as ink, and somehow, cold as ice. His face looked tense, and his lips were pursed into a flat line.

“You’re the one acting pathetic, William. If your grandfather saw you like this, he’d probably slap you himself.”

With that, Tyler reached out and pulled Rachel to his side, wrapping an arm around her protectively.

“I’m warning you and Samantha both–stay away from her. Otherwise, not even your precious grandfather can protect you.”

It was a public declaration, loud and clear, that Tyler was standing by Rachel.

William’s eyes burned with fury and frustration, but there was nothing he could do to fight Tyler. He straightened his jacket.

“Then I suggest you brace yourself, Tyler.”

It was a declaration of war.

As Rachel was pulled into Tyler’s arms, something deep inside her that felt empty for so long was suddenly full again. She didn’t have time to unpack it yet. She only knew one thing for sure – she had chosen the right person to stand behind.

Tyler could still keep William in check. Maybe not as thoroughly as his uncle once had, but it was enough.

There was a flicker of regret in her heart, but nothing she would call remorse.

After William left, Tyler looked down at the woman in his arms. She had instinctively moved closer to him and was now resting her head against his chest. He lifted a hand and ruffled her hair with a teasing smile.

“You were so fierce just a second ago. Now, you’re acting like a deer caught in headlights. What happened?”

Only then did Rachel realize she was still in Tyler’s arms. She instinctively tried to pull back, forgetting entirely that his hand was still firmly on her waist.

Before she could even set her heel down, Tyler had already pulled her right back in.

She nearly bumped into his chin. Now, their bodies were pressed tightly together. Even through their clothes, she could feel the heat radiating off him and through her.

He leaned in, his presence flooding her senses. His breath caressed her skin, and his eyes—dark as the ocean at night—held a quiet, dangerous intensity.

His lips parted slightly.

“What are you running from?”

Rachel didn’t even know herself. But every time he got close, she instinctively wanted to flee. She tried to push him away.

“The doctor said no sex for a week.”

“Rachel, could you not always have your mind in the gutter?”

It was as if she were the one constantly thinking about those things.

Rachel was caught completely off guard by his sudden accusation. She gave him a look of disbelief.

“When did I ever say I was thinking about that? I was just reminding you.”

“Oh really? For a second, I thought your mind was drifting again. Though, for the record, you’ve been in relationships before, haven’t you? So how come your kissing game’s so bad? All you know how to do is bite me.”

Chapter 454