Forbidden Love (Forbidden Trilogy) by S.R. Watson

Jordan is smiling from ear to ear at Liam’s predicament. Unbelievable . Grayson’s towel is hanging on by a thread now and I know I must step in and do something before his junk makes its debut to these two. I wrap the sheet tight around me and hobble my way to where the two men are posted against the door.
    Liam is intent on being a tough guy. “Get the fuck off me. I will have your job, you predatory sick fuck.” I slide my hand in between the two men and try to pry them apart.

Grayson is temporarily distracted by my appearance in their scuffle. He glances down at my bootless leg and frowns. This momentary preoccupation that I’m bearing weight on my ankle allows Liam to aim for a sucker punch. I see his intent and try to stop him. What the fuck was I thinking? While Grayson is looking down, I step in the direct path of Liam’s fist— thinking he would halt his attempt. I misjudged the quickness of his swing. A crushing blow lands on the side of my face and I’m falling. It all happens so fast. Jordan is screaming now and is at my side within seconds. Excruciating pain radiates through my jaw, causing tears to fall heavily. There is no saving Liam now. “I’m going to kill you motherfucker!” Grayson booms. He is all fists as he unleashes his fury at Liam. I’m still on the floor, but I plead with Jordan to stop Grayson. Liam is in a ball now taking the punishment Grayson is serving up. Jordan jumps on his back from behind in an effort to still his murderous hands and their assault.
    “Please stop Grayson. You’re scaring her. I know this ass wipe deserves a beat down, but your girl needs you more.” I’m crying harder now because I don’t want him to get in trouble over me. Surely Liam knows that I’m not a whore. He, of all people, knows that. He was speaking from hurt and anger. I know the feeling. I’ve been there. Grayson takes a moment to process Jordan’s words before reluctantly getting off of Liam. He walks over to me and scoops me up before wiping my tears. “I’m sorry baby,” he whispers, still breathing hard.
    Anguish crosses his handsome face as he studies mine. I can feel the bruise starting to form. He glances Liam’s way with contempt and I hug him tighter. I don’t want him to go back and finish the job. Liam finally gains his footing. Sorrow is in the depth of his eyes as he visualizes me literally in the arms of another man.
    “I’m so sorry Shiv,” he says. He dejectedly walks out the door. The alarm on my phone picks this time to ring, signaling I should be getting ready for class. Jordan leaves now to give us privacy. Grayson caresses the lump forming along my jawline and flinches.
    “Grayson, it’s okay. I’ll be alright,” I say reassuringly.
    “But it’s not all right. That little cunt put his hands on you,” he spits.
    “It wasn’t intentional. He was trying to take a swing at you. I know that he wouldn’t purposefully hurt me.”
    “Are you defending him now?” He asks in shock. “If calling you a whore and accusing you of sleeping with me for a grade isn’t purposefully being hurtful, I don’t know what is.”
    He couldn’t be more right. “You’re right baby and no I’m not defending him. I just don’t want you to get into trouble with the university. Truth is, I’ve never seen him behave this way and it’s my fault. I hurt him and I don’t know what he is going to do about it.” Grayson sits us on the bed. He lifts my chin so that I’m looking him in the eyes.
    “You don’t owe him shit. You weren’t his girl. I didn’t steal you away. His lack of realization that he had a gem was his fault, not yours. You gave him a chance over what…five or six years? He blew it. It doesn’t matter what my profession is. We’re two people who were meant to find each other. He left the door open for me baby when he snuck out to play with the unworthy. And for that, I’m grateful.” He kisses my bruise softly before finding my lips. The kiss is