"I'm going to kill him, I swear I'm going to murder him!"

Ace gives my hand a gentle squeeze, trying to calm me down, but it's as useless as trying to extinguish a bonfire by spitting at it. Right now, not even an elephant tranquilizer could soothe me. I feel a deep, burning rage boiling inside me, like the very fires of hell urging me to commit the worst acts that come to my mind.

I'm not the only one more than ready to rip Travis's head off. Ace has been cursing like I've never heard during the five-hour flight we've been on. If everything he said were to come true, I might almost feel sorry for Travis. Almost. The only thing that has slightly held him back are the calls he's been making, trying to resolve the first problem we face: the sex tape being recorded and uploaded online without my consent.

For the first time since I arrived in the United States, I'm grateful for the connections that people from Hayden have. Ace has managed to contact important people at Instagram, Google, and other key internet sites to get the video removed from all possible places. It's relatively easy to take it down from Instagram; the tricky part is trying to eliminate it for good. Although I'm not ready to fully accept it, that video will never completely disappear from the internet. Through his contacts, Ace is trying to minimize the damage as much as possible.

"Okay, the video has been removed from all the major sites on the internet, and anyone who uploads it again will be blocked. I've also had my lawyer warn all media outlets that if they publish anything about that video, they'll be facing a lawsuit so big even their grandchildren will have to keep paying it."

The news give me little relief, very little, but it's something. At least we have some control over the situation, the biggest part, but paradoxically, it's what angers me the least. After all, I don't really care if strangers see me like that. What makes me the angriest is that Travis thinks he has the power to humiliate me, that he violated my privacy and trust in such a miserable way, especially when he recorded that video without my consent.

"I don't think there are words in the world to thank you for what you're doing for me today," I sigh, trying not to shout as I hug him. "I wish I could be the one solving my own problems, but I don't have the contacts you do."

"You don't need to thank me for anything, honey. I'm doing what needs to be done. And don't worry about the rest, you're going to be the one to knock that son of a bitch's teeth out first. I'm just going to kick whatever's left of him when you're done."

"How much longer until we get there?!"

"We're landing right now, don't worry. If it helps, scream all you want and let it out. In less time than you think, you'll be able to take it out on that asshole directly."

And that's exactly what I do for the next hour until, finally, the plane lands. Ace's McLaren is waiting outside, so we don't waste a second sending our bags home in another car and getting into the sports car to make someone's head roll.

"So, what's the plan? Knock on the door and tell him we're here to beat the shit out of him?" I ask, fidgeting with my hands to try to channel some of the fury burning inside me.

"That's an option. I have no idea if he'll be expecting us or not, but what we do need to do is show him that you don't do that, either with words or violence. You know I only resort to fighting when it's absolutely necessary because I don't like it much, but damn, I'm going to enjoy ruining that bastard's face for good."

"What if there's security at the door or something? As far as I remember, there wasn't anyone, but maybe he hired someone knowing we're coming."

"Maybe he has a security system, but by the time we've dealt with him, it'll be too late for them to intervene. Besides, I'm not afraid of the cops. I've been to plenty of police stations in L.A. and never spent the night in a cell or anything more. You go, they give you a lecture, you pay them, and that's it."

His confession surprises me, and for a moment, I forget my anger to focus on that. It also helps that Ace has placed his hand on my thigh, noticing how tense I am, trying to calm me down in some way.

"How come you've been at the police station?"

"Of course, does that surprise you?" he says, looking at me for a second with a smile. "For starters, I participate in illegal races, so I've been caught for that a few times, obviously. I was also involved in some shady stuff when I was a teenager and sometimes I couldn't escape in time."

"Define 'shady stuff'," I murmur, somewhat scared, immediately thinking of drugs or worse.

"Illegal fights. There were underground fights and I started participating at fifteen to escape a bit from the sadness of my mother's death and all the shit with my father. Usually, they had everything under control, but sometimes we got caught and ended up at the police station. I was lucky and got out early because my father didn't want bad press for his family, but other kids without money weren't so lucky."

I keep looking at him quite surprised, not expecting anything he just said in such a natural way, as if it were normal. Even though I've seen him hit Travis, I always thought Ace was quite peaceful and only resorted to violence when necessary. It's weird to think that before, it was the opposite and for him, fighting was just another form of entertainment.

"Wow, I didn't expect that. I guess that's why you're so good at throwing punches and stuff, you must have a lot of practice."

"I was in that world for three years and rarely lost, so yeah, you could say I have a lot of practice. My last name and money getting me out of those messes is one of the only things I can thank my father for."

"I agree, and look, I'm against using the benefits of being a millionaire to get things normal people can't, but in this case, I'm thankful," I confess with a small smile.

Ace gives my thigh a gentle squeeze before maneuvering to park next to Travis's enormous mansion. In moments like this, I'm grateful he lives alone because it's not something I want to do with family around. Besides, I can see he still doesn't have a doorman, which is better for us.

Seeing the house at the end of the gigantic garden, the rage ignites inside me with the same intensity as when I saw the damn video uploaded to Instagram. Ace will have to hold me back if he doesn't want me to rip Travis's face off as soon as I see him.

Trembling with pure anger, I press the doorbell outside. I know Travis will open, his ego is too big to avoid strutting like a peacock over his incredible achievement. He's so stupid that he'll risk a beating if it means he can laugh in my face out of sheer spite.

"Huxley residence, who is calling?" he asks through the intercom, oozing arrogance.

"The fucking mailman, asshole, open up! I have an urgent package for you!" I yell before taking a deep breath to calm down.

"Oh, oh, oh, Arden, I think you should calm down, especially after knowing that all of Hayden saw me fucking you doggy style."

"Son of a bitch, open up now or I swear I'll tear the gate down myself!"

I don't get any response from him; instead, I hear the characteristic sound indicating the door is opening. It doesn't take long for me to grab Ace's hand and drag him down the main path toward the mansion's enormous door. I doubt Travis knows I'm coming with Ace, which probably helped him receive me, as he won't see a threat beyond what I can do to him.

It doesn't take long for us to arrive, and I press the doorbell furiously, unable to hold back anymore. The door opens, revealing a smug and even more obnoxious Travis than usual, if that's possible. Surprise crosses his face when he sees I'm not alone, but he quickly recovers and resumes that disgusting smile.

"To what do I owe your visit?"

Hearing his voice and having him right in front of me, the rage becomes almost impossible to manage, and I do the first thing that comes to mind: I lunge at him while screaming with all my lung power. I go in with my nails first, two pointed centimeters of acrylics topped with rhinestones heading straight for his eyes, but I don't reach my target. Arms grab me around the waist and pull me back, preventing me from reaching that stupid face.

Ace holds me against his body, turning his arms into a prison. I try to escape and even insult him, wanting to scratch the jerk in front of me with all ten nails across his face. My boyfriend doesn't budge, just holding me until I calm down, staying still and looking at Travis like he's a serial killer.

"Wow, looks like the tough guy's gone soft. Are you afraid I'll ruin your little whore even more?" Travis sneers, watching the scene with a wide grin.

"If I were you, I'd stop spouting bullshit because I'm itching to beat you up too, and if I lose control, between her and me, you'll be left without teeth in your mouth."

"Oh, yeah? Well, you guys would have a wonderful night in the slammer because this house is full of cameras."

"I don't care if I spend the night in damn Guantanamo. If it means ripping your head off, I'll do it gladly."

"But I don't want her to have more problems because of your bullshit, so no fighting," Ace intervenes. "I'm here to warn you that we're going to report you for distributing the video. We have the evidence, and you'll be found guilty, so wipe that smile off your face."

"Listen, idiot, don't you know that no one in Hayden goes to jail? At most, I'll get a fine, and the media won't even cover it. None of your threats worry me, punk."

"Maybe you'll just get a fine for that, but you'll end up in jail when they find out you tried to rape me!"

"Oh yeah? And how am I going to end up behind bars for that if you don't even have any proof?" He laughs with disdain.

"Aren't you going to deny it, Travis?" I ask, staring at him completely stunned.

"Why should I deny it? We all know I tried, and I love seeing how, even knowing that, you won't get anywhere without proof."

Travis lets out a laugh that makes me want to smash his face right there, but I hold back. I don't want to drag Ace into a fight because of me, as if it were up to me, I would have already started hitting that scumbag.

"We're going to post it on all our social media so at least no one in Hayden dares to go near you."

"No one? Well, you're already late, dear."

As he speaks, he extends an arm to the side and takes someone's hand, pulling a woman towards him. When I see who it is, I feel all the blood drain from my face, leaving me pale as a ghost. It's the first time since I discovered the truth about my father that I am left completely blank. I have no thoughts, no idea what to say or do at first. The world stops around me as if I were in a dream, trying to process what is in front of me.

One second, two, three... I can't count them, but it feels like hours. Then I manage to think, realize what the image in front of me means, and finally, I react.

Faye hugging Travis.

It's immediate: as soon as I lean forward to go after her, Ace's arms move away from my body, finally freeing me. I'm completely unstoppable, and it doesn't even take half a second to grab her red hair with one hand while the other impacts directly on her cheek. It's not just any slap; I hit her with an open hand, making all the strength I have flow from my torso to the tips of my fingers. I'm so angry that I curl my fingers when my hand starts to move away from her cheek, scratching her skin and causing blood where my nails tear through.

I don't waste time and slam her face against the nearest wall, grabbing her hair with both hands. A crack from her face is music to my ears, and I feel her start to squirm to escape my grip. Her high-pitched screams echo everywhere, muffled when I knee her in the stomach. Taking advantage of her bending over, I knee her again as hard as I can in the face.

"What the hell are you doing, you insane bitch?!" Travis roars behind me.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see him lunge at me, but a punch to the face stops him, leaving him completely disoriented. The expression on Ace's face is so dark it's scary, even without being able to see it fully.

"I've controlled myself long enough."

With that final growl, I hear Ace start beating Travis non-stop, unleashing all the rage he's been holding back since we saw the video. I take advantage of the situation to drag Faye against the wall again, splattering her slightly with the blood from her broken nose. I keep her head pressed against the stained paint, bringing my face slightly closer to hers.

"How dare you be with the dirty monster who tried to rape me?! How dare you be so fucking miserable?!" I roar in her ear.

"You're crazy, let me go! You've lost your fucking mind, you're a danger for society!"

When she screams, I just slam her head against the wall again, trying to do as much damage as possible to get her to finally answer my question.

"Answer or I swear on everything you care about, I'll gouge your eyes out right here!"

"What, are you jealous? Are you envious that he wants to be with me and not you? Now who will be the most popular girl in Hayden?!"

Her response in the form of questions makes everything click into place, as if the pieces of the puzzle suddenly fit. Faye is jealous of me, probably was envious even when I was screwing Travis, and wanted to attract the attention I have at the university towards herself, trying to do what I do. Under different circumstances, I might feel sorry for her, but now all I want is to end this despicable person who called herself my best friend.

"If you think you're going to be the most popular girl in Hayden for being with the guy who tried to rape your best friend, then you're really out of your fucking mind!"

While I'm speaking, Faye manages to break free from me, grab my hair, and slap me, making me scream. Instinctively, my hands go straight to her and I start scratching the skin I can reach. Arms, chest, cheeks... everything falls victim to my long acrylic nails. Finally, I get her to let go of me and decide to end this quickly: I grab her hair one last time and slam her against the wall with all my strength. A loud thud echoes as her head hits something hard, and I see her body drop to the floor like a sack, unconscious.

"Ace, let's go!" I urge, looking at the cameras at the entrance.

My boyfriend is straddling Travis, throwing and receiving punches. Despite also taking hits, it's clear that if he keeps beating him, he's going to end Travis.

I have no idea if he heard me, but if he did, it has no effect because the barrage of punches continues. I start to get even more nervous, yelling at him three times to get off him. He's completely consumed by rage, growling and shouting occasionally as blood splatters the floor. Damn it, what the hell can I do?

"Ace Hale, listen to me for once and get off him!" I shout, pulling his body with all my strength.

That seems to work because he finally stands up, looking at Travis with pure hatred, who returns the look. Travis's eyes start to swell, a sign they'll soon turn black and blue, and he has two cuts on his nose and eyebrow. Blood pours from his nose like a waterfall, but it doesn't seem broken.

"You're going to end up in jail, you son of a bitch!"

"I hope you both rot in Hell, you and that redheaded bitch you hooked up with," Ace growls before spitting in Travis's face.

I grab his arm and drag him back to the car, running, trying to prevent this Ace, completely consumed by rage that I've never seen before, from ending up killing them both. Before he can get in the car, I retrieve the keys from the back pocket of his pants and get in the driver's seat. I might be angry, but seeing him like this tells me he's much worse off than I am, too furious to drive.

Neither of us says a word during the entire trip. I start to feel my cheek swelling from a slap Faye managed to give me, but I ignore it. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Ace's knuckles are raw and splattered with Travis's blood. His left cheekbone is starting to swell, and his nose is bleeding, though he's trying to stop it with a tissue. It hurts me to see him like this because of me, for trying to defend me, and I regret having gone after Faye. Probably if I had kept calm, he wouldn't have lost his temper. Now because of my recklessness, Travis will report us to the police, and we'll both have a problem.

Without speaking, I follow him to his house and let him guide me to the couch. His arm gently wraps around my body to sit me down before he disappears to grab an ice pack from the kitchen and the first aid kit. I watch as he crouches down and carefully places the ice pack against my cheek.

"I'm sorry."

I speak very softly, feeling like the worst person on the planet, but he looks at me with softness in his eyes. His hand soon caresses my other cheek, and I let him, enjoying his warmth.

"What are you sorry for?"

"If I hadn't lost my temper, you wouldn't have fought with Travis. Moreover, if you hadn't come with me to solve something that was my issue, you wouldn't have had any problems. Everything that has happened and will happen due to this is my fault, and I'm sorry. I don't care what happens to me, but it saddens me to have dragged you into this."

His thumb gently strokes my cheekbone as he looks at me, his beautiful blue eyes conveying a tranquility I can't feel on my own. I take advantage of our position to grab the first aid kit and start tending to his cuts, alternating the ice pack between us. I do it with all the care in the world, trying not to hurt him.

"I refuse to let you apologize for anything," he murmurs, still looking at me. "I love you, Alexa. When I saw that video, I knew I had to beat that idiot's face in. I wanted to do it, I needed to. Everything I've done today, whether it's right or wrong, whatever the consequences, was my decision, and I'll accept whatever comes."

"But they didn't do anything to you, the video only affected me. It hurts me that you're going to face consequences for something that didn't harm you."

"Alexa, if they hurt you, they hurt me. Seeing you suffer makes me suffer, and I'll do anything in my power to prevent it. I love you, do you understand? And I'm old enough to decide what to do and how to act at every moment."

His words set butterflies loose inside me, and I feel my cheeks turning a deep pink. I'm still not used to hearing him say he loves me, much less declare that he'll defend me by all means to prevent me from being hurt. It's comforting and beautiful to have someone there for you, like a safe harbor you can always turn to.

"I don't want you to do that, Ace. I don't want you to put yourself in danger or get into trouble just because you don't want me to be hurt. I'm also old enough to handle whatever comes my way."

"And what would you do if someone hurt me?"

"Whatever it took to keep them away from you."

When he smiles upon hearing my answer, I understand what he meant. As much as I don't want him to risk himself for me, I would do the same for him without a second thought, so I can't dissuade him from doing it.

"I'm sorry, love, but I'm going to keep defending you whether you like it or not, whether you can defend yourself as much as I admire or not."

I move the ice pack away from my cheek and lean in to kiss him, trying not to touch any of his bruises. He gladly responds, picking me up to carry me to his room. With utmost care, he starts undressing me and gives me his shirt without me asking. Despite it being daytime, we haven't slept all night because of the incident, so we're both exhausted.

"What do you think will happen now?" I ask as I get into bed.

"I don't know, and I don't care. As long as those two scumbags stay away from you, I don't give a damn about what the future holds."

"As long as nothing happens to you, I don't care either," I respond.

Ace lies down next to me, cradling me in his arms as soon as he can. His caresses calm me, and my eyes start to feel heavy with sleep. Before I fall asleep, I hear the most beautiful words in the world whispered in my ear:

"I love you, baby. More than anything."

Hey, loves!

This was a VERY intense one... Betrayal and drama, exactly what we enjoy here 😇

Do you think Ace and Alexa acted right or wrong? What will happen now?

I'll be reading you! ❤️