Fight for You

Prologue

Avery

I peered out the window as I walked down the long hallway which separated my classes. The campus was beautiful, and it was my favorite time of year; the scorching heat of summer was gone, and autumn’s chill was creeping in.

The leaves on the maple trees around campus were changing from green to brilliant shades of orange and red. A gentle breeze shook them, and some tumbled to the grass below.

I grunted when a force slammed against me, rocking me back on my heels. Thankfully, I was able to stay on my feet, but I dropped the books I was carrying.

“Watch where you’re going, Manorexia,” a familiar voice barked.

I sighed in defeat. I wasn't a stranger to insults. I was on the short side and very slim, partially due to a health condition I'd had all my life. But bullies never cared about the reasons. They only wanted to point out my differences. Unfortunately, I also wasn't a stranger to these particular bullies; Riley Shultz and Brant Ferguson. They'd been a thorn in my dick since high school.

Lord only knew how the two of them made it into college in the first place. They were both as dumb as a box of turds. I assumed it had something to do with their families’ wealth, and the rumored sizable donation they'd made to the university.

“Wow, I haven't heard that one before,” I replied sarcastically with an eye roll, as I bent to pick up my books. “Did you stay up all night thinking of it?”

“Who the fuck do you think you're talking to, Skeletor?” Two heavy hands landed on my shoulders and shoved me back. I fell onto my ass, dropping my belongings once more.

I gulped hard and looked up, finding the two men looming over me. Riley smirked and cracked his knuckles as my heart thumped wildly. These guys had made fun of me for years. They'd shoved me around countless times, but this felt…different; menacing. They were older and bigger, and looked angrier.

Laughter drew my attention to my right, where three young women appeared from around a corner. One of the girls’ eyes widened when they landed on me. “Hey, are you alright?”

“He tripped,” Brant replied before I could say anything. He gripped my shirt collar and roughly yanked me to my feet. Riley collected my books, which he slammed into my chest. To our onlookers, the guys would appear helpful, but I felt the threat bubbling beneath their actions.

The threat became clearer when Riley picked up my pencil and leaned in closer to whisper, “Watch your back.” He snapped the pencil and dropped the pieces to the floor before turning to the girls. “Can we walk you beautiful ladies to class?”

“Sure,” they answered through giggles, and Riley and Brant hurried to their sides.

As they disappeared again, I overheard the women telling them they were “so sweet” for helping me out.

I'd roll my eyes again if I weren't so freaked out. It was obvious that the duo had the desire and ability to beat the hell out of me. They were bigger, stronger, and tougher. I had to do something to protect myself.