From Ashes of Scandals to His Embrace novel Chapter 108

Laurinda saw the shadow coming at her and, without thinking, kicked the guy hard in the stomach. He staggered back a few steps but barely seemed fazed. With a grunt, he tightened his grip on the knife and charged at her again. This time, Irvin looked like he was about to jump in.

Laurinda didn’t let him. She grabbed his arm, yanked him back, and used the momentum to leap up, both feet slamming into the attacker’s chest. The man was sent flying and didn’t get up again.

She let go of Irvin’s arm and punched his chest, not so gently this time. Her voice was sharper than she meant. “Are you out of your mind? Do you have any idea how dangerous that was? He had a knife! Go get security and call the police.”

Her words snapped Irvin out of his daze. All he’d been thinking about was keeping Laurinda safe. Now, the fear hit him full force. He hesitated, worried about leaving her alone, but it was late and barely anyone was still in the building. No one else would hear what was happening over here.

“Will you be okay by yourself?”

“Of course. Now go.”

Irvin took off running. Laurinda turned to the guy on the ground and stomped down hard on his ankle. There was a loud crack and a howl of pain.

Irvin, halfway down the hall, heard the scream and nearly tripped over his own feet. He was suddenly certain Laurinda didn’t need any help at all.

Laurinda crouched next to the man, yanked off his mask, and stared at his face. She didn’t recognize him. “Who are you? Why are you trying to kill me? Do I even know you?”

The man glared up at her, eyes bloodshot and wild with hatred, like he wanted nothing more than to tear her apart.

The man started drooling, making strange, garbled noises. He tried to say something, but not a single word made sense.

A few moments later, Irvin came back with security, a bunch of students trailing behind. When they saw the twisted, drooling man on the floor, everyone froze. Someone shrieked, “He looks like a zombie!”

Laurinda glanced at the crowd, her nerves finally catching up to her. She stepped back and felt herself bump into a familiar chest. The scent, warm and reassuring, helped her steady herself.

She looked up at the man who was watching her, eyes full of concern. She opened her mouth, but he didn’t give her a chance to speak. He pulled a packet of wet wipes from his pocket and carefully wiped her hands clean, his voice low and comforting. “I’ll take care of things here. Do you want to go back to class or head to the nurse’s office?”