Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 42

Without a word, Asher launched himself at Drake, his fist connecting with brutal force. Years of aristocratic restraint vanished in an instant of pure rage.

Drake stumbled back, releasing Gabriella. "You son of a—"

Asher pulled Gabriella behind him, his voice deadly calm. "Stay away from her."

Fury twisted Drake's features. He shoved Asher hard. "She's mine, don't fucking touch her!"

Asher handed Gabriella the insulated container he'd been carrying. "Wait over there, Gabby." His voice was gentle with her, then turned to ice as he faced Drake.

The fight that followed was savage. These weren't the calculated moves of trained fighters but the raw violence of two men who'd lost all restraint. Blood sprayed as Asher's fist connected with Drake's nose. Drake retaGabbyted with a wild punch that Asher barely dodged.

Gabriella watched in horror as both men tore into each other. Asher's driver tried to intervene but was thrown aside. The building's security guard, seeing the brutality, wisely chose to call police and ambulance instead.

Passersby scattered, keeping well away from the violence. No one dared intervene—not with the deadly intensity radiating from both men.

By the time authorities arrived, both men were bloody and disheveled. Drake's face was swollen beyond recognition, blood streaming from his nose. Asher's aristocratic features were marred by cuts and bruises, his bespoke suit torn and filthy.

Gabriella rushed to Asher immediately. "Oh God, you're hurt," her voice broke. "We need to get you to hospital."

The murderous rage in Asher's eyes softened instantly at her concern. "I'm fine, Gabby."

Drake watched their interaction, his heart shattering. "Gabriella," he pleaded, "who is he?"

She turned to him, eyes blazing with hatred. Her voice could have frozen flame: "Drake, get out of my life. Permanently."

The words struck like physical blows. Drake's chest constricted painfully. She'd nursed him through minor colds with tears in her eyes, yet now she looked at his bloody face without an ounce of concern.

"Who is he?" Drake's voice cracked.