Page 62 of Novice Girlfriend

“I just want him,” Link told the guards as he pointed to Jason Berns. “None of you need to get hurt. Give him to me and walk away.”

“You’re done for this, Oliveria. Your uncle and family after this too,” Jason taunted. “This is the greatest gift that piece of shit could have given me. Shame he got found out and I’ll have to punish his family like—”

“He’s dead,” Link said, his voice cold like I’d never heard before. “And you won’t be touching his family or any more women after today, Berns.”

Jason angled his head and chuckled. “Oh, he was a friend of yours? Wow, I picked the right one then, huh? I just knew he had a connection with Bevin since he was listed as the guard in the room for her disownment. Shame he only got me you, but still a win.”

“A win? He’s dead and you’re—fucking vile trash. He was worth thirty of you and helped everyone. You hurt for—give me Berns and walk away.”

“I’m tired of this and have an event soon,” Jason drawled. “Get him. I want to call his uncle and have fun with this.”

“So be it,” Link sighed.

Jason snorted. “You have no chance. My estate is locked down from magic unless you’re in my bloodline, fool.”

“I don’t need magic. You need me alive to get anything from this which means no guns,” Link said with a nasty chuckle that made me shiver. “I win then. I promise.”

“Get him,” Jason growled, at the end of his patience.

I watched in awe as Link moved in a way I didn’t think people were able to without CGI or like stunt coordinators. Without wires, rigs, and harnesses. He blocked punches with the ease I pushed aside clothes hanging in my closet. He threw punches the way I reached into a cabinet for a glass but with devastating effects and blood spraying after.

Kicks that were like me pulling on pants but sent someone flying. It was honestly unreal. I stood there in shock as it all happened in seconds, but I knew it was longer. It felt longer and too fast at the same time.

Two men approached with knives and I opened my mouth to yell in warning, but Link spun around and grabbed the wrist of one and used that same knife to slice the guy’s throat open. He fell dead. Just dead from that so fast, and blood soaking the grass it was like nothing I’d ever seen.

The other hesitated after seeing it too and Link easily handled him.

Rage filled Jason’s face when he realized Link was right and he could actually get through his guards. He moved his hands towards his body like he was gathering magic.

I hadn’t even realized I’d already been gathering mine, probably from the time Link had started fighting, but it was at my fingertips and I quick-fired at Jason’s feet. Everyone froze, two guys mid-attack on Link, and focused on me.

“Isn’t it just like a Berns to be so dishonorable and use magic when no one else can and he’s preoccupied?” I said, my full mental and emotional armor in place even if I was freaking out inside.

He bared his teeth at me. “And it’s like a Shaw to be where they’re not invited.”

“Millen, thanks,” I purred.

Greed filled his eyes. “Whatever, but at least you’re here and mine, Bevin. Stupid mistake.”

I snorted and went to reply, but one of his people interrupted.

“How the fuck did you use magic past the wards?” he demanded.

“At least someone here is smart,” I chuckled darkly, tilting my head and mocking Jason. “I can see why Father never saw you as a threat.” I glanced at the guard. “It only works on people less powerful; otherwise, we can break through.”

“There’s no way you’re more powerful than me, kid,” Jason seethed.

I snorted. “Right, because you’re all tripping over yourselves to get me because I’m the only pretty woman in the top-tier families?”

“What are you doing here?” Link demanded. “Get out of here.”

Jason glanced between us, that greed coming back like he realized he had a card to play. “Oh, this is precious. Really.” He went to move and I blasted the guards away from Link and moved to block him. “New boyfriend?”

“Why is everything about sex with you assholes?” I drawled. “No, he’s my friend. That thing you don’t have unless you buy them or apparently force them. It’s how the good guys roll.”

“You mean a liability?” Jason purred. “Because yours will now cost you everything, Bevin. He’s—”

“She had nothing to do with this and we’re not done,” Link interjected and moved past me easily.