Lauren let out a sharp scream and threw herself onto Yusuf.
Yusuf was clearly caught off guard by her sudden action. Confused, he covered his face, which stung like fire, and a metallic taste began spreading in his mouth.
By the time he realized he'd been hit, he angrily got to his feet, ready to confront whoever had struck him. But as soon as he saw who it was, his rage fizzled out in an instant.
Standing before him was none other than Cyrus, whose icy gaze was cold enough to freeze everyone around him. Cyrus flexed his wrist and said in a cool tone, "Yusuf, I warned you before—Mabel's my girl now."
After a brief pause, he added, "Anyone who even thinks about messing with what's mine is gonna learn the hard way and pay the price."
Yusuf's anger flared up again, but he swallowed it do
