Some say a best friend is the person you can rely on to buy you food or let you steal theirs—either way, you won't starve. Others say they're the ones who listen to your rants without judging or complaining. But the best definition? They're the people who will fight for you and protect you, even if they're a thousand miles away.
Right now, Ellery's best friend was about to kill a man for her.
A thunderous bang echoed through the apartment as the front door slammed open, nearly flying off its hinges. The sheer force sent the wall hangings rattling, and the floorboards groaned in protest. A gust of wind rushed through the room, making the curtains billow dramatically.
And standing in the doorway, like an avenging angel in designer heels, was Mona Burton.
Her purse dangled from one hand, its iron strap clenched so tightly her knuckles had gone white. Her eyes, filled with an icy, murderous rage, locked onto Bud like a predator spotting its next meal.
"What do you think you're doing, Bud Carter?" she seethed, her voice so low and dangerous that even Ellery felt a chill.
Bud shot up so fast that he nearly stumbled over his own feet. "Mona! Babe, this—it's not what you think!" he stammered, wiping his sweaty palms on his pants.
Mona cocked her head, taking a slow, calculated step forward. "Oh, really?"
And then with the speed of lightning, she swung her purse like a medieval flail.
CRACK!
The iron strap slammed into Bud's face, sending him tumbling backward. A strangled yelp escaped his lips as he clutched his rapidly swelling eye.
"What the hell, Mona!?" he cried, blinking furiously.
She dropped her purse, kicked off her heels, and cracked her knuckles. "Ellery," she said, not taking her eyes off Bud. "Move."
Ellery rolled to the side just in time as Mona drove her foot into Bud's stomach. He let out a wheeze and doubled over.
Not done yet, Mona took a running start, spun on her heel, and slammed a roundhouse kick right to his temple.
Bud crumpled like a bag of potatoes, groaning in pain. Then, as if someone flipped a light switch, he went still.
Watching Bud lie there, bruised and battered, Ellery suddenly remembered the first time she met Mona.
ㅤ𐚁ㅤMiddle School. Seventh Gradeㅤ𐚁ㅤ
Ellery was seated in the school cafeteria, with her peanut butter sandwich when Josh Miller, the school's biggest bully, snatched it right off her tray.
"Thanks for the snack, loser," he sneered, taking a big, exaggerated bite.
Ellery's face burned with humiliation. She reached for it, but Josh shoved her back against the table. "What are you gonna do about it?" he taunted, chewing obnoxiously.
She was about to say nothing —because what could she do?—when suddenly, a blur of red hair shot past her. And then, with zero hesitation, a tiny fist punched Josh right in the mouth.
YOU ARE READING
A Love To Last
Storie d'amore❝True love is usually the most inconvenient kind.❞ Ellery Thatcher and Cassian Lancaster have been inseparable since their sophomore year of college, their bond forged by an accident that led to an unexpected love story. Now, with their hearts set o...
