Shit.
Did I say that out loud?
Apparently.
Because her cheeks immediately turn pink.
And now mine are getting warm too.
Fantastic.
We haul Mr. Nosebleed into a chair.
Prop him upright.
He looks like he lost a fight with a freight train.
Good.
Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.
Mary smooths her dress.
Takes a deep breath.
Then looks at me.
Really looks at me.
And smiles.
Not the polite teacher smile.
Not the strained, professional one.
A real smile.
Bright.
Warm.
Fucking beautiful.
“Thanks,” she says softly. “I really do owe you one.”
Something in my chest shifts.
Hard.
Dangerously hard.
Uh-oh.
Because suddenly I realize something.
I'd do it again.
Hell, I'd knock out a dozen assholes.