"Wanting it all and giving nothing back. Didn't your parents ever teach you manners?" She tapped her chin in mock thought, then flashed a saccharine smile. "Oh, right. How does the saying go? Born with a mother, raised without one. That's you, isn't it?"
I froze. My gaze snapped to Brendan.
My mother had passed away when I was young. It had always been a wound I carried deep inside. I never imagined Brendan would share it with Cindy like it was gossip.
My arm shot up. My palm was already swinging toward Cindy's face.
The next instant, Brendan's hand clamped around my wrist like a vise. Fury blazed in his eyes. "Debbie, lay one finger on her. I dare you."
My body was still weak from just being discharged. I had no time to brace myself before he flung me to the ground.
"You—" He faltered, then bent down to scoop me up. I thrust out a hand to stop him.
"Brendan, you hurt me for her?"
He pressed his fingers against the bridge of his nose, a flash of weariness crossing his face. "Debbie, can you grow up? You're the one who tried to hit her first."