Ethan staggered to his feet.

"What are you gonna do, Maxwell? Hit me in front of your woman to show you're the big man?" he sneered, letting out a sloppy, fake laugh.

Grayson gave him a look that promised nothing good.

"No. I'm going to make sure a coward like you never puts a hand on the wrong woman again."

Ethan tried to spit out another insult, but Grayson was already on top of him. His fist connected with Ethan's jaw before the drunk man could even lift his arms.

"What the—?!" Ethan clutched his mouth as blood pooled between his fingers.

"That's for touching her," Grayson said coldly, already stepping forward for more.

Ethan lurched toward him, but alcohol had stolen his balance. Grayson sidestepped him easily and slammed an elbow into his ribs, forcing Ethan to fold over, wheezing. A second punch split his lip. He crashed to his knees, spitting blood onto the pavement.

"What's wrong, huh?!" Grayson snarled, grabbing Ethan by the hair and forcing his head up. "Weren