“Hello?”
“Hi. Want to go out tonight? I really want to go to a bar.” Braelyn asks.
Braelyn has become the old Braelyn over the past month. She is still scared a lot, but every day I see more of the old Brae popping out, and I think a huge reason for this is Ethan. There is something there between them.
“Sure! Want me to pick you up?”
“That will be great. Be here at nine?”
“Sure, babe. See ya later.” Hanging up, I go and collapse onto the couch reading my new favorite book.
Getting a text, I pick up my phone and wince. It’s from Kane:
Kane: Want me to pick up some dinner?
Me: Girls night with Braelyn. Sorry.
Kane: No, have fun. Where are you going?
Me: Bar.
Kane: Be careful and call me if you drink so I can come and get you.
Me: I will. :)
Picking my book up, I veg on the couch for the rest of the day.
~*~
I pull up at Ethan’s house at ten until nine. I’m wearing a tight red dress that shows off my curves. It goes past my thigh so it’s more than decent. It shows cleavage but not a lot.
Walking up Ethan’s porch steps, I walk on inside. Hearing yelling, I run into the kitchen. Ethan is towering over Brae who has her arms crossed across her chest with an angry expression on her face. Looking between, them, I ask “What’s going on?”
“You’re not going out like that,” Ethan growls at her.
“Yes I am!” she yells and stomps her foot.
Getting a good look at Brae, I understand why Ethan is having a meltdown her dress is really short; the back of it, well there isn’t one. Her cleavage is having a race of who can pop out of her dress first. This isn’t going to be good. Braelyn is wearing what they call ‘a little black dress’.
Leaning back against the wall, I can’t wipe the smile off my face. Braelyn isn’t one who allowed anyone to tell her what to do, and Ethan is the kind of man who thinks his way is the right way.
“I repeat. Your ass is not going out in that.” He steps closer to her so they’re touching. Braelyn’s eyes narrow, and I can image horns sprouting from her head.
“What did you just say?” she asks in an eerily calm voice.
“You heard me.” He arches an eyebrow at him.
She steps around him and walks over to me. “Let’s just go.” She grabs my arm and all but pulls me toward the door.
Then Braelyn is pulled away from me. She squeals as Ethan throws her over his shoulder and carries her up the steps. She bangs her small fists on his back. “I’m going to murder you, Ethan!” She screams loud enough to wake the dead.
I take a seat on the couch because I know Ethan won’t stop until she changes. I get why Ethan doesn’t want her dressed like that. She was raped. Every guy who sees her dressed like that won’t be able to keep his hands to himself.
She walks past me with her arms crossed across her chest. She’s wearing a longer black dress that shows less cleavage. Her jaw clenched tight she walks out onto the porch.
“Sydney. Call me if you need anything,” he tells me but looks at Braelyn standing out on the porch. Nodding, I walk outside.
“You ready?” I ask Brae as we climb into my car.
“That fucker,” she curses and slumps into her seat. Biting my lip, I try to control my laughter.
“How did he get you to change?” I ask curious.
“He changed me himself,” she grounds out while staring out the window.
Nothing can stop my laughter this time. “Oh God, that’s great.”
She starts laughing a few moments after I do. “God, that man makes me want to commit murder.”
“I understand that. Believe me,” I mumble the last part.
“Let’s have some fun tonight.” Brae grins and claps her hands mischievously. Shaking my head, we ride the rest of the way to the bar in silence. Braelyn looks out of the window deep in thought. It’s really a club, but I have the habit of calling it a bar because I’m a small town girl.
This club just opened a year ago. Purple, blue, and red strobe lights are everywhere even on the outside. It’s not very busy yet, which is a good thing. I’m not much for crowds.
“We’re here,” I tell her as I park the car around the corner so we can actually leave when we want to. Drinking tonight will be very doubtful. Braelyn needed this night, and it’s going to be about her.
Grabbing my wristlet and phone, I open my car door. Stepping out, I slam my door closed and walk over to Brae who is still sitting in the car. Not moving.
Opening her door, I peer inside. “What’s the matter?”
She looks up at me, fear written on her face. “I’m scared,” she barely whispers.
“I know, honey. I’m not drinking tonight. You have fun, and I won’t leave your side. You’ve been through hell, Brae. You need to let loose and have fun. You need to live.” Grabbing her hand, I pull her out of the car.
“Thank you, Sydney.” She gives me a hug before letting go. A small smile on her face, she stands tall with her head held high. Smiling proudly, I lock my car.
It’s almost completely dark out. Braelyn grabs my hand and looks around wildly at her surroundings. Squeezing her hand, I hurry to the front doors.
We are carded and then we go inside. Brae visibly relaxes. Looking around the room, I look for somewhere to sit. Spotting a table off to the corner of the room, I tap her shoulder then point in the direction of the table.
She nods and we walk to it. The loud music blares through the speakers. Braelyn sits in front of me across the table. Turning on my phone, I see five texts from Ethan and one from Kane.
Kane: you make it?
Me: Yes, just made it.
Ethan: You guys make it?
Is she okay?
Call me if you need anything.
Please watch over her Syd.
?
Shaking my head, I message back.
Me: I have my Taser, and I’m not drinking. She won’t leave my sight. Everything will be okay, Ethan.
Another message pops onto my screen from Kane.
Kane: Be safe.
Me: I will I promise.
Ethan messages back, but I ignore it. Brae is chewing on her thumb nail nervously.
“Let’s get you a drink.” Standing up, I pull her from her seat and straight to the bar.
~*~
An hour passes and Brae has a nice buzz going. We’re on the dance floor dancing, keeping our distance from everyone else. Making sure my purse is on me, I keep an eye on the crowd around me.
Running my hands up my body, I shake my butt seductively. Brae comes up to me and takes my hands so we’re dancing together.
Three songs pass before she whispers into my ear, “I need to pee.”
Laughing, I pull her in the direction of the bathroom. She stumbles behind in her four-inch heels. Moving through the crowd, we get bumped into a few times. One man runs into me hard. Hitting the floor, I land on my hip. That’s going to leave one hell of a bruise. Glaring up at the man, I see him staring at something beside me.
My eyes widen when I take in Brae’s expression. She is pale as a ghost. Her body shaking. The man is stepping closer to her with a creepy grin on his face. Climbing to my feet, I stand in front of Braelyn.
Braelyn presses her head into my back. My hands grip my dress. The man gives me a murderous look, but I keep backing up away from him. Breathe, Sydney, stay calm. Braelyn needs you.
“I’m not leaving here without her,” the man roars in my face as he steps close enough that his stench has me gagging.
“Yes, you are.” Not backing down, I slip my hand into my purse and pull my Taser out and put it behind my back. He’s not looking at me but at Braelyn behind my back.
Shuddering, I keep backing up. His face contorts in anger with every step. This man’s hair is so greasy and grime is covering his face; it smells like he’s been washing his face
in shit and pee.
I know what’s going to happen before he does it. He rushes me, but my Taser is ready for him. I put the Taser to his neck and his whole entire body shakes before his eyes roll in the back of his head. He hits the ground with a thump—not moving.
Turning around, I grab Brae’s hand we step over him and run to the bathroom. I may or may not have stepped on his balls in the process. Brae follows behind silently.
Stepping inside the bathroom, I lock the dead bolt on the door. Braelyn looks at me with tears filling her eyes. Shock is evident all over her face. Her face crumples as she collapses onto the ground.
Taking my phone out of my purse, I call Kane. He answers on the third ring. All my thoughts are focused on my Kane being here.
“Kane,” I choke out.
“What happened?”
Rubbing my hand over my face, I don’t take my eyes off Braelyn who is sobbing loudly.
“Braelyn’s attacker is here. He tried to take her, but I got him in the neck with my Taser. We ran into the bathroom and locked the dead bolt,” I answer quickly as I walk over to Braelyn.
“On my way. Stay there, baby. I’m going to call Ethan. I will be there soon, baby.”
Kane
Sydney’s call all but stops my heart. Imagining her in danger and not being able to do anything about it kills me. I didn’t want her to fucking go. Fuck. Jumping off the couch, I run to the truck.
I spin gravel as I drive down my driveway. I call Ethan who picks up instantly.
“Kane, something has happened, hasn’t it?” There’s a hitch to his voice.
“Yeah, man, be waiting; I’m picking you up. The girls are fine.” Hanging up, I concentrate on getting to Ethan and to my girl.
Ethan is standing at the end of his driveway pacing. He sees me and runs over, throwing the door open and jumping in.
“Go!” he roars at me.
Understanding his feeling, I floor it.
“Tell me what happened.” His voice shows no emotion.
“Braelyn’s attacker slash rapist tried to get her tonight.”
“Fuck!” Ethan grounds out, punching my dashboard.
“Syd got him in the neck with her Taser and ran to the bathroom. Locked the door and is hiding out.” I see him nod his head out of the corner of my eye.
Sydney. My brave woman. She put herself in danger doing that, but she did it to save her friend. If something had happened to her… My hand tightens on the steering wheel enough at the thought that I hear it crack.
My body stiffens as we pull up to the club. I know she is close, and my body is begging to be close to her. Hold her in my arms to make sure she is okay.
Sydney
Sliding down the wall, I pull Brae into my arms. She sobs into my chest. Heart breaking sobs. I do the only thing I can: I hold her.
What the hell does that guy want? He’s been following her for years. Did unspeakable things to her and then torments her for years. I was attacked by some random guy, but then… maybe it’s not so random.
There was that letter on my car as I was leaving the mall. The guy is in jail so it could have been a prank or meant for someone else. I actually forgot about it until now.
“Sydney!”
Bracing myself against the wall, I push myself to my feet. Kane is here. Unlocking the dead bolt, Kane charges in and takes me into his arms. My body sags against him. Relief. He lifts me off the ground and my head goes to the crook of his neck. My arms around his neck.
“Baby, are you hurt?” He sets me down on the counter. My arms fall to my lap. His eyes search my body for injuries.
Touching his face with my hand, I reassure him. “I’m fine, Kane.”
“Baby…” he trails off, his eyes full of torment. Shaking my head, I pull him to me again and rest my chin on his shoulder.
Ethan has Brae in his arms. A hand on the back of her head and the other hugging her tightly to him. Her body shakes from the sobs. Ethan’s eyes are shut tight with his jaw set. He’s mad.
My hands roam Kane’s back and arms. Just being close to him makes me feel safe.
“Let’s go home.”
Nodding my head, I slide off the counter and down to my feet. Braelyn is holding onto Ethan for dear life.
“What if that man is still outside?” Brae asks against Ethan’s neck.
“Baby, he’s long gone. We know the owner, so we’re checking the cameras. The man will be caught. He fucked up big when he decided to mess with my girl.”
My eyes widen. Brae just got claimed. She has a smile tugging on her lips, but I’m the only one that can see it.
“Let’s go.” Ethan tells us and walks out of the bathroom with Brae in his arms.
Kane wraps an arm around me and pulls me into his side. We follow after Ethan. People don’t notice us as we walk pass. People bump into Kane, but he is a man on a mission to get out of here.
Once outside I take a deep breath, finally feeling like I can actually breathe. Kane’s truck is parked right by the door. Ethan’s already in the backseat with Brae sitting in his lap. Kane pulls me toward the passenger door.
Opening the door, he picks me off the ground and up into my seat. He buckles me in and walks over to the driver’s side. Slamming the door, he starts the truck and takes off, tires spinning.
The truck is silent except for the rumble of the engine. I watch as the lights of the town pass by in a blur. My mind is reeling from what happened. I tased a man in the neck and squashed his balls. He wanted to kidnap Brae. The shock of what’s happened is wearing off.
A warm hand touches mine. Opening my hand, Kane laces our fingers together. Unbuckling my seat belt, I move over to the middle seat. My head resting on his shoulder, he kisses the top of my head. Closing my eyes, I try to keep the tears at bay. Brae’s crying in the backseat breaks my heart. I can hear Ethan whispering to her. Kane squeezes my hand and lays our joined hands in his lap.
~*~
As soon as we get to my house, I walk straight upstairs. Kane sheds his shirt and hands it to me; I wear one of his shirts to bed every night. He climbs into bed and opens his arms for me. I lie on Kane’s chest with his arms wrapped around me as he trails his fingers down my arm. Goosebumps break out across my skin and I snuggle deeper letting out a deep breath.
The house is quiet. Too quiet. My mind won’t shut off from everything that happened. “Kane, tell me something about you.”
His hand stills. “Baby, there isn’t anything to know about me. My life growing up was hell and then I went to war.”
Sighing, I say, “Yes, there is more to you, Kane. Growing up like that doesn’t define you. It doesn’t change the way I see you.” Propping myself up on one elbow, I look him directly in the face. “We all have demons, Kane. Some are deeper than others. You can’t let those demons dictate your life. You are someone. You are someone to me. You make me happier than I have ever been in my whole entire life. Since being with you, you put me above everything else. You want to protect and care for me.”
Kane eyes never leave mine. His face is full of raw emotion. “Baby…” he starts, but I stop him with my mouth on his.
This kiss changes everything. This kiss is so much more than a kiss. I have fallen for him. Hard. I know he feels the same. You don’t need the words to know someone loves you. You can tell by the way they look at you. When Kane holds me, it’s like I’m his world, and I’m the only thing holding him together.
His hand sinks into my hair, and he lays me gently down onto the bed without breaking our lips. His body lying on top of mine, his other hand framing my face gently, he leans up so he is looking down at me. His eyes are full of emotion. Mine are showing him the same.
He lays his head at the crook of my neck. Wrapping my arms and legs around him, I let out a deep breath and close my eyes.
I drift off into a deep sleep. Kane’s body never leaves mine the entire night.
Chapter Eight
Today is my mom’s birthday. We’re all getti
ng together for dinner. Grabbing her gift off the counter, I hurry out the door and into my car. My mom is turning forty-five-years-old, but she doesn’t look her age. Most people think we’re sisters.
Smiling, I turn up the radio and sing along when “Yours” by Elle Henderson comes over the radio. It’s been two weeks since the incident at the club. Braelyn is doing better, but she’s closed into herself again.
Kane and I have become closer. That night changed everything. Everything is intensified. I love him. I’ve never been in love before and this happening is so fast it’s overwhelming.
Pulling in front of my mother’s house a few minutes later, I see I’m the only one that’s here. Chase is bringing the guys’ Sergeant.
Walking into the house, I see my mother cooking; I offered to cook, but she wouldn’t let me. Pulling her into a hug, I tell her, “Happy birthday!”
“Thanks, baby.” She pats my back before turning back to the stove.
Laying her gift on the island, I ask, “Do you need me to do anything?”
“You bring the food to the table?” She motions to the food across the room.
“You should have let me cook, Mom.” I huff as I pick up the first huge dish of food. She waves her spatula at me.
“Pish posh. Do as I say.”
Setting the plates on the table, I go back to the kitchen to spend some time with Mom.
“How are you and Kane?” She gives me a sly smile.
Not able to keep the grin off my face, I say, “Everything is great.”
She laughs under her breath. “I knew everything would turn out, honey. The way that man looks at you…”
“Mom, I love him,” I answer honestly. She turns around to look at me.
“I know you do, honey. He loves you too.” She grins.
The roar of a truck coming up the driveway has me running out of the house. I haven’t seen Kane in two days. Too long in my opinion.
The screen door smacks against the siding as I go onto the porch. He steps out of his truck. His black t-shirt is tight around his broad shoulders, bulging at his arms, and loose around his waist. The tattoos on his arms are bright and glowing in the sun.
Running down the steps, I tackle him in a hug. My legs go around his waist, and his hands go to my butt to hold me up.
Protecting His Forever Page 6
