Protecting His Forever(21)

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.