20. Caden
Caden
I pulled Allie close, pressing her face to my chest.
She was alive. She was fine.
I held her tighter and breathed her in. So many terrible scenarios had run through my mind. I tipped her face up.
“I’m okay.” Her eyes were watery, but that defiant tilt of her chin told me that she was holding it together. “I’m fine now.”
I rubbed my thumbs across her cheeks. I saw the swelling around her eye and my jaw tightened. “They hit you.” My voice cut through the space like a blade.
She pulled in a breath. “No, I banged my face when they were trying to get me into the trunk of their car.”
They’d put her in the trunk of the car. Air hissed through my teeth. “I’ll kill them.”
“Hey.” She pressed into me. “You’re the good guy, remember?”
“No, I’m not.”
“Caden.” Her face softened. “I won’t pretend I don’t find your scary protectiveness hot, but let’s not kill anyone.” She nuzzled into my shirt. “I’m all right.”
I released a harsh breath, then gently touched her face. “This is going to bruise.”
“It’s not my first black eye. Sean accidentally elbowed me once and gave me a shiner.” She pulled a face. “Oh, but I don’t want Ollie to worry.”
“We’ll get some ice on it.” I realized her wrists were bound and pulled out my pocket knife. I cut her free.
“Do you always carry a knife?”
“Yes.”
“Even when you’re wearing a suit?”
“Yes.” I pulled her closer again, and felt her shudder. I pressed my cheek to her hair and breathed her in. I realized now how fucking terrified I’d been.
Afraid I’d be too late, that I’d miss something, and she’d pay the price.
“You’re so warm,” she murmured.
And she was cold. I slipped my jacket off and guided her arms through the sleeves.
The sound of voices made me straighten.
“You found her?” Ro appeared out of darkness. “Thank God.”
Enzo followed Ro inside. I saw Hugh hovering behind them.
“I’m okay,” Allie said.
A quiet, lethal rage built inside me. Moreland and his asshole friends were responsible for this.
Enzo claimed Allie for a quick hug. My gaze narrowed on the man, while the asshole shot me a grin.
Ro pointed a finger at me. “You can’t kill them.”
“People keep saying that.”
“We need evidence. Then we’ll let the police do their job.” Ro touched Allie’s shoulder. “I’m really glad you’re all right, Allie.”
“Thanks, Ro, me too.”
“Did you see the people who took you?” I asked.
She shook her head, frustration on her face. “They grabbed me from behind, then blindfolded me.”
“Did you hear them? Was it Moreland?”
She shook her head again. “I don’t know. They whispered. I couldn’t recognize their voices. I can’t say for certain it was Blake.”
Dammit . These fuckers were careful.
Her face fell. “God, they’re going to get away with it, aren’t they?”
I ran a hand over her hair. “No, they won’t.”
“Why would they do this?”
“To warn you off.” I pulled her close again and met Enzo’s gaze.
“She was getting too close,” Enzo murmured.
I looked at Ro. “She needs to get checked out.” She’d also need to give a statement to the police. We had no evidence that the ESG were responsible, but I wanted this on the record. I’d call Sanchez in the morning.
“No.” She shivered. “I want to go home and just put some ice on my face.” She grimaced and lifted one hand. “And take some painkillers.”
Her palm was scraped. I fought back the urge to find Moreland and ram him headfirst into a wall. “You’re going to the hospital.”
“Caden, please.” She lifted her face. “I’m not bleeding and nothing’s broken. I want to go home.”
I ground my teeth together.
“ Please .”
I couldn’t say no. “Dammit. Fine.” Keeping an arm around her, I lead her out to the Yukon. Hugh and Ro got the front while Enzo and I got in the back with Allie.
As we drove, she leaned against me, her head resting on my shoulder. I fucking liked that. I still wanted to charge into the ESG’s rooms and rip some heads off, though.
She shifted against me, and I wrapped my arm around her.
She needed me more. She was coping okay, but shock could hit her at any moment.
I’d be there. I’d protect her.
“This needs to be reported,” Ro said quietly.
Allie quivered and I squeezed her arm. “I’ll call Officer Sanchez in the morning.”
We pulled up in front of her condo building. I got up and helped her out of the vehicle.
“Thanks, Caden. For finding me… It means a lot.”
I closed the SUV door. “I’m not leaving. I’m staying at your place tonight.”
Relief bloomed on her face.
After I waved the others on, we walked to the front door of the building. I pulled her keys out.
“Oh, you found my keys.”
“Yes. Your phone was ruined, though.”
“Damn.”
I unlocked the door. “Don’t worry about that now.”
She nodded tiredly.
Screw this. I slid my arms around her, bent my knees, and lifted her into my arms.
She gave a startled gasp and slid her arm across my shoulders. “Caden, I’m too heavy.”
“No, you’re not.”
I carried her up the stairs. At her front door, memories of pinning her there and tasting her between those lean thighs hit me. I remembered her sweet cries as she’d come for me.
Now wasn’t the time for that. She’d just survived a scary abduction, and she was cold and hurt. I unlocked her front door and carried her inside.
“Sit.” I lowered her to the couch, then headed for the kitchen. I found an ice pack in her freezer, then sat beside her and pressed it to her eye.
Her place looked…cozy. There were bright colors on the wall in one corner, and a basket filled with toys. A welcoming home for a kid.
She’d made a cozy spot for her nephew. She’d turned a small, bland condo into a home.
“I need this to not look so bad.” She fidgeted with the ice pack. “I don’t want Ollie to panic.”
“You can’t shield him from everything.”
“I know. I know there are times I won’t be able to, but I’m going to try.” She shivered again.
“Go and take a hot shower. I’ll refreeze the ice pack and make you a hot drink.”
With a tight nod, she pushed to her feet. She set my jacket on the back of the couch. “Thanks for staying.”
I watched those long legs as she headed down the hallway.
I looked toward the ceiling and muttered under my breath. I needed to keep my own needs on lockdown.
She needed comfort, care, and my protection tonight, and nothing else.