Chapter Seven
Nora
My tires were slashed. Two of them, the front right and back left, sat deflated as I stood in the apartment parking lot, keys clutched in my trembling hand. A chill ran down my spine despite the warmth of the late afternoon sun prickling my skin. I’d only had the car for two days. Dawson said he’d gotten it from the police impound, even though I had a feeling he’d bought it. Still, it would keep me from walking to work or relying on other people to drive me around.
I dragged my gaze across the lot, searching for any sign of him. Rex. My pulse hammered in my ears. Was he here, watching me from the shadows? Waiting to strike when I was most vulnerable? Ever since Dawson hit him at the café, I’d known he’d come back. He wasn’t the type of man to slink off and lick his wounds. No, Rex was a mean bastard who’d want revenge.
Swallowing hard, I hurried back inside, bolting the door behind me with shaky fingers. I pressed my back against it, breathing heavily. This wasn’t the first disturbing incident in recent days. Three days ago, a package Dawson ordered went missing from the doorstep. And I could have sworn someone was following me when I went to the grocery store yesterday.
Sinking to the floor, I hugged my knees to my chest, rocking slightly. Tears stung my eyes. Would I ever be free of Rex’s torment? Would he always hunt me, determined to control me through fear?
A small whimper escaped my throat as hopelessness crashed over me in waves. I was alone, trapped, with no one to turn to. Rex had isolated me so thoroughly, I had nowhere to run. No one who would believe me. No… that wasn’t true anymore. I had Dawson, even if he wasn’t here right now.
Wiping my damp cheeks, I pushed to my feet. I had to keep moving, stay vigilant. Glancing out the peephole, I scanned the walkway. Empty for now. But I couldn’t shake the prickling sensation on the back of my neck, the bone-deep certainty I was being watched. Stalked like helpless prey.
Forcing myself to breathe evenly, I crept through the apartment on silent feet, double-checking the locks on every window. My heart lurched each time a floorboard creaked under my weight. I froze, straining my ears for any answering sound. But only heavy silence greeted me.
Rubbing my arms against a chill only I could feel, I peered out through the blinds at the parking lot below. My vandalized car sat motionless. No sign of Rex.
For now.
But I knew with grim certainty he’d be back. It was only a matter of time before he came for me. And I was terrified of what he would do when he finally caught me alone and defenseless once again. Even worse, what would he do to Taylor? He’d used her against me more than once.
My heart seized in my chest as I caught a flash of movement in the parking lot below. A figure darted between the cars, their hooded sweatshirt obscuring their face. But I knew that lean, predatory gait. Rex.
He was here. He’d found me.
Panic surged through my veins, turning my blood to ice. I stumbled back from the window, my breath coming in short, sharp gasps. Oh God, what was I going to do? I couldn’t let him catch me. Not again. Not ever again.
Frantic, I spun in a circle, my gaze darting around the apartment. I had to get out of here. Now. Before he made it inside.
I grabbed my keys with shaking hands and wrenched open the door. Peering down the walkway, I saw it was clear. Rex must still be in the parking lot, hopefully far from where I was parked. I could see the bumper of my car from here. Seizing my chance, I bolted for the stairs, taking them two at a time in my desperation to escape.
“Please, please, please,” I chanted under my breath, bursting out of the stairwell and into the chilly night air.
I raced across the lot, fumbling with my keys to unlock the car door. A noise behind me made me whip my head around. Rex emerged from behind a parked van, his eyes blazing with fury when he spotted me.
“Nora!” he roared, charging toward me like an enraged bull. “Get back here!”
Choking on a scream, I flung myself into the driver’s seat and slammed the locks down. The engine sputtered and died when I cranked the key. I didn’t care the tires were slashed. I’d still use the vehicle to get as far from Rex as possible. It was better than the alternative.
“No, no, no,” I moaned, twisting the key again in vain.
Rex slammed into the passenger side of the car, his face a mask of terrifying rage. He pounded on the window with his fists. “Open the fucking door, Nora!”
Sobbing in terror, I abandoned the car and took off at a dead run. I had to find somewhere safe. Somewhere with people. Rex wouldn’t make a scene with witnesses around.
The fire station. Dawson was on shift. He would help me. He had to.
I sprinted down the sidewalk, Rex’s furious shouts and pounding footsteps spurring me on. Come on! Faster ! I couldn’t let him catch me.
The fire station appeared up ahead, the lights spilling out into the darkness like a beacon of hope. I put on a burst of speed, my lungs and legs burning with the effort.
“Help!” I screamed as I barreled through the open garage. “Someone help me!”
Dawson looked up from where he was inventorying supplies, his blue eyes going wide at the sight of me. “Nora? What’s wrong?”
I flew into his arms, clinging to him as great, gulping sobs worked their way out of my chest. “It’s Rex,” I managed to get out between heaving breaths. “He’s after me. He chased me here.”
“Jesus,” Dawson muttered, his arms coming around me protectively. “You’re safe now, darlin’. I’ve got you. He’s not going hurt you.”
He guided me deeper into the station, his tall, strong body shielding me from view of the open garage door. I buried my face in his chest, inhaling the comforting scent of smoke and pine and man.
“Rex is dangerous,” I whispered. “He’s crazy, Dawson. I’m so scared of what he’ll do. He slashed the tires on my car. And I think he did something else to it. I couldn’t get it to start.”
“Hey.” Dawson cupped my face in his big hands, tipping my chin up to meet his steady gaze. “You listen to me, Nora. That piece of shit is never laying a hand on you again. I won’t let him. You’re under my protection now, you hear?”
I nodded mutely, fresh tears spilling down my cheeks. Dawson brushed them away with a gentleness that made my heart ache. I wanted so badly to believe him, to trust that he could keep me safe.
“Let’s get you somewhere more secure,” Dawson said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and ushering me into the station’s living quarters. “We’ll make sure all the doors are locked. And I’ll call for some backup, just in case Rex is stupid enough to try anything.”
Some of the suffocating tension eased in my chest. I wasn’t alone anymore. Dawson would look out for me. He’d keep Rex away.
My shoulders sagged as Dawson guided me to a worn couch, the adrenaline that had propelled me here slowly seeping away. I sank into the cushions, my hands shaking as I clasped them together in my lap.
Dawson knelt in front of me, his eyes filled with concern. “I’m going to make a quick call, okay? I need to let Akira know what’s going on.”
“Akira?” My voice sounded small, even to my own ears.
“She’s watching Taylor for you, remember?” His voice was gentle, reassuring.
I nodded, feeling a fresh wave of gratitude wash over me. Right. She’d taken Taylor out for ice cream but would be returning to the apartment soon. She needed to know about Rex.
“Thank you,” I whispered, my throat tight.
Dawson squeezed my hands, his touch warm and comforting. “I’ve got you, Nora. You’re safe now.”
He stood, pulling out his phone as he stepped away to make the call. I hugged myself, trying to hold on to the feeling of safety his presence provided.
“Akira, hey,” Dawson said, his voice low but urgent. “Listen, I need you to be extra careful, all right? Nora’s ex is on the prowl, and I don’t want him anywhere near Taylor. Nora said he found her at the apartment and slashed her tires.”
I strained to hear Akira’s response, but Dawson was already speaking again. “Get someone to watch over you and Taylor. No, not your dad! Jesus, Akira. The last thing I need is Wraith mixed up in this.”
He got quiet again, as if he were listening to her say something else, then started talking once more. “Keep the doors locked, and don’t open them for anyone you don’t know. If anything seems off, you call me right away, got it? Better yet, call the damn police.”
The fierce protectiveness in his tone made my heart swell. I barely knew this man, but here he was, putting himself on the line for me and my daughter.
As Dawson ended the call, I caught a glimpse of the determined set of his jaw. He wasn’t just offering empty promises. He meant every word he said.
Dawson pocketed his phone and turned back to me, his blue eyes filled with a mix of concern and determination. “I’ve got a friend, Justin Lackland. He’s a member of the Swift Angels MC and a damn good cop. You met him briefly the other night. If anyone can keep you safe, it’s him.”
I nodded, my heart racing at the thought of involving more people in my messy life. But the unwavering confidence in Dawson’s voice helped ease my fears.
He placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Justin’s one of the most reliable guys I know. He’ll make sure you’re protected until I can get off shift and return home.”
“Thank you, and I’m glad Taylor will be with Akira. I’ll feel better if she’s not here, just in case something goes wrong,” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the lump in my throat.
“Call and tell your boss your ex slashed your tires and you’re waiting on the police. Justin can help you file a report, and we’ll get a copy for you to take to work.”
“I don’t have proof he slashed them,” I said.
“Then I’ll ask Justin to see if the apartments have cameras that would have recorded the area where you parked.”
I nodded, thankful he was so reliable. Panic had set in, and I hadn’t been able to think of anything except keeping away from Rex. But he was right. If there wasn’t proof, it was just my word against Rex’s.
Dawson gave me a small smile before pulling out his phone once more. He typed out a message, his fingers flying over the screen. “I’m letting him know the situation. He should be here soon. Thankfully, he’s off duty.”
“What about his daughter?” I asked, not wanting little Kelsey to get caught up in my mess.
“She’s probably with Avery. The two are pretty close, and she babysits for Justin often.”
I sat in silence, my mind reeling from the events of the past half hour. At least I thought that was how much time had passed. It wasn’t like I’d stopped to look at a clock when I’d been running. The weight of Rex’s menacing presence seemed to press down on me from all sides, but Dawson’s unwavering support kept me from crumbling completely.
Minutes ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. Then, the sound of a motorcycle engine cut through the air, growing louder as it approached the fire station.
Dawson stood, his posture alert. “That’ll be Justin.”
I rose on shaky legs, my heart pounding in my chest as I followed Dawson to the door. A tall, imposing figure strode into the station, his presence commanding attention. Since I hadn’t spoken to Justin much the night we’d gone to the clubhouse, I probably wouldn’t have recognized him without Dawson telling me who he was.
“Nora, this is Justin Lackland,” Dawson said as he re-introduced us, gesturing to the man.
Justin extended a hand, his grip firm but gentle. “Pleasure to see you again, Nora. I wish it were under better circumstances.”
I managed a small nod.
“Dawson filled me in on the situation,” Justin continued, his voice calm and professional. “I’m here to escort you home and make sure you’re safe.”
The knot in my chest loosened slightly at his words. There was something about Justin’s presence, a quiet strength and reliability, that made me feel like I could breathe a little easier.
Dawson placed a hand on Justin’s shoulder. “I know I can count on you to keep her safe, man. Although, I’m a bit jealous she gets to ride with you first.”
Justin paused. “You mean you haven’t taken her out on your bike yet?”
Dawson shook his head. “No time. We always have Taylor with us.”
“Well, shit.” He glanced at the parking lot. “Let me have the keys to your truck. I’ll let you ride my bike home today, if you promise to treat her gently.”
Dawson arched an eyebrow. “You’re going to let me touch your precious Dyna Glide?”
Justin gave a curt nod. “Yep. You’re trusting me with your girl, so I’ll trust you with mine. Nora, are you ready to go?”
I glanced at Dawson, silently thanking him once more for being my lifeline in this storm. Then, I turned back to Justin, squaring my shoulders. “I’m ready.”
Dawson pulled out his keys and swapped them for Justin’s, then he kissed the top of my head. “Be careful.”
We walked out of the fire station with Justin’s solid presence beside me. I’d have preferred for Dawson to take me home, but I knew he had to work. It was time to put my big girl panties on and face this like an adult.
The cool evening air hit my face, while my heart hammered in my chest. Justin’s steady footsteps fell into rhythm beside me as we walked toward Dawson’s truck. I eyed the motorcycle parked nearby and wondered if it was similar to the one Dawson said he owned. I still hadn’t seen it. But he’d been correct when he told Justin we always had Taylor with us. I wondered if Akira would be willing to babysit long enough for us to take a ride sometime.
Justin unlocked the truck doors with a soft click. He opened the passenger side, and I slid inside, sinking into the seat. It felt odd getting into the vehicle without Dawson.
As Justin settled into the driver’s seat, I couldn’t help but glance over my shoulder, scanning the street for any sign of Rex. The rational part of my mind knew he wouldn’t have followed me here, or if he had, he’d have left when he realized I was at a fire station. But the fear that had taken root in my heart whispered otherwise, that he could still be watching and waiting.
“Nora.” Justin’s voice pulled me back to the present. “I promise you, I’m going to do everything in my power to keep you safe. Rex has to go through me to get to you. And trust me, I’ll do whatever I can to keep him away. My life depends on it.”
“What?”
He smiled faintly. “Pretty sure Dawson would kick my ass if I let you get hurt.”
I met his gaze and wondered if he was joking or being serious. “He wouldn’t really…”
“Are you sure?”
When he put it that way, no I wasn’t. I knew he’d punched Rex a few times. It was possible he’d hit Justin if I got injured on his watch. Why did that make me feel all warm and fuzzy? The thought of violence should terrify me, all things considered.
As we pulled away from the curb, I couldn’t help but peer into the side mirror, half expecting to see Rex’s menacing figure emerge from the darkness. Every shadow seemed to hold a threat, every passing car a potential danger.
Justin must have sensed my unease because he spoke again, his voice cutting through the tense silence. “I’m taking a different route back to your place, just to be safe. We’ll keep an eye out for any signs of trouble, but I don’t want you to worry. I’ve got this. I’m trained for situations like this, so you’re in good hands.”
I nodded, trying to let his words sink in. The streets whipped by outside the window. My mind raced with possibilities, each more terrifying than the last. What if Rex found Taylor and hurt her? What if Akira was now in danger as well?
“Breathe, Nora.” Justin’s calm voice interrupted my spiraling thoughts. “We’re almost there. Just a few more minutes.”
I forced myself to take a deep breath, focusing on the steady purr of the engine and the warmth of the heater against my skin. I had to trust in Justin and Dawson.
The truck slowed to a stop outside Dawson’s apartment building, and I felt a fresh wave of anxiety wash over me. Justin turned to face me, his blue eyes steady and reassuring. “We’re going to walk up to the apartment together. If something happens, don’t freak out. I’m not only armed, but I’m an off-duty police officer.”
I managed a small nod. We made our way up the stairs, Justin’s presence a comforting weight at my side. He insisted on entering the apartment first, checking each room with a practiced efficiency that spoke of his police training. Only when he was satisfied everything was clear did he allow me to step inside.
“I’ll be keeping an eye on the area tonight,” he said, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder. “If anything seems off, even the smallest detail, you call me right away. Understood?”
“I don’t have your number.”
He reached into his back pocket and took out his wallet, then handed me a business card. “It has both my office line and my cell phone on there. Make sure you call, okay?”
“Yes,” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart. “I will.”
Justin nodded, his gaze holding mine for a long moment. “Good. Try to get some rest, Nora. I won’t go anywhere until after Dawson is home.”
With those parting words, he slipped out of the apartment, the door closing softly behind him. I stood there for a long moment, my eyes adjusting to the dim light. Dawson’s scent surrounded me, a mix of woodsmoke and something uniquely him, and I felt a sudden rush of gratitude for his presence in my life.
I moved through the apartment on shaky legs, my mind still reeling from the events of the day. The fear was still there, a constant undercurrent that threatened to pull me under, but it was tempered now. Dawson believed in me, believed I was worth protecting. And for the first time in longer than I could remember, I allowed myself to believe it too.
As I curled up on the couch, wrapped in a soft blanket that smelled faintly of Dawson’s cologne, I felt a tentative sense of peace settle over me. The road ahead was still uncertain, still fraught with danger and fear, but I knew now I wouldn’t have to face it alone. Dawson, Justin, Akira -- they were all in my corner, fighting for me even when I couldn’t fight for myself. And so were the rest of the Swift Angels MC.
I closed my eyes, letting the exhaustion of the day wash over me. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new fears to confront. But tonight, in the safety of Dawson’s apartment, I could allow myself to rest. The boogeyman might still be out there, but I didn’t have to worry about him grabbing hold of me. Not anymore.