Chapter 63
Xavier
W hen the danger passes and the adrenaline fades, I take a slow breath, letting my senses return to normal. Rowan’s gone, but I can still see her, her fleeing form around the corner, safe for now.
I slide my gun back into its holster, looking at the street in front of me. This isn’t over, but I’ll be ready for whatever comes next. I’ll always be ready for her.
Rowan Kingston has no idea what she’s gotten herself into. But I’ll make damn sure she knows she’s protected. That’s my job. My duty. And I’ll do it, no matter what.
I’m barely holding it together, my instincts on high alert. I can still see her face, wide-eyed, terrified, trying to fight back as they pulled her toward the van. My chest tightens at the memory. But she’s gone now, safe, out of reach. And I’ve got one job left: make sure those bastards don’t come back.
I hear the sound of sirens approaching; loud, fast, echoing through the street. It’s like a damn blessing, but it’s not enough. They’re not fast enough to stop the van. But they’ll catch it. They have to.
My eyes snap to the van; it’s already a block away. Then I see the cops. Their patrol car screeches to a halt at the intersection up ahead, tires skidding across the pavement, the car coming to a stop just behind me. I don’t even flinch. I turn and meet the eyes of the officer who steps out of the car. Young, sharp, with that edge of someone who still believes in his job.
“Which way?” he asks, his voice clipped, already knowing something’s off.
“Follow the van,” I say, nodding toward the street. “They tried to grab a woman, Rowan. You’ll catch them.” I don’t wait for a response. “I’ll make sure she’s okay while you go after them.”
The cop doesn’t hesitate. His partner’s already on the radio, and they’re gone, sirens wailing as they turn the corner.
I turn immediately and head toward the corner. I round the corner and spot her immediately standing there, wide-eyed and shaken, her hands still trembling. She meets my eyes, and I see it in her. Fear, confusion, but also the strength she’s trying so hard to hold on to.
I don’t give her a chance to say anything. I move toward her, steady and calm, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Hey, hey, it’s okay,” I murmur, my voice low but firm. “You’re safe now. They’re gone. The cops are after them. You’re not alone.”
She blinks rapidly, fighting tears, but she swallows them back and nods, a shaky breath escaping her. “I don’t... I don’t understand,” she whispers. “I thought... I thought I was going to—”
“Breathe,” I interrupt gently, guiding her to the curb. “We’re getting you out of here. You don’t need to be standing on the street.”
Just then, a car pulls up to the curb, and a middle-aged woman with warm eyes and a concerned expression rolls down her window. “I saw what happened. I can give you both a ride. It’s the least I can do.”
I glance at Rowan, then back at the woman. “Thank you,” I say, my voice filled with relief. “We’ll take you up on that.”
Rowan looks at me with uncertainty, but I give her a quick nod and a reassuring smile. “It’s just a ride. We’ll be there in no time.”
She nods back, still shaky, but at least moving. We get in, and the woman pulls away, her car quiet but for the soft hum of the engine. The ride to the estate is peaceful, but I can tell that Rowan’s mind is still racing. I can almost feel her thoughts tangling up inside her.
“You’re okay,” I say, keeping my voice calm, steady. “You’re safe now. No one’s going to hurt you.”
She glances over at me, her voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t even see it coming...”
I squeeze her hand gently, offering what little comfort I can. “It’s over now. And I’m not letting anything else happen to you.”
As we drive on, I watch her relax a little, but I know this isn’t over for her. It’s only the beginning. Still, for now, she’s safe. And that’s all that matters.