30. Caden
Caden
M y shot hit Moreland in the shoulder.
I watched his body jerk and swing to the side.
It was taking everything I had not place a well-aimed bullet between his eyes. The bastard was straddling Allie. She turned her head, saw me, and relief filled her face.
Fuck . That look.
There was a lot I’d do to see this woman look at me like that.
I raced across the clearing. As I neared them, I saw the redness and swelling on her face.
He’d hit her. He was trying to force pills into her mouth. They were now scattered all around on the dirt.
I kicked him and he fell off her with a grunt. Leaning down, I pressed the gun to the side of his head, and he froze.
“How’s it feel when someone bigger and stronger has you pinned down?” I growled. “You like preying on people who are more vulnerable than you. It makes you feel strong.” I shoved the gun barrel harder against his temple. “You’re nothing but a pathetic, cowardly parasite.”
Moreland whimpered. “Please…don’t kill me.”
I smelled the sharp stench of urine. He’d wet himself.
I glared down at him with disdain. Then Gunner and Hugh flanked me.
“We’ve got him, Caden.” Gunner gently pushed my arm down.
Hugh pulled handcuffs off his belt. “You take care of Allie.”
I slid my handgun back into the holster and turned. She was sitting there, huddled on the ground, and shaking.
I approached her. God . She was alive. She was okay. I felt a little light-headed.
“Caden, the duffel is filled with drugs.” She pointed to a bag nearby. “I took pictures. My phone’s here somewhere. He threw it.”
“You came out here with him to find the drugs.”
She nodded. “He had to be stopped. I was sick of being his chew toy. And last night, after Ollie, after making you blame yourself…”
I crouched. I wanted to touch her, but I’d pushed her away, I’d hurt her.
Now, I wasn’t sure she wanted me to touch her.
“He hit you. Do you have any other injuries?”
She shook her head, gently touching her cheek. “I knew you’d come. I left a trail.”
“Yes, I found it. This was dangerous, reckless, and…brave. So damn brave.”
Her stormy gray eyes met mine. “I knew you’d come.”
Simple words filled with conviction.
My chest heaved. “When I saw you leave with him…” I held her gaze.
“I knew you’d hold on until I got here. I knew you’d stop him.
” My heart felt like it was being squeezed.
“Allie, you were right. I’ve been running for a long time.
I left my family, I haven’t settled anywhere, I haven’t let myself get close to anyone or feel anything…
Until I met a woman with mile-long legs and gray eyes.
A woman who loves her nephew fiercely, who’s a hard worker, a good friend.
I couldn’t stop looking at her, couldn’t stop wanting to touch her, couldn’t stop feeling so much for her. ”
Her lips parted.
“I’m in love with you, Allie Ford. And—” I dragged in a large breath “—I don’t want to fight it or hide from it anymore.”
“Caden…”
Then we both moved. I hauled her into my arms, and she burrowed against me.
“I’m sorry I pushed you away.”
“It’s okay. I’m falling in love with you too, Broody.” She cupped my cheek. “My big, protective, paranoid Broody. Who always follows the rules and keeps people safe.”
Jesus . Emotion flooded me. This woman loved me. I felt like I’d won a damn jackpot.
I lowered my mouth to hers and kissed her.
I was still kissing her when I heard a throat clearing. Reluctantly, I broke the kiss and looked up. Gunnar was smiling at me.
Behind him, Hugh had Moreland at the edge of the clearing, his hands cuffed behind his back.
“We’re ready to take this asshole down the mountain,” Gunnar said.
With a nod, I rose and pulled Allie up with me. “I’ll carry Allie.”
“No way. I can walk.” She leaned into me. “But you can help.”
I grabbed the duffel bag and slung it over my shoulder. Then with an arm wrapped securely around Allie, we set off.
At the base of the mountain, once we cleared the trees, I saw a crowd waiting for us.
“Allie!” Tessa and Sierra ran toward us. Then the women pulled Allie away from me, hugging her and talking a mile a minute.
Ro was standing with Officer Sanchez and a detective from the Windward Police Department.
I handed over the duffel bag. “This is Moreland’s drug stash. He also tried to kill Ms. Ford. He tried to force pills down her throat.”
Sanchez took the bag, her face serious. “We have his friends detained inside. I think Ms. Ford has broken the back of this little drug ring.” Sanchez glanced over at the huddle of women. “I’ll need to get her statement.”
I growled. “Not now.”
Sanchez shared a glance with the detective, who nodded. “Later will be fine.”
That’s when I saw Ollie peeking out from behind Ro, watching everything with wide eyes.
“Hey.” I crouched down in front of him. “Allie’s okay.”
The boy looked at the handcuffed Moreland. “You caught the bad man. He can’t hurt her again. Can’t kill her.”
My heart squeezed. He was worried about losing the people he loved. I understood that. “He’ll never get near her again. You want to see her?”
He nodded.
With my hand clamped on his shoulder, I led him toward Allie.
When she spotted him, she raced to him. “Ollie.” She threw her arms around him.
“ Allie .”
The pair hugged, and I saw Allie was fighting back tears.
“Buddy, how about we get Allie inside?” I suggested.
“Okay, Caden.”
Then, I scooped Allie into my arms.
“Caden…”
“We’re going up to my suite.” Where I was going to check her out for injuries and ice her face. “We’ll get some breakfast. Your choice, Ollie.”
He didn’t hesitate. “Anything I want?”
“Yes.”
“Ice-cream and Pop Tarts.” His eyes were gleaming.
In my arms, Allie winced.
I smiled at both of them. I’d do anything to make these two happy. “Ice-cream and Pop Tarts, it is. I’ll call the kitchen. I’m sure they can hook us up.”
Allie pressed her face to my neck. “You’re making me fall even more in love with you, Caden Castro.”
My arms tightened on her. “Good.”