by Julia Bright
Liam tried to stand but Lorelei clung to him, not letting go. He changed tactics and adjusted her as he picked her up and carried her outside. Her injured hand was limp in her lap, but her other hand still clutched his shirt. He towed the door open, pushing it wide with his knee, and stopped in plain view of the cops.
“Hey, she needs an ambulance,” Liam called out.
The cops adjusted, but they looked nervous. The last thing he wanted was Lorelei being shot.
“Put the woman down,” the cop said.
Liam was glad he’d zip-stripped the fuckers who’d tried to hurt his woman. Even if they woke up, they’d be disabled.
Lorelei’s grip tightened, and she buried her head against his chest. His heart filled with love for her.
“Listen, babe, I need to set you down. Those cops are nervous, they aren’t used to facing people like me, and situations like this. I'll need to set you down for a few.”
She was looking up at him, her eyes glassy. The tremble of her lips twisted his heart. He lowered to his knees and tried to set her on the walkway that stretched from the street up to her front door. Lorelei reached up and pulled him down for a kiss. There was a world of love in that kiss. It may have been short, and it may have been awkward, but that was Lorelei showing him how she felt.
“I love you,” Liam said as he set her down and lifted his hands.
The cops looked like they didn’t know what to do. One of the cops approached, Liam could see the sweat trickling down the side of his face. He wouldn’t fight this guy because there was no point.
“I’m going to cuff you, sir,” the officer said.
“There’s no reason to,” Lorelei begged.
“Ma’am, I need to cuff him. There was a report of a man entering your house with a gun.”
“To save me.” Her voice rose with each word.
“Lorelei, look at me.” Her gaze whipped to his. He hated how her pupils were blown out, she looked afraid and maybe a bit in shock. “It’s okay. I don’t mind being handcuffed. Once the officers go into the house and see the other two, it will be okay.”
“They were—oh God. They…” A shudder ripped through Lorelei and his heart broke. He wanted to tell the cop to go to hell and pull her close, but the cop took his right hand and slapped the metal cuff around his wrist. Then he went for Liam’s left arm and just like that, he was cuffed by a cop. Hopefully this mess wouldn’t take too long.
A truck pulled up. It was Ghost and Rayne who had her lips down in a frown. Liam could see Ghost saying something to her, but since the windows were up, he couldn’t hear what was being said. He guessed it was something along the lines of Ghost telling Rayne to stay put and her telling him to shove it or something like that. She was feisty, just like Lorelei.
Ghost opened the door of his truck and Rayne rolled down the window on her side.
“Have ya’ll called an ambulance for that poor woman?” Rayne called out.
The cop next to Liam rolled his eyes.
“You really should call an ambulance for her, and you should check on the two guys who tried to kill her,” Liam said to him.
The cop met his gaze and narrowed his eyes. “There’s two more in there?”
Liam gave the officer a smile. “Yes, two. And she needs medical treatment. Oh, and my gun is on the table, clip out.”
“Are they armed? And what about your gun?” The cop seemed a little panicked.
“I knocked them out and put zip ties on them. They won't be able to use my gun with their hands cinched with zip strips.”
The cop’s eyes went wide before he pressed the button on his shoulder mic and asked for an ambulance and backup.
Liam held the cop’s gaze. “I’ll do whatever you need me to do, but she needs to be safe. Let Rayne, the woman in the truck, take care of her.”
The cop glanced over his shoulder and frowned. “It’s too risky.”
“That guy over there, he won't hurt you. He’ll probably help you.”
“Military?” the cop asked.
Liam nodded. “Yeah, Army.”
The cop’s lips twisted before he gave Liam a quick nod. The man turned before he slid his gun into his holster. He marched over to the truck and started talking to Rayne. Liam couldn’t hear what he said, but in two seconds Rayne was out of the truck, racing to Lorelei.
Liam tried to catch Lorelei’s gaze, but she really was in shock now. “Lorelei, Rayne will take care of you.” His lover glanced up, her brows pinched tight, but she looked out of it. “She’ll stay with you, won’t you, Rayne? You’ll stay with Lorelei?” He glanced up and met Rayne’s gaze. A serious look passed over her face before she dropped to the ground next to them.
“I’ll stay with you, Lorelei. We’ll get you to the hospital and get you checked out.” Rayne touched Lorelei’s shoulder. His woman jumped but settled once she saw Rayne.
“They can’t hurt Liam,” Lorelei said.
“I know. And they won’t. We’re here now and we’re going to take care of it,” Rayne said.
An ambulance showed up and two more cop cars. The cop led him over to a car but didn't put him in. His hands were still in cuffs, but they weren’t looking at him like he’d tried to kill Lorelei. She’d been loaded onto a gurney and was being asked a bunch of questions. Rayne hadn’t left her side.
He wanted to be with her but throwing a fit would only make it take longer. Watching her being put in the back of the ambulance hurt, but seeing Rayne get in with Lorelei eased his soul a little. The doors shut with a thud and his heart lurched. It felt like everything good would be ripped away from him again.
As the ambulance was pulling away, a cop came over and removed the handcuffs. “You’re free to go. We found out those two guys were the brothers to one of the men killed in the robbery of the bank where she works. Our captain at HQ recognized the last name of the robber and her name. He was at the court house and heard her testimony today. Said she’s brave.”
Liam grunted. “Dammit, I wish I would have killed them now.”
The cop shook his head. “No, because then we’d have to arrest you. Don’t worry, we’ll keep them locked up and they won’t be free for a long time.”
Worry filled Liam. Scum like these guys got out all the time. Ghost came over and stood beside him, crossing his arms over his chest.
“What the fuck was up with that text. I almost had a heart attack.”
He shrugged. “Sorry. I didn’t know what the cops would do or think.”
“Jesus, kid. It’s always the quiet ones.” Liam laughed, and Ghost rolled his eyes. “Rayne’s been texting me. Lorelei is doing good. She’s worried about you, but I told them you were free now. She’s going to want you at the hospital.”
“I gotta stay and lock up the house.”
Ghost held out his hand. “Give me your house key and I’ll do it.”
“What about Rayne?”
“She’s resourceful.”
Liam lifted his brows. “Resourceful?”
Ghost chuckled. “She’s strong, plus, she’s not going to leave Lorelei’s side until you get there, if then. She’s like that, all mother bear and all.”
“She’s a good woman,” Liam said as he pulled the house key off his keyring.
Ghost laughed and slapped him on the back. “Damn straight. She’s the best. Now get out of here and go find your woman. She’s probably wanting you by now.”
Liam turned to leave but spun back around. “Hey, Ghost, thank you.” They did a little fist bump thing, and he took off in his truck, making good time to the hospital where they’d taken Lorelei.
13
Liam blew out a breath before he stepped into the hospital. He’d almost lost the love of his life. He hadn’t spent enough time with her and wanted more days and nights by her side. The last thing he wanted was to be strong, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to let her feel like she had to worry about him.
He went in and found that she was in the emergency room. It took a
bout ten minutes before they allowed him to go back and see her. When he stepped into the room where she was, his emotions rose to the surface and he couldn’t fight the tears. Rayne was right by her side and moved as he stepped close, burying his head in her hair, trying like hell to cry quietly instead of blubbering like a fool. After a minute, he was able to keep it together enough to look up at her.
“Are you okay?” His voice hitched as he spoke.
She held up her good hand while pointing at her bad one. “I’ve got some broken fingers.”
“I’m so sorry you were hurt.”
She shrugged, then her eyes darted to Rayne. “I’ll survive because that’s what I am, a survivor.”
“God, you’re so strong. I love you so much.” Again, his voice broke as he spoke.
Her eyes grew bright with moisture and she reached for his hand. “I love you too. And I’m going to be fine. Rayne said she wanted to take me to the shooting range once my hand heals.”
“Good. I’m glad you’re ready to fight back.”
She squeezed his hand and rested her head against the pillow. “They gave me something for the pain and it’s making me tired.”
“Get some rest. I’ll be here. I won’t leave your side.”
She drifted off quickly, her hold on his hand dropping after a few seconds. He turned to Rayne, reaching out to shake her hand, instead she pulled him into a hug.
“She’s brave. Said those guys were going to rape her first then kill her. She fought hard.”
Rage filled Liam, but he pushed it down. “God, I can’t…I don’t even know how to deal with this.”
“The guys will help you through it. Get in some hard PT, maybe a few hours at the range, and you’ll feel better.”
Her answer was so simple, but true. It’s what they did. They did range therapy and PT to defeat stress. He drew in a slow breath and let it go.
“You’re right, the guys will help me. And I’ll be strong for Lorelei.”
Rayne’s phone buzzed, and she checked her text messages. “I’m headed back to your place. The cops are still there. He doesn’t want to leave while they’re investigating.” Rayne hugged him again, squeezing him tight before pulling back and leveling her gaze on him.
“She’s a strong woman. She’ll recover fast.”
“Thank you for being here with her. We both appreciate it.”
Rayne stepped back and gave him a quick smile. “Any time.”
Rayne left and Lorelei was still asleep. He was alone with his thoughts and fears. Two minutes later and what would have happened? He would have ripped those men apart if they’d touched her.
Her eyes fluttered open, making his heart squeeze. He pushed away all the bad thoughts. He took her good hand and leaned in, brushing his lips over hers. “Hey.”
“I thought I dreamt you here.”
“I’m here. I won’t leave your side.”
Her lips twitched up and her thumb grazed over the back of his hand. “How do you do it?”
“What?”
“What you do. I’m a mess and really nothing happened.”
He ran his thumb over her cheek. “You were very brave.”
“I didn’t feel brave.”
“I heard you yelling at him, telling him you were going to fight him.”
Her eyes narrowing as she stared at him. “How long were you in the house?”
“Yes, we want to know too.” Liam turned to find a man in a suit. He stuck out his hand and Liam shook it. “Detective Graham. I was at the scene. It looks like the brothers of one of the men who died at the bank wanted revenge. They’re not smart and both are talking, trying to implicate each other.”
“I’m Liam and this is Lorelei.”
“Nice to meet you both. When my guys told me someone had already cuffed both men who’d broken into the house, I doubted him, but seeing you, I understand. I’m guessing you’re military.”
“Yes, sir. Army. Will either of those guys get bond?”
Graham shook his head. “No. We’re going to make sure they’re locked up for a very long time.”
“They were both going to rape me before they killed me.” Lorelei shivered, and Liam reached for her hand. His head pounded with fear as he thought of what could have happened.
“What did you hear, Liam?”
He drew in a slow breath. “I drove home after picking up dinner and saw a strange car. I slowed and saw the front door open. That’s when—” He cleared his throat, trying to stay calm. “I got out, strapped on my thigh holster—”
“You had that out?” Graham lifted his brows as he stared at him.
“Yes, sir. We’d been working with it on base and I was planning on cleaning it tonight.”
“Okay, so then what happened?” Graham asked.
“I saw the door open and realized something was wrong. I looked in the windows and made my way inside undetected. I took out the first guy in about twenty seconds. After securing him, I moved into the main room where the guy was terrorizing Lorelei. She wasn’t taking his crap and basically told him to go to hell. I yanked him away from her and dropped him to the ground. I knocked him out, secured his hands, and that’s around the time your guys showed up.”
“The gun on the table, was that yours?” Graham asked.
“Yes, sir, it was. I didn’t want your guys to think I was a threat.”
Graham made a low humming sound and his lips screwed up a little. “Yeah, well, you’re pretty big. You just look like a threat. Glad you’re on our side.”
Liam squeezed Lorelei’s hand. Detective Graham was writing down the information he’d given and looked up after a short moment.
“Okay, well, um, Lorelei, do we need to have the doctors do a rape kit?”
She shook her head. “He didn’t get that far. I fought him off as much as I could before Liam took him out.”
“Good…good. Okay, well, do you have anything to add?” Graham asked.
Her eyes glassed over a little. “He said I killed his brother. That he wanted to kill me because of that. They were both going to rape me, assault me in terrible ways.”
“The more details you give, the easier it will be for us to break these two.”
Liam was having a hard time listening to everything Lorelei told the officer. He wanted to kill both of those men. Anger churned in his belly and if he didn’t feel the need to stay with Lorelei, he would be out on the PT course, beating himself up, wearing himself out so he could stop feeling the terrible things.
Graham wrote every word she said. Cops were supposed to be unflinching, but the man gritted his teeth and bunched up his nose at one point. When Lorelei finished talking, he gave a quick nod.
“You two get some rest. I’ll be by your place tomorrow and we’ll exchange numbers. Right now, you’re safe. We’ll delay the bond hearing for a while. If for some insane reason the judge grants them bail, we’ll make sure you have protection. I’m certain they won’t be granted bail. They tried to kill you because you testified in a trial. Judges frown upon that.”
“Okay. I’m not sure when I’ll get out of here,” Lorelei said.
Graham shrugged. “I’ll call the hospital to check on you before I head to your house.”
“Thank you, detective,” Lorelei yawned and closed her eyes.
Liam stepped outside the room with the detective and spoke low enough Lorelei couldn’t hear them.
“So those guys, do you think they’ll stay in jail?”
“I do,” Graham said.
“What about others?”
“There isn’t anyone else. I was the detective on the bank robbery. I think she’s safe. But I’d install a few protections. An alarm for sure, and the garage, does the garage door work?”
Liam shook his head. “I don’t think so. It’s her house. I moved in recently. I’ll make sure she’s safe.”
“I hate to think what would have happened if you weren’t living with her. Keep her safe. She seems like a good woman.”
>
“She is. No question, she’s the best.”
Liam shook Graham’s hand then headed in to sit beside Lorelei’s bed. The nurse came in a few times, then a doctor stepped in and gave them good news. She was being released. He gave her a card for scheduling an appointment with a hand surgeon in two days. Liam sent Ghost a text, giving him a rundown of their progress.
When they made it to her house, he was prepared to spend hours cleaning, but the police hadn’t left a mess, or maybe this was Rayne’s handiwork. He saw tracks on the floor from the vacuum and decided it had to be Rayne and Ghost. He’d need to send them a thank you note.
He settled Lorelei on the couch and headed into the kitchen to grab them both some food. There was a pizza in the freezer and he heated it for them. While the pizza cooked he checked every lock on the windows and doors, making sure the place was secure. Back in the kitchen he leaned his head against the wall and stared up at the ceiling. He’d almost lost the most important person in his life tonight. It was a fluke, not like what people in other nations had to deal with, but still bad.
He heard a noise in the other room and raced out to find Lorelei trying to stand. “Wait, I’ll help you.”
“I’ve got to learn how to get around.”
“Sure, but not tonight or tomorrow. I’m taking a few days off and I can help you.”
“I can do it. I’m not an invalid.” She rolled her eyes and shook her head.
He suppressed a chuckle. He wanted her to keep up her spirits and her giving him hell made him think she was probably going to be okay. “Just for two days.”
“Fine, you can help me today. But I’m not going to be able to stand it for too long.”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll be back on your feet in no time.”
She'd sprained her ankle, and the doctor had wrapped it, but she would be sore for a while. He carried her to the bathroom and waited outside the door until she said she was done. She wanted to sit at the table to eat and he carried her over. The pizza wasn’t as good as the food he’d picked up, but that was ruined since it had been sitting in the truck for a while. The food really didn’t matter. Just being able to spend time with Lorelei made him happy.