Time seems to slow around him. His jaw locked, eyes gone dark, fists curling. I have never seen him like this.
Kevin scoffs.“Mind your own business.” He yanks me harder.
Ethan snaps.
His fist connects with Kevin’s face, clean and brutal. The crack echoes through the small shop.
Kevin finally releases me, stumbling back with a hand to his lip as blood blooms across it.
I am shaking, knees weak.
Ethan does not even glance at him.
He turns straight to me.
“Summer.” His hands hover before touching me, checking for injuries without crowding.“Sweetheart, did he hurt you? Let me see your wrist.”
I am shaking too hard to speak.
He gently takes my arm, his touch warm and steady.“Breathe,” he whispers.“You are safe. I have got you.”
No one has ever fought for me this fast, this fiercely.
It feels like a vow.
Behind us, Kevin groans, pushing himself upright.
Ethan wraps an arm around my back, pulling me close before finally acknowledging him.
“Touch her again,” he says quietly, deadly,
“and you will answer to a hell I have seen up close.”
But his hands on me stay soft, so gentle it undoes me.
Kevin stands and smirks like this is some kind of game. He pulls folded papers from his coat and shoves them toward me.
“You have twenty-four hours, Summer. One day to come home, or your parents and I will file for custody of Mia.”
His tone is bored. Like he is giving a weather report.
I stare at the papers, chest tight, breath stuck somewhere between my ribs and throat.
Ethan’s arm tightens around me, heat pouring off him in waves, his eyes never leaving Kevin until he is out the door.
“Baby,” he murmurs, voice low but still edged with a growl.“Are you okay? Let me see your wrist.”
I shake my head, barely breathing.“What if they take Mia from me?” My voice cracks and then breaks completely. I start crying.
Ethan cups my face, forcing my eyes to his.“Breathe, baby. In for six, out for four.”
I do what he says. My pulse slows by a thread, anchored by him.
“He will never get to her, not while I am breathing,” Ethan says, voice softer now but fierce beneath it.
I shake my head. Panic claws up my throat.“You do not understand. They have the best lawyers. They... I cannot... oh God, Mia.” I break, sobbing. Ethan pulls me into him, holding me tight.
“No, baby. No one is taking you or your little girl from me. I promise.” He kisses the tears off my cheeks.
