“Please send officers to the Williams Estate apartment complex, building B. A man is loudly threatening a female resident.”
A broad body stepped between Brooklyn and Brent. A torrent of relief flooded Brooklyn as she recognized those muscular shoulders and the close-cropped hair. She couldn’t let him get hurt. This was her mess.
“Caden, you need to leave. He’s not stable,” she hissed for the military man’s ears only.
“Looks like we’ve got a hero here, Brooklyn. Want to tell him what happens to good guys who interfere?” Brent snarled.
“He’s leaving, Brent. I’ll go with you.” Brooklyn stepped to the side to duck around Caden’s powerful body.
“You’re not.” Caden’s voice was hard and definite. “Yes, ma’am. He’s escalating. Get someone here now.” Caden wrapped an arm around behind him as he shifted in front of her again. “Take my phone and stay there, Brooklyn.”
“If I go with him, he’ll leave you alone,” she whispered, automatically following Caden’s instructions and grabbing his phone. “Don’t get involved. He could do anything.”
“Exactly,” Caden told her.
Even from behind, she could tell Caden never took his eyes off Brent. The dispatcher’s voice caught her attention, and Brooklyn pressed the phone to her ear. “I’m Brooklyn Montague. I have a restraining order against Brent Maldoney in the state of New York.”
“What’s happening now?” the policewoman asked.
“Brent has stalked me for over a year. I moved here to escape from him. He’s threatened to hurt the woman in the apartment office if I don’t go with him. An innocent bystander is blocking his access to me. Hurry! He’s not…”
“Hang up the phone, bitch! The police can’t stop me from making you pay,” Brent bellowed.
“A squad car is ten minutes away. Keep him talking,” the woman told her as Brent spoke to Caden.
“A soldier boy, huh? Brooklyn was always a diseased whore. Why don’t you leave and get yourself checked out?”
A snicker came from the building next to her, and Brooklyn died inside. A few residents drawn by Brent’s yelling had walked out on their balconies to watch and film the drama.
“We both know that’s a lie,” Caden answered calmly.
“Do we?” Brent taunted. “I don’t hear you denying you’ve fucked her.”
“Our relationship isn’t your business,” Caden assured him, sounding cool and collected.
Astonished, Brooklyn realized Caden was in complete control of his emotions. Nothing Brent said to him triggered Caden to react rashly. A familiar snick signaled Brent had flipped open his favorite hunting blade. Her already pounding heart lurched in her chest.
“Hurry! He’s pulled out a knife,” Brooklyn said into the device in her hand before warning Caden. “Be careful, Caden.”
“Stay back, Brooklyn,” Caden warned. His head never turned, and his gaze remained focused on the other man.
Hope jolted through her when the sound of a siren reached them.Please let them hurry!
Caden jumped backward, causing Brooklyn to scurry out of his way. A flash of a blade caught her eye, and she met Brent’s evil gaze. Fear ran down her spine, tensing her muscles. His face contorted with rage, and pure hatred shone in his eyes. She stood frozen in place. Why did he hate her so much?
“There you are, bitch!” Brent lunged toward her.
A powerful arm wrapped around her waist, lifting Brooklyn off her feet. She shrieked and flailed her arms and legs, trying to get free from her captor.
“It’s me, little girl,” Caden said as he yanked her away from the slash of the gleaming hunting knife. “Run to the office.”
She couldn’t leave him. Caden was in danger because of her. She had to help him. As the blare of the siren strengthened, Brooklyn looked around for anything to throw at Brent. Reaching down, she grabbed a handful of the decorative stones in the landscaping.
“Drop the weapon. I don’t want to hurt you,” Caden warned in a low, emotionless tone that chilled her. In total control, Caden spoke like this was a normal day in his life.
Stepping to the side, Brooklyn heaved the rocks at Brent. Only a few pinged off their assailant as others tumbled to the ground. Time froze for an endless second before Brent extended his knife and ran toward her.
Caden moved so quickly, Brooklyn had trouble tracking the action. Brent tumbled to the ground with Caden following him. A flurry of curses burst from Brent. Caden silently stripped the blade from Brent’s hand and pinned his arms behind his back, pressing their assailant’s face to the dirt. The screech of brakes signaled the arrival of the police.
