But he saved my life.
“You’re okay,” he says quietly as he guides me to my feet.
That only makes me cry harder, and my legs almost give way when I hear Asher call out my name.
His face is filled with panic as he rushes into the apartment. I tear myself from Gable and run to him, letting him lift me into his arms, his embrace firm as I sob into his shoulder.
“I’m here.” He pulls back to examine my face, his hands cupping my cheeks. “Did he hurt you?” I shake my head and press myself to him again, never wanting to leave his arms again.
Asher laceshis fingers through mine and presses a kiss to my temple.
“Are you sure you don’t need anything?”
I shake my head, the sounds and smells of the police station fading when I’m close to him. The moment I stopped crying, I called my dad, and he had officers over in minutes. It was hard to explain what happened with my throat hurting so damn much, but I was checked over and with some rest, I’ll be fine. Physically, anyway.
When I got a good look at the intruder, I didn’t recognize him. My dad didn’t, either, which means it’s likely not someone he put away who wanted to carry out revenge via me.
But he had a bag with him. Duct tape, rope, knives.
I almost vomited when I saw it.
Now, we’re at the station because Gable is being questioned. It’s been hours, and I’ve insisted to my dad that it isn’t necessary, that if it weren’t for him I’d be dead or worse, but he wouldn’t listen.
“They show up, you’re attacked, and he’s the first one on the scene? I’m not buying it. He killed someone, Ella.”
Yes. For me.
The doors to the station have been opening and closing all night, so I keep my eyes fixed on the room Gable is in when I feel the rush of air. Asher’s hand tightens on mine, then it’s gone.
My attention shifts from him to the man who has just walked in, and I hold my breath.
He’s tall, broad, in his early forties. His dark hair is tinged with gray, his beard the same. In a three-piece navy suit, he looks ready for business or court, despite it being five in the morning.
“I’ll be back,” Asher says, and stands.
They embrace, Asher half clinging to the man. The man says something in his ear, and Asher nods before pulling back. They speak for a few moments, the stranger’s eyes flicking to the room where Gable is.
And then to me.
I stand slowly, and Asher reaches out his hand. I go to him.
“This is Ella,” Asher says, pulling me to his side. “Ella, this is Hunter DeLuca. He’s a friend.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Gibson,” Hunter says, the lightest blue eyes I’ve ever seen scrutinizing me. I almost shrink back, but after the night I’ve had, I refuse to be frightened anymore.
“And you,” I whisper, my throat scratchy.
Hunter’s gaze drops to my bruised neck. “I’m so sorry this happened to you. It must have been incredibly frightening.”
I nod, leaning into Asher’s hold. “I’ll be okay. I’m tougher than I look.”
“I imagine you are,” he says, then squeezes Asher’s shoulder. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to find out what’s happening with Gable.”
He leaves, and Asher watches him go.
“A friend?” I ask quietly.
He nods. “More like a dad we needed growing up.” He kisses my head again. “He’ll fix this.”
