“At the very least, we’re going to beef up the security. You need to call your landlord about that tomorrow.”
“Liam and Walker are already on it. They’ve got an entire list of things they’re installing tomorrow. It’ll be like Fort Knox around here after they’re done.” I tell him.
“I just bet it will.” He responds with a laugh. “I’ll be home tomorrow, so I’ll stop by after your classes are finished. I have a friend whose K-9 recently retired, so can I talk to him aboutgetting you a dog? He told me that just the barking can scare people away.”
“I’ve been thinking about getting a dog, since this landlord allows pets. I like it. Let’s talk more about it tomorrow. I’m dead on my feet. Tonight’s been a lot.”
We talk for a bit more before we hang up. I check the clock. Well, a few hours of sleep is better than none. Even though I’m exhausted and fall asleep right away, it’s fitful, and every little noise has me jerking awake.
Liam
If Maddie thinks I’m leaving her there alone after all that happened tonight, then she’s delusional. I park my SUV next to her Jeep at the bottom of the stairs to her apartment. If she won’t let us stay at her place, I’ll just sleep in my car. There’s no way I’m leaving her here alone. Not only would I spend the night worrying about her safety, but I want to be the one to protect her. It’s a primal thing I just can’t explain, but I need to be the one keeping her safe. After Walker heads back to bed, I grab a pillow and a blanket and drive back over to Maddie’s.
All I can think about is what might have happened tonight. What if I’d lost her before she was even mine to begin with? The “what if’s” are awakening my protective instincts in a way I’ve never experienced before. Maddie might not know it yet, but she’s mine to protect, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she’s safe.
I’ve been waiting around for her to see that I’ve changed, that I’ve stepped up, but if tonight’s taught me anything, it’s that I’m done waiting.
The light’s still on, so I make myself comfortable in my front seat. In my head, I review a list of the things I talked to the police about last night. Things Walker and I can do easily that will give her more protection. She needs several, but we’re on it.
After practice tomorrow, we’re hitting the hardware store. Walker’s got an entire security plan in his phone notes. I’d get her a whole new door if I thought she’d let me. Hell, I’d buy her a whole new apartment to keep her from harm, but I know her. Which is why Walker and I didn’t ask for permission. Sometimes asking for forgiveness is the better move, especially with Maddie.
She can be stubbornly independent. Which is something I admire about her, but I refuse to let her put herself in danger because of it. I know. It’s very caveman of me, but I don’t care. I can live with her being upset with me if it keeps her protected. Eventually, the light goes out in her window, and I’m lulled to sleep by the hum of the streetlight.
Why can’t I run? It’s like my legs are stuck in glue. Why can’t I move them? I need to get out of here, but something’s wrong. Bell’s face appears in front of me. I hate that asshole. Why the fuck is he here? I try to move my head, but I can’t. Someone is holding me down. Several people. I struggle, but I can’t move. What the fuck?
Then I hear it. The sound of someone pulling out a strip of duct tape. Oh, fuck no! Not again. That’s fucking never happening again. I struggle in earnest. No! No, not again.
Knock, knock, knock!
I startle awake, hitting my head on something. The pain pulls me from my dream, and the fog abruptly clears. Why am I in my car?
That wasn’t real. It was just a dream.
Knock, knock.
Oh shit! I glance out the driver’s side window. Maddie’s standing with her hands on her hips, looking pissed. Blonde hair up in a messy bun, olive green eyes flashing despite the cute little sleep crease on her cheek. Pert nipples poking through her pink sleep tank. I avert my eyes, but I’ve already seen enough that it’s not helping my morning wood situation. I roll down the window instead. It’s going to be a minute before I can get out of the car without embarrassing myself.
“Morning, Mads.”
“Liam Ferguson! Tell me you didnotsleep in your car last night.”
I can’t help grinning.
“I did not sleep in my car last night.”
“Damn it, Liam.” She stomps her foot. It’s fucking adorable, like an irate kitten. My dick likes angry Madison way too much, which just makes the whole morning wood situation even worse.
“I told you I was fine.” She grumbles, but I can see the indignation diminish, which just makes my grin widen.
“I know.”
“And yet, here you are, parked outside my house.”
“Sorry, Mads, but I wasn’t about to leave you here alone last night.”
I tell my dick to calm the fuck down so I can get out of this damn car. I keep trying to think of anything to get it to listen. Gray sweatpants were a terrible idea in hindsight.
“Let me get out of my car so it’s easier to yell at me.” I say with a wink, hoping the situation in my pants has resolved enough not to be obvious.
