I stay calm. Professional. Recite the facts with the precision I learned in the military.
When I walk out, Elliott's smirk has faded.
"This isn't over," the lawyer says as they leave. "My client has resources. Connections."
"So do I," I say quietly. "And mine actually give a damn about justice."
Elliott's eyes narrow. "You think you can protect her forever? You think a fake relationship is going to keep me away?"
Every muscle in my body goes tight.
"It's not fake," I say, my voice deadly calm. "And you're going to learn real fast what happens to men who touch what's mine."
"Is that a threat, Officer?"
"It's a promise." I step closer, lowering my voice so only he can hear. "You violated the restraining order by asking about her around town. You're harassing her. And I will make sure you pay for every single second of fear you've caused her. Your money doesn't scare me. Your connections don't scare me. Because I'm not backing down. Not now. Not ever."
His face goes pale.
Good.
"Let's go," his lawyer says, pulling him toward the door.
When they're gone, I let out a breath and lean against the wall.
Troy appears beside me. "That was either really smart or really stupid."
"Probably both."
"He's scared now, though. You saw it."
"Yeah." But scared men are dangerous. Unpredictable.
Steph’s in the break room. I asked her to wait there for me so she wouldn’t get close to Elliot, and the worry in her eyes when she sees me makes my chest tight.
"How did it go?" she asks.
"Fine. The lawyer's full of hot air." I reach for her hand without thinking. "Let's get out of here."
In the truck, she's quiet for a long time as I drive back to her place.
"What are you thinking?" I ask.
"That Elliott's not going to stop," she says quietly. "Not until he gets what he wants or someone makes him."
"I'm going to make him."
She looks at me. "How?"
"However I have to." I glance over at her. "I meant what I said back there, Steph. You're mine to protect. And I'm not letting him hurt you again."
"Kevin—"
"I know it started as fake," I interrupt. "I know you said it because you were scared and needed an out. But it's not fake anymore. Not for me. And not for you. We already cleared that up.”
She's quiet for so long I think maybe I've pushed too hard.
Then she says, "You're right. It's not fake." She turns to face me. "I'm falling for you, Kevin. I've been falling for you for months. And that terrifies me more than Elliott ever could."
