Ellie doesn’t speak.
Sadie’s gaze flicks to me. “Wyatt.”
“She’s safe,” I grind out.
Sadie’s brows lift. “That wasn’t my question.”
“It’s my answer,” I say.
Levi whistles low. “Oh, we’reseriousserious.”
Ellie exhales sharply. “We’re not?—”
“Ellie,” I cut in, quiet. Not a shout. An order.
Her mouth snaps shut. Her cheeks flush. She looks up at me with eyes that say she hates being handled.
Good. She can hate it while she stays alive.
A door at the back of the station opens.
Captain Saxon Cole steps out.
Saxon doesn’t have to raise his voice to command a room. He’s the kind of man whose presence does it for him—broad shoulders, calm eyes, and a face carved out of discipline. He’s wearing a station tee, sleeves rolled, forearms inked, and he walks like he’s never been uncertain a day in his life.
His gaze lands on Ellie.
Then on my hand still hovering at her back.
Then on my face.
He doesn’t smile.
He doesn’t frown.
He just gives me a look that says he already knows everything I don’t want to say.
“Cooper,” he says.
“Captain,” I answer.
Levi straightens like he wasn’t just running his mouth. “Cap. We got a situation.”
Saxon’s gaze shifts to Levi. “Do we.”
Levi gestures between me and Ellie like he’s presenting a crime scene. “Bride situation.”
Ellie’s head snaps toward Levi. “I am not?—”
Saxon’s eyes go to Ellie, calm and assessing. “Ellie James.”
She stiffens. “Captain Cole.”
Saxon nods once. “You look like you haven’t slept.”
Ellie’s chin lifts. “I’m fine.”
Sadie mutters, “She’s not.”
