Protecting His Forever Read online

  Table of Contents

  Protecting His Forever

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgements

  Protecting His Forever

  By

  LeAnn Ashers

  Copyright

  Copyright © LeAnn Ashers

  This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either a product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously.

  All rights reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976.

  First Edition: 2016

  Proof reader: Emma Mack www.ultraeditingco.com

  Designer: Sara Eirew: https://www.facebook.com/saraeirewphotographer/

  Formatter: CP Smith Affordable Formatting

  Cover Image from Shutterstock. 206836516

  Dedication

  To every woman that hasn’t found their soul-mate.

  Just know he/she is out there. So never settle for less than what you deserve. Which is the world. <3

  Chapter One

  Looking around the clothing store, I can’t shake the feeling of someone watching me. Shrugging my bag up higher on my shoulder, I walk around the rack of clothes just as a loud bang comes from behind me. Startled, I jump and turn around. A man stands a few feet away from me. I give him a kind smile then make my way over to the next rack. I look through the shirts trying to find my size when I see movement in my peripheral and notice the man is lurking close by. I scan the area nearby, taking notice of the tattoo that covers half of his face. It’s a gang symbol, one I recognize from the graffiti that marks up half of the buildings on the West side of town. The look in his eyes is angry, hateful as he stares. Acknowledging his presence, I pass him an uneasy smile as I dip my head to my chest and set the shirt I was eyeing back on the rack. My senses are escalating, shouting DANGER! DANGER! DANGER!

  I make my way toward the exit, taking casual strides as not to draw attention to myself. But once my feet pass the threshold of the store, I pick up the pace, hurrying to my car. Reaching into my purse, I clutch my phone in my hand then glance over my shoulder quickly. Shit! He’s stepping off the sidewalk and heading in my direction.

  Don’t panic, Sydney. Calmly, I dial my brother’s number.

  “Hello?” My brother picks up on the third ring.

  “Ethan, I’m being followed.” I sound panicked even to my own ears.

  “What? Where are you?” he shouts.

  “Downtown at the new clothing store.” I peek over my shoulder cautiously and see that the tattooed man is still following. Sucking in a sharp breath, I walk around my car and head back toward the store, knowing that stopping to get in my car isn’t a good idea.

  “What do I do, Ethan?” I whisper.

  Three rough taps peck at my shoulder. My body stiffens. Gripping my phone tighter, I slowly turn around to face the man. “Gotcha!” He chuckles and makes a move toward me. His hands claw at me but I jump back and take off running. His heavy boots slap the ground behind me.

  “Sydney!” Ethan yells into the phone just as fingers thread into my hair, and with a hard yank my head hits the concrete with a smack. My phone slips out of my hand from the impact and slides across the ground. Digging my heels into the asphalt, I attempt to push myself up to a standing position. He tightens his grip on my hair, dragging me across the ground between two cars.

  I dig my nails into his large hands, tearing at his flesh as I squirm and pull with all my might. He grunts and loosens his hold on me for a split second before I rip my hair from his grip. Despite how painful it is, I’m loose. Tattered strands of hair fall to the ground.

  Grabbing the handle of the car behind me, I lift myself up to my feet. Everything is a blur and dark spots cloud my vision. Chuckling brings me out of my stupor. My gaze shoots over to the man as he closes the distance between us.

  “Feisty. I like it.” His voice is husky and dark.

  Fear rattles my chest and I try to take a step back, but his heavy fist lands across my face. Pain shoots up my jaw and through my mouth. My body sways. Stumbling, I fall to the ground, landing hard on my tail bone. His body lands on top of mine and pushes me down on my back. His legs go on either side of my waist, pinning me beneath him. His unforgiving knuckles pound at my chest, neck, and face. I pull my forearms up to protect myself instinctively, but it’s no use, I’m a fragile doll compared to his strength. His assault is brutal and feels endless. Disoriented and helpless, I feel a deep lull from the blows to my head. He brings his fist back to deliver another ruthless blow, and bright crimson catches my eye. That’s when I feel it—the sensation of blood trailing down my cheek.

  Snap out of it, Sydney! Fight back!! My inner strength shouts at me, gaining my attention. My fight or flight instinct kicks in, and I inhale a painful breath and begin to kick, scratch, and punch anyway I can. I drill my fist into his junk then with all my might, I kick my knees up into his back. He falls to the side and shouts a slew of obscenities as he clutches himself, writhing in pain. His legs are still locked around my waist, but I’m free enough to lean forward. I jab my elbow into the side of his face then buck him off my body.

  Quickly, I grip the hood of the car beside me and pull myself up off the ground, trying to catch my breath to call for help. How the hell has nobody heard my attack? My body aches with every inhale of breath, each stretch of a limb. His iron like hand clamps onto my calf, and in a panic I blindly kick my foot out. A loud crack followed by a husky scream pulls my attention down to my attacker. He releases my leg and cups his nose as blood flows freely between his knuckles. My escape within reach, I turn and run back towards the store.

  My adrenaline courses through me at lightning speed. I don’t watch for passing cars or bystanders as I approach safety. Rushing up to the sidewalk I take a backward glance to make sure my attacker isn’t behind me when I stumble forward and my face smashes against something hard. Strong hands grip my shoulders and pull me up to my feet. I thrash my small fists forward, hoping to connect with my attacker. How did he close in on me so quickly? My breathing is labored, and I dart my head around wildly looking for the man. He pops around the side of the car and starts toward me. Jerking back, I try to dislodge the hands from my arms.

  “Please!” my sob is broken and breathless.

  I feel his warm breath against the shell of my ear as his grip tightens around me. “Sydney!”

  Suddenly my feet are placed against the ground. When my eyes meet his, all the air seizes from my chest. His eyes are hard and devious, but not at me. I know this man. He’s my brother’s friend. He gently grabs my waist and thrusts me behind his body then charges at my attacker, forcing him to the ground. The attacker’s head smashes against the pavement as his foot comes back and kicks against his skull.

  The man makes a garbled sound as his body stills, but Kane’s kicks continue. I know if Kane doesn’t stop, he’ll kill him.

  “Stop!” I scream.

  Much to my surprise, he stops. Sucking in a much needed breath, I crumble to the ground as shock consumes me. My whole entire body shakes uncontrollably, harsh sobs wracking thr
ough my chest. Clasping my hands together and wringing them tightly in an effort to control them. Did that really just happen? To me? Resting my elbows on my legs, I hold my head between my hands and try to comprehend what the hell just happened to me. Did I really just almost get kidnapped? Raped? Worse? Shaking my head in disbelief, I look over at my attacker lying on the ground.

  “Are you okay?” a deep voice asks.

  Looking up, I see Kane kneeling beside me. I nod yes then hug my arms to my chest to hide my trembling hands. I’m not okay, not at all.

  His hands tug at my chin until I’m looking up at him. His eyes are full of concern and I know he doesn’t believe me. He takes off his shirt and presses it to the cut on my head and brushes the hair out of my face. His gentle care and concern snaps all the control I have left. A sob escapes and the dam breaks.

  A second later I’m hit with his warmth. His arms wrap around me, and my face is pressed hard against his chest. He lifts me onto his lap with both arms wrapped around me tightly.

  “Shhh, it's going to be okay. I’ve got you,” his deep voice sooths. Relief washes over me knowing I’ve been saved, still the tears continue to fall.

  The moment is interrupted by the sound of sirens blasting in the wind and tires screeching to a halt.

  “Sydney!” My head shoots up at the sound of Ethan’s voice. Climbing from Kane’s lap, I run straight toward my brother and slam into his chest. He lifts me off the ground and holds me tight. I whimper in pain, and he places me back on the ground.

  “You took a couple years off my life, Sydney! Don’t ever fucking do that again, you hear me?” His stern voice makes me choke out a strangled laugh. Delirious, obviously.

  He studies my face as he takes in my injuries, and suddenly his demeanor shifts and his eyes grow dark.

  “What did that fucker do? He. Is. Dead,” he grounds out between his teeth.

  I look over at the man lying on the ground being handcuffed by an officer, and Ethan charges toward him.

  “Stop, man!” Kane rushes over and pulls Ethan back.

  “Kane?” my brother asks in shock as he shoves Kane’s hand off his shoulder.

  “Ethan, stop! He saved me!” I shout.

  Kane confirms my words with a quick nod toward Ethan. He looks down at the attacker then back to me then to Kane, and he suddenly connects the dots. He pulls Kane into a one armed hug.

  “Thank you, brother.”

  A hand clasps over my shoulder, and I shout as I jump back.

  “Woah, Sydney! It’s Chase.” Chase thrusts his hands up, palm out. “It’s just me! Calm down. You’re safe now.”

  “I’m sorry, I’m just a little jumpy,” I tell Chase guiltily.

  “It’s okay, baby girl.” He gives me a sympathetic smile. “We need to get you checked out by the EMT.” He motions over his shoulder to the two paramedics pulling a gurney from the back of their ambulance.

  I nod my head slowly, then look up at Kane who is watching me intently. My adrenaline washes away like the sands on the shore. Suddenly the ground shifts and everything blurs. Gripping my head that feels like a two-ton weight, I fall to the ground not able to support my weight. “Sydney!” Ethan’s voice sounds distant as it echoes through my mind. Heavy footfalls and shouting surround me, then hands wrap around my arms and legs, lifting me up off the ground. The pitch black solace of my mind pulls me deeper and deeper as the darkness cloaks me.

  Chapter Two

  I wake with a groan, tugging the blanket higher under my neck as a shiver racks through my body. Hospitals are always so freaking cold. Before opening my eyes, I know where I am. The monitors beep in melody throughout the halls and the IV in my arm is another sure sign, as well as the smell of antiseptic that burns my nose. A door slams nearby. Startled, my eyes shoot open.

  “You’re awake,” a deep, rough voice asks.

  Looking over to the side of the bed, my eyes widen as they land on Kane.

  “Kane…” I trail off, confused.

  “That’s me.” He smirks and leans back in his chair with his hands folded behind his head. Rolling my eyes at him, I tug at the blanket covering me.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “I’m sore. My head and face feels like they’ve been rolled over by a steam roller. I’m a little shook up, but I’ll be okay.” I sigh and reach down to grab the other blanket at my feet. It seems like I can’t get warm.

  “Let me get that.” He places his hand on my shoulder and eases me back against the pillows. He takes the blanket at my feet and lays it over me and proceeds to tuck me in like a burrito and fusses over the pillows behind my head.

  “What’s that look for?” He holds an extra pillow in his hands.

  “Oh, nothing.” I bite my lip and try to contain my smile.

  “I'm going to get the doctor and tell them you’re awake.” He walks out the door and closes it quietly behind him. As soon as it closes, the breath I didn’t know I was holding blows out roughly. Yesterday was the first time I have ever met Kane. I’ve only seen him in photos with Ethan and Chase from their time in the military together. He showed up and saved me during the worst moment of my life. How or why, I’ll never know. But beyond all, I’m grateful.

  A scattered breath shakes my chest as I think about what happened to me yesterday, and a million different thoughts hit me at one time.

  Who was the man who attacked me?

  Why did he attack me?

  Oh goodness, he could have raped me, kidnapped me, or worse—murdered me!

  Will he come back for me?

  Wiping the tears from my face, I wince as my hands rub over my broken and bruised skin. My hands fall to my lap, and I see blood. A sob escapes, and I place my hand over my lips to choke back the cries. A knot lodges in my throat, and it becomes harder and harder to breathe. Panicking, I grip my throat as black spots cloud my vision, smacking my hands against the hand rail.

  Please someone help me!

  I can’t breathe. I heave and wheeze as I suck air into my oxygen deprived body.

  “Sydney!” Hands touch my face, and I hear voices yelling as they enter the room. The fog is too thick, too heavy to get through. I close my eyes, and then I feel myself fall.

  ~*~

  “Sydney, can you hear me?”

  “Hm?” I mumble while turning over and snuggling deeper into bed.

  “Wake up for me, sweetheart. Let me see those beautiful eyes.”

  Cracking one tired and sore eye open, Kane’s face is the first thing I see. His hands gently caress my face.

  “How are you feeling?” He tucks a piece of hair behind my ear that has fallen on my face.

  Hitching the blanket higher up under my neck before I answer, I say, “I’m okay.” It comes out as a raspy whisper.

  “Your mom just left. You’ve been out two whole days. The doctor said your body must have fallen into complete shock because you wouldn’t wake up, and that it’s common for victims who have experienced trauma such as you have. Your brain kinda takes over and shuts everything down to let you rest. It scared us all. Hell…” He sighs and rubs a rough hand over his face while looking up at the ceiling.

  Two days? I pull my exhausted and sore body up and look around the room. Shaking my head to clear it, I mutter, “I’m sorry. Everything must have hit me all at once. Have you been here this entire time?”

  With a curt nod, he rests his hand on the bed. Taken aback by his presence all this time, I grasp his hand and give it a squeeze. He smiles broadly, and I immediately blush, diverting my eyes to his hand laid in mine. There are visible scars all along his rough and cracked skin which are marked with callouses.

  “It’s understandable, you’ve been through a lot. But you’re safe now.” His hands curls around mine and our fingers intertwine. Giving him a small smile, I look up at him through my eyelashes. He doesn’t mention why he’s stayed with me since I’ve been in the hospital, but I figure he has his reasons and while I’d like to understand why, my brain is
too cloudy to comprehend much more.

  “Thank you for saving me. I don’t know what would have happened if you didn’t show up. I was trying to go for help, but he was so close behind...” I trail off as a sob escapes. The emotions are just too thick to grasp.

  “Sweetheart, it’s something any man would do. That fucker deserves hell of a lot more than jail,” he growls out the last part.

  “I’m sorry you have been stuck here the past few days.”

  “There is nowhere else I want to be,” he answers honestly as he strokes my cheek bone.

  ~*~

  “Ouch!” I hiss out as the doctor probes all of my cuts and bruises.

  “Watch it!” Kane growls and pushes the doctor’s hand away.

  “Well, I see that you’re fine.” The doctor coughs nervously and backs away from Kane. “Change your bandages twice a day. I’m writing a prescription for some ointment to put on your cuts.”

  I thank him and he leaves the room.

  As soon as the door closes, I say, “Well that went well.”

  Kane glares at me and paces the room.

  “What are you still doing here? I’m sorry if this comes out rude but I’m curious.” I arch my eyebrow.

  “Your mom wanted someone to be here in case you woke up, and I wanted to make sure you were okay.” He answers simply.

  “So for the last forty-eight hours you’ve halted your life just to play chivalrous hero? Do that often, Kane?”

  He shoots me a warning glare, so I probe no further. I am, however, growing frustrated with his overbearing protectiveness. Hell, I’m in the hospital with twenty-four-hour staff monitoring me. My attacker is in jail—or so Kane says. So why is he still here? My frustration mounts, but I keep my tongue in check and bite down on my lip to stop myself from saying something I probably don’t mean. Do I? Ugh, this damn fog! I just need to clear my head. I throw back the covers and place my feet on the ground. I need to get out of this bed, out of this room. It feels like the walls are closing in on me, and Kane’s pacing is doing nothing to help my frayed nerves.