Vander’s icy tone sent shivers through Harlow. Damn, the man was scary.
Terror rippled across Hugo’s face and his hand in her hair loosened. Suddenly, she was yanked off him, and into Easton’s arms.
“Face down, Durant,” Vander barked.
She heard grunts, but all she could see was Easton. His face was dark, his jaw tight.
“You got my note,” she said.
“Fuck.” He pulled her face against his chest, his arms tight around her.
She gripped his vest awkwardly with her bound hands. “I knew you’d come.”
He pulled back, his hands either side of her head. “You’re not moving out.”
“Easton—”
“No. No fucked-up shit about time and space. You sleep in my bed, and you stay with me.”
“Okay.”
He paused. “Okay?”
“Yes, Easton. I’ll stay. I love you.”
He yanked her close. His kiss was hard and punishing.
When they came up for air, she saw the helicopter still hovering above. Maggie grinned and waved, then the aircraft whirled away.
“Fuck!” Rhys yelled.
Harlow looked over and saw Hugo break free of Rhys’ hold. From near the boat controls, Vander cursed.
Hugo charged right at Harlow, face twisted with rage.
Easton spun fast. He landed a vicious punch to Hugo’s face.
The man’s head snapped back.
“How’s that feel, asshole?” Easton punched him again. Hugo almost tipped sideways. “That’s how you hit her out in front of my place. You’re a coward, terrorizing women and people weaker than you.”
Oh, her man was a badass. She saw the Ranger front and center right now.
Hugo snarled. “Bitches and whores. They deserve what they get!”
Harlow grimaced. What a waste of space.
Easton hit him again and Hugo staggered back.
Vander stepped forward and landed a hard front kick to Hugo’s gut.
He hit the edge of the boat, flipped, and then crashed into the water.
“That should cool him off,” Vander said.
Hugo thrashed around in the water, spewing a stream of angry-sounding French.
A laugh escaped from Harlow, and she gripped onto Easton. She spotted a speedboat racing toward them, Rome at the wheel.
“Should we get Hugo?” she said.
“Rome will fish him out,” Vander said.
Easton untied her hands, then slid his into her hair. “Are you all right?”
She nodded. “I’m right where I feel safest.”
Emotion moved through his eyes.
“You’re my hero, Easton Norcross.”
He smiled, his gaze moving over her face like he was trying to memorize it.
“How did you find me?” she asked.
“It’s all thanks to your friend, Daniel Brewer.”
She gasped. “Seriously?”
“He saw Hugo drag you out of the Jeep at the marina. He called me.”
“Easton, we have to help him. He’s all alone, on the streets. His mom died, and I think his stepdad hurt him—”
“Okay, okay.” Easton pressed a hand over her mouth. “You just can’t help but worry about everybody else.”
She pushed his hand away. “Get used to it, because from now on, you’re the number one person I’m going to worry about.” She leaned closer. “The darkness can’t have you, Easton, because you’re mine.”
He rubbed a thumb over her lips.
Rome brought the speedboat alongside their boat. Rhys climbed over, and together, they hauled Hugo out of the water.
Saxon took the controls of their boat and got the engine started.
They headed back to the marina, Harlow sitting pressed against Easton, the wind in her hair.
When they pulled into the marina, the lights of a police cruiser were flashing, and Hunt, in a suit, standing with his hands on his hips, was waiting for them.
Rome and Rhys marched Hugo up the ramp. He was twisting and screeching. Hunt took him, and shoved him toward the cruiser.
Harlow spotted a small form in the crowd that had gathered. She squeezed Easton’s arm.
“Look.” She raised her voice. “Daniel!”
The boy froze, and she could see him contemplating running.
He moved a shoulder. “Blondie, glad you’re okay.”
“Thanks to you.” She desperately wanted to hug him, but instead, she held out her hand.
He eyed it suspiciously, then gingerly shook it.
The boy’s gaze went past her, widened. “You’re Easton Norcross.”
Easton wrapped an arm around Harlow. “Thanks for the call, kid.”
Daniel looked at Harlow. “Wait. Your man is Easton Norcross?”
“Yes.”
“Nice.” Then he goggled. “You’re Vander Norcross.” He breathed it the same way he might greet a movie star.
Vander raised a brow. “Yeah.”
“You’re like…awesome and a badass.”
Vander looked amused. “Thanks for the assist in saving Harlow.”
Daniel looked like he grew two inches taller. “No problem.”
“Harlow!”
Harlow looked up and saw her mom and Scarlett pushing through the crowd.
She broke free of Easton and ran to them. “I’m okay.”
They hugged, and her mom started crying. In one long rush, Harlow told them what happened.
“This is the young man who told Easton where you were?” Her mother eyed Daniel.
“Yes,” Harlow answered.
“Young man.” Eleanor reached out and hugged Daniel to her. “Thank you.”
Daniel’s face froze and he watched Harlow’s mom like she was a ticking time bomb.
“Are you hungry?” her mom asked.
The boy lifted a shoulder. “I could eat.”
“Then come with me.” She grabbed his hand and led him away. Scarlett followed, shaking her head.
Harlow smiled.
“Should we go home, Ms. Carlson?” Easton asked.
“That sounds wonderful, Mr. Norcross.” God, home. Their home. Love filled her.
Easton finished his call. Outside his office, he heard Harlow talking on the phone.
Rising, he reached the office door and leaned against the jamb. She was sitting at her desk. Her golden hair was in a neat twist, and she wore a black shirt with a deep V that gave him a nice view of her cleavage. He couldn’t see it, but he knew she was wearing a fitted, tan skirt that had driven him crazy that morning when she’d first appeared wearing it.
He could just make out the faint bruising on her face under her makeup. It had been a week and a half since Hugo had been locked up.
“No, thank you, Mr. Kingston. Yes, I’m looking forward to seeing you when you come for your meeting with Mr. Norcross.” She laughed. “You are such a charmer.”
Lucky that Kingston was almost eighty, or Easton wouldn’t be happy.
“Bye, now.” She touched the phone. “Mr. Norcross’ office.” She huffed out a breath. “Mr. Nelson, I know that’s you, even when you use a different voice. Mr. Norcross isn’t a bank or a charity. Just because he’s worked hard and is successful, he’s not here as a shortcut on your journey. Now, goodbye.” She ended the call.