Page 59 of Wrecked (Axle Alley Vipers)

She affected him in a way no one else ever had. One look at her, the feel of her hands on him, and he’d lost it. Totally. He’d tried to stay away, but she’d come to him, and he’d made love to her. Probably the last time he would ever have her in his arms. He’d memorized every minute of it, of the way she felt, the way she moved. The sound of her voice.

Shit.

Letting her go is for the best.

Yeah? If he truly believed that, why had he put the spare key he’d found in the kitchen, the one she’d used to get into his apartment, back under the potted plant at the door? Because he wanted her to come to him again, dammit.

No. She was better off with someone like Brian, someone who wasn’t completely fucked up. Someone who could give her the life she deserved.

He stood, shoving his fingers in his hair, limping to the kitchen. The thought of another man with her, touching her, twisted him in knots, made him want to hurt the idiot dumb enough to try.

She’s not yours. Not anymore.

His phone rang on the bench beside him. Piper’s name flashed up on the screen, and he all but fell on top of the thing, answering on the second ring. “Piper?”

“There’s someone outside,” she breathed down the line. “Oh God, they’re trying to get in the window.” Her voice rose to hysterical levels, and she let out a shriek.

He was already at the door and halfway down the steps. “I’m on my way.” The phone disconnected, and he moved as fast as he could across the parking lot.

As he rounded the house, he saw someone at Piper’s bedroom window. The guy spun toward him, then took off. He tried to go after him, but his leg was still stiff from overdoing it earlier in the week. And even if it wasn’t, he still wouldn’t be able to catch anyone. Not anymore.

All he could do was stand there and watch him run away, dissolving into the shadows. “Motherfucker!”

His keys were in his pocket, and he used the one Piper had given him to get in the front door.

“Piper?” She didn’t answer, and fear coiled around him. “Piper, answer me, baby.”

He rounded the door to her bedroom and clenched his fists tight enough to cause pain. His woman sat on the floor behind the door, phone clutched in a white-knuckled grip, scared shitless. Her eyes were round and full of fear, body shaking.

“It’s just me, Pipe.” He walked toward her and reached down, dragging her to her feet. She went to him instantly, wrapping her arms around his waist. “It’s okay, baby. He’s gone.” He pulled her into him, holding her so tight it probably hurt. But he couldn’t help it. All he could think about was what could have happened to her. What if he hadn’t been home?

He carried her to the bed and pulled her onto his lap. He wasn’t wearing a shirt, and the heat of her skin through her thin tank felt hot, clammy, heart going crazy against his. “Piper? Talk to me, sweet girl.”

She shook her head and burrowed deeper. She was totally freaked. He locked his arms around her. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.” He pulled back so she could see he meant it. “Do you understand?” She stared up at him, and her lower lip quivered. He gave her a reassuring squeeze, trying to fight back his anger and the need to hunt down the bastard who did this and make him sorry. “Did you call the police?”

“Yes,” she whispered. “Right after I called you.”

“Good girl.” He pulled her tightly into his arms.

When the knock at the door came a short time later, he led her to the living room and wrapped a blanket around her before answering the door. Brian and another uniformed officer stood there.

Of course it had to be this asshole. “She’s in here. But I’ll give you my statement first. She’s still shaken up.”

Brian ignored him and walked to Piper, crouching down in front of her. “You okay, Piper?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little freaked.” She smiled at him. The guy looked fucking mesmerized. Yeah, Brian was a better match for Piper, but he still couldn’t just fucking stand here and watch it.

Thankfully, Brian backed off before he lost his goddamn mind and took his statement, then Piper’s. By the time they finished, she looked shattered, and he wanted this guy as far away from her as humanly possible and still be able to do his job.

“Did you get a good look at him through the window?” Brian sat forward, taking her hand. Cole nearly went for him, until he heard his next words. “You think it was Daniel Taylor?”

“I’m not sure. It was dark…”

“What?” Cole moved farther into the room. “What the fuck’s he talking about? Who’s Daniel Taylor?”

Brian stood, turning to him. “Piper’s had several encounters with a guy from one of the local real estate agencies. He’s been trying to get her to sell, getting pushy, calling all the time, leaving notes. And on several occasions he’s come to her house after hours. He’s moved beyond professional as far as I’m concerned. I’ve spoken to him.” He glanced back at Piper. “After you made the complaint, he promised to back off, and at this point, without proof that it was him hanging around, we can’t do much more than pay him another visit.”

“That’s why you were talking to him the other day?” The words were out before he could stop them. “You were making a complaint?”