“Just remember how good you were,” I growl softly. “Remember surfing. Remember what I showed you.”
And suddenly, she gets it. I replay earlier in the surf, showing her how to drop onto the board for the wave and then pop back up.
Our eyes lock, and I see that she’s scared, but I can see how damn brave she is, too. She nods, her lips tight, and I steady my hand.
“Yeah,” she says softly. “Yeah, that was a lot of fun.”
“Now,” I hiss.
Taylor suddenly slams up, her head catching the asshole holding her in the nose. He sputters, and she instantly drops down, like she’s dropping onto a board. The guy looks completely stunned, but when I level my gun and snarl, he knows what’s up.
I squeeze the trigger, and he drops. And then, it’s over.
I rush to her, and she sobs as she collapses into my arms. I wrap them around her so damn tight, like I’m never going to let her go. Because I’m damn well never going to.
“You’re safe,” I whisper hoarsely into her neck. “You’re safe now, baby. You’re always going to be safe with me.”
She hugs me tight, squeezing me as I hold her possessively. I’m aware of Bear using his radio, and soon after, the sounds of police sirens hauling towards us. But I just keep holding Taylor.
Like I said, I’m never letting her go.