Page 135 of Truck Up
Linden’s gaze hardens, and he grabs Christian’s arm before he can punch Badger again. “He’s not worth it, Christian. Think of Lia and the baby. They need you here, not rotting in prison for murder.”
Christian looks at me, his eyes filled with a raw, primal emotion. He sees the fear in my eyes, the terror etched on my face. And he sees the pleading look in Linden’s expression.
Slowly, reluctantly, he lowers his fists. He steps back, his breathing still ragged, his body trembling with the aftermath of adrenaline.
Badger is a mess of blood on the floor. He’s beaten, but the rage in his eyes burns with a terrifying intensity as they lock with mine. It’s a threat that, if given the chance, he’ll come for me again.
Christian staggers to me and sinks to the floor. Tanner releases me so Christian can wrap me in his arms. I’m safe. But the fear that grips me refuses to subside. As long as Badger is free, this isn’t over.
“I’m so sorry, angel.” Christian holds me close. “I’ll never let him hurt you again. I’ll die before he does.”
The sound of sirens wail in the distance, growing louder with each passing second. The police are finally here.
I look at Christian, his face hard, his eyes still filled with a simmering rage. He looks at me, his gaze filled with a mixture of relief and something else … something deeper, something I’ve been waiting for.
Christian brushes my hair from my face and cups my cheek. “Baby, I love you. I should have told you sooner. I’m such a chickenshit, but you must know. You’re my world.”
“I know.” I reach up and run my thumb along the line of his beard. Then I press a kiss to his lips. He’s covered in blood, but I don’t care. He’s mine, and nothing is ever getting between us again.
“Sorry to break this up.” Linden kneels beside us, his hand resting on my shoulder with a protective hold. “The EMT is here. We need to get you medical attention.” Then he looks at Christian. “You too. You might need some stitches.”
“I’m fine.” Christian grumbles. He rubs my back soothingly, his presence bringing me comfort in the chaos that surrounds us.
The store is a scene of utter devastation. Shelves are toppled, food scattered across the floor, and the air is thick with the smell of blood and fear.
Ricky, the local police officer, bursts through the front door, his gun drawn. He takes in the scene, his eyes widening in shock.
“Looks like I’m late.” He shoves his gun back into his holster. “Someone mind telling me what happened?”
Betty steps forward, her voice trembling. “Badger… he… he tried to take Amelia.”
Ricky’s gaze sweeps over the room, landing on Badger, who is still on his back on the floor, his face bruised and bloody. Ricky looks at me, his eyes filled with concern.
“Are you alright?” he asks gently.
I nod weakly, unable to speak.
Backup arrives, and two more police officers come rushing in. Ricky turns to one of the men. “Cuff him and get him out of here,” he orders.
As they drag Badger away, I see my family standing at the end of the aisle, watching the scene unfold. Aaron is the first to rush toward us, his face grim and his eyes filled with a cold rage.
He walks towards me, his footsteps heavy on the tiled floor. He kneels beside me, his eyes searching my face.
“We have to get you to the hospital,” he says, his voice low and gruff. He may be furious, but he’s already in doctor mode.
I shake my head and hold Christian tighter. I don’t want to leave his embrace.
Christian pulls me into a fierce embrace, his arms a cage of steel and comfort. “It’s okay, Lia,” he murmurs, his voice a low rumble against my ear. “You’re safe now.”
I cling to him, burying my face in his shoulder. The scent of sweat and leather fills my senses, a familiar and comforting aroma.
Footsteps approach, heavy and urgent, and I look up to see my family gathered around us, their faces pale with shock.
“Lia!” My dad’s cry, a raw, guttural sound, pierces the air. He drops to his knees, his arms encircling both of us, offering a fragile shield against the pandemonium that surrounds us.
Forget about the feud, or my family’s hatred for the Mutters. All that matters right now is that I’m safe. Hopefully, this means my family is one step closer to accepting my relationship with Christian.
A wave of relief washes over me, surrounded by the love and protection of those that matter most to me.