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Even though I knew they had practice today, as I turned through the streets nearing the arena, I couldn’t escape this fear that I would get there and find locked doors. That these men would corner me. The world was a wild, terrified blur around me as I raced along.
I just had to get to my men.
But…Was this why they had been so determined to protect me?
Had they known this would happen?
Was this another secret they had kept from me?
"Almost there," I panted, my legs aching as I pushed myself to keep going. The van's engine roared behind me, echoing through the deserted streets like a predator closing in on its prey. But even though my limbs were growing weak like a hunted animal, I couldn’t give up.
The hockey arena loomed ahead, towering above the street like a beacon of hope.
Carter, Sebastian, and Jack were so close.
My men. My safety.
"Come on, come on," I muttered under my breath, willing my legs to carry me faster. The sound of the van's tires screeching as it took corners echoed ominously through the air, fueling my desperation. My lungs screamed for air, but there was no time to stop. I had to keep moving.
As I turned another corner, the hockey arena finally came into full view. I could see the doors leading inside, so tantalizingly close. Relief surged through me, momentarily dulling the ache in my limbs. I pushed harder, determined not to let the men in the van catch up.
"Help!" I cried out as I burst through the doors, the cold air of the arena hitting me like a wall. The van skidded onto the sidewalk outside, its engine still roaring menacingly.
The lobby was empty. It was terrifying.
I looked back, wondering if the men were running up the steps, ready to jump me and drag me out when I was so close to safety.
I sprinted through the lobby, the fear clawing at my insides refusing to let go.
"Kennedy? What the hell?" someone shouted as I barreled into the locker room. The players scattered, their faces a mixture of shock and confusion at the sudden intrusion. But all I saw was Carter, his eyes wide with concern as he took in my disheveled appearance.
"Please," I gasped, the words barely making it past my lips before Carter's strong arms enveloped me, pulling me against his chest. His familiar scent calmed my racing thoughts as he folded me into a tight hug. I couldn’t see anything but his broad chest as he hugged me, but I could hear Jack and Sebastian moving closer.
"Whoa, what happened to you?" Carter demanded, his voice tense as he held me close.
"Chased…van…men," I managed to choke out between ragged breaths, my lungs craving oxygen. "I fought them off, but they kept coming."
“Men followed you here?” Sebastian demanded. He touched my shoulder protectively. “Jack and I will check it out, Kennedy. Carter, protect her.”
“They might still be out there,” I gasped out. “You have to call the police.”
Grimly, Jack grabbed a hockey stick. “Ihopethey’re still out there.”
Sebastian and Jack exchanged a determined glance before bolting from the room.
My chest tightened as I struggled to breathe, trying to piece together the words that would explain the terror I had just experienced.
Carter held me tightly, his voice soft but firm. "I promise, we'll protect you. No one's going to hurt you."
"Thank you," I whispered, relief washing over me in waves. I had never felt so vulnerable, but with Carter by my side, I knew I was safe.
When Sebastian and Jack returned, their faces grim, they announced they had taken the day off practice. They escorted me out of the arena and into their car, ensuring I was safely tucked between them. As we drove towards their penthouse, the city outside seemed muted, as if the world was holding its breath along with me.
"Can you call Greyson?" I asked, my voice barely audible.
I needed all four of them to truly feel secure, and his absence only heightened my anxiety.
"No," Carter replied, his hand on my knee reassuringly. "We can handle this. We'll protect you."
