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“No!” Madeline fought him with every ounce of strength she had. She kicked, scratched, thrashed, and bit his hand when it got too close to her mouth.
The man cursed and threw her onto the trail. She landed in a heap, more pain radiating through her, this time from her backside.
“Time to stop playing and follow orders.” He heaved out a sigh, as if it were the hardest thing he’d ever done. “Get the king alone, or I’ll be back for you. And next time I won’t be so nice.”
He disappeared into the trees.
The lights were almost upon her. She stood shakily and waved her arms so they didn’t run her over.
Captain Levi and Lieutenant Mason stopped right in front of her. They both leaped from the side-by-side vehicle. “Ms. Prescott,” Levi called out in horror.
“A man.” She pointed shakily. “He attacked me.”
Levi cursed. “Stay with her and call for backup,” he demanded of Mason, then he took off through the trees.
The lieutenant placed a call as he escorted her to the passenger side of the vehicle and helped her sit down. Madeline prayed Levi would catch the man. She answered Mason’s questions and tried to control her trembling limbs.
All she wanted was to forget this ever happened and be in Nolan’s arms.
Chapter Eleven
Nolan woke before his five-forty alarm. He was anxious to be with Madeline and had dreamed of holding her close and kissing her throughout the night. How to convince her he loved her deeply and the love he felt for Anne wouldn’t make him love Madeline less? He understood it was hard for her. He’d probably feel the same way if she’d been in a loving and happy relationship for over thirty years. Instead, it felt as if she’d been waiting. For him.
Their love was unique and beautiful, intense and all-consuming. He prayed she felt the same.
He dressed quickly in workout gear, brushed his teeth, and was tying his shoes when a rap came at his door.
Madeline? He always knocked on her door, not the other way around.
He hurried to the door and flung it open.
“Ray?”
His second-oldest son’s blue eyes were stormy. Something was wrong.
“There’s been an incident.”
The hair prickled on the back of his neck. “What kind of incident?”
“Madeline was running around the lake loop.”
“By herself?”
He nodded shortly. “She convinced Captain Levi and Lieutenant Mason to give her some space, then come check on her halfway through the loop.”
“Is she all right?”
Ray nodded, serious as always. “Banged up, but he didn’t rape her, and she’s acting very tough and trying to unselfishly convince me that none of my men are at fault.” He lifted both of his hands. “She’s Madeline.”
“The man didn’t …” Nolan’s mouth went slack, and his stomach revolted. He wanted to find whoever ‘he’ was and pummel the man. “Who dared touch her?”
“Jensen has him in custody. Levi pursued and caught him. We’ll have answers soon.”
“Where’s Madeline?”
“In her suite.”
Nolan clasped his son’s arm before rushing past him. He had to get to her, comfort her, make her promise she’d never go running alone again.
