Page 24 of Heart of a Hero

I nodded, feeling a fresh wave of gratitude wash over me. Right. She’d taken Taylor out for ice cream but would be returning to the apartment soon. She needed to know about Rex.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my throat tight.

Dawson squeezed my hands, his touch warm and comforting. “I’ve got you, Nora. You’re safe now.”

He stood, pulling out his phone as he stepped away to make the call. I hugged myself, trying to hold on to the feeling of safety his presence provided.

“Akira, hey,” Dawson said, his voice low but urgent. “Listen, I need you to be extra careful, all right? Nora’s ex is on the prowl, and I don’t want him anywhere near Taylor. Nora said he found her at the apartment and slashed her tires.”

I strained to hear Akira’s response, but Dawson was already speaking again. “Get someone to watch over you and Taylor. No, not your dad! Jesus, Akira. The last thing I need is Wraith mixed up in this.”

He got quiet again, as if he were listening to her say something else, then started talking once more. “Keep the doors locked, and don’t open them for anyone you don’t know. If anything seems off, you call me right away, got it? Better yet, call the damn police.”

The fierce protectiveness in his tone made my heart swell. I barely knew this man, but here he was, putting himself on the line for me and my daughter.

As Dawson ended the call, I caught a glimpse of the determined set of his jaw. He wasn’t just offering empty promises. He meant every word he said.

Dawson pocketed his phone and turned back to me, his blue eyes filled with a mix of concern and determination. “I’ve got a friend, Justin Lackland. He’s a member of the Swift Angels MC and a damn good cop. You met him briefly the other night. If anyone can keep you safe, it’s him.”

I nodded, my heart racing at the thought of involving more people in my messy life. But the unwavering confidence in Dawson’s voice helped ease my fears.

He placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Justin’s one of the most reliable guys I know. He’ll make sure you’re protected until I can get off shift and return home.”

“Thank you, and I’m glad Taylor will be with Akira. I’ll feel better if she’s not here, just in case something goes wrong,” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the lump in my throat.

“Call and tell your boss your ex slashed your tires and you’re waiting on the police. Justin can help you file a report, and we’ll get a copy for you to take to work.”

“I don’t have proof he slashed them,” I said.

“Then I’ll ask Justin to see if the apartments have cameras that would have recorded the area where you parked.”

I nodded, thankful he was so reliable. Panic had set in, and I hadn’t been able to think of anything except keeping away from Rex. But he was right. If there wasn’t proof, it was just my word against Rex’s.

Dawson gave me a small smile before pulling out his phone once more. He typed out a message, his fingers flying over the screen. “I’m letting him know the situation. He should be here soon. Thankfully, he’s off duty.”

“What about his daughter?” I asked, not wanting little Kelsey to get caught up in my mess.

“She’s probably with Avery. The two are pretty close, and she babysits for Justin often.”

I sat in silence, my mind reeling from the events of the past half hour. At least I thought that was how much time had passed. It wasn’t like I’d stopped to look at a clock when I’d been running. The weight of Rex’s menacing presence seemed to press down on me from all sides, but Dawson’s unwavering support kept me from crumbling completely.

Minutes ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. Then, the sound of a motorcycle engine cut through the air, growing louder as it approached the fire station.

Dawson stood, his posture alert. “That’ll be Justin.”

I rose on shaky legs, my heart pounding in my chest as I followed Dawson to the door. A tall, imposing figure strode into the station, his presence commanding attention. Since I hadn’t spoken to Justin much the night we’d gone to the clubhouse, I probably wouldn’t have recognized him without Dawson telling me who he was.

“Nora, this is Justin Lackland,” Dawson said as he re-introduced us, gesturing to the man.

Justin extended a hand, his grip firm but gentle. “Pleasure to see you again, Nora. I wish it were under better circumstances.”

I managed a small nod.

“Dawson filled me in on the situation,” Justin continued, his voice calm and professional. “I’m here to escort you home and make sure you’re safe.”

The knot in my chest loosened slightly at his words. There was something about Justin’s presence, a quiet strength and reliability, that made me feel like I could breathe a little easier.

Dawson placed a hand on Justin’s shoulder. “I know I can count on you to keep her safe, man. Although, I’m a bit jealous she gets to ride with you first.”

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