Page 8 of Ethan's Command

Still, he wasn’t upset about it. He was glad she’d come to him. He’d had his eye on Brooklyn for a while now, though she seemed oblivious to his interest. Maybe he was making more progress with her than he thought.

He rubbed the back of his head, grimacing as a familiar dull ache pulsed behind his eyes. The headaches continued to plague him. The concussion he’d suffered was a frustrating reminder that sometimes, the little things—like getting clipped by adistracted driver—could do more damage than the bigger, more dangerous events he’d faced in the special forces.

Shaking his head, Ethan stretched and rolled his neck, trying to ease the tension. He’d take some aspirin and get on with it. Brooklyn needed his help, and he wasn’t about to let her down. The fact that she trusted him enough to come to him meant more than he could say.

And maybe—just maybe—this was his chance to prove he was the kind of man she could rely on.

Ethan pulled out his phone, his gaze flicking between the dust Brooklyn had kicked up when she left and Mojo sitting next to him. His thumb hovered over Bellamy Chance’s contact for a moment before he pressed the call button. The line rang twice before Bellamy picked up, his voice crisp and alert.

“Ethan,” Bellamy said, a touch of curiosity in his tone. “How did today go? I heard you and Mojo kicked some serious ass. Coop and Nova said you guys were on fire, finding that drug stash hidden in the garden."

Ethan smiled down at his dog. "Yeah, Mojo was awesome. It was a good result, and I enjoyed working with Nova. Nothing like helping the DEA even if we only got called because she's dating Coop."

Bellamy chucked. "We'll take whatever jobs we can get, however we can get them. What’s going on? You up for a visit to Ohana's tonight?”

"I can't go tonight. I’ve got a kind of job I have to do," Ethan said.

"OK, well, if you need anything, don’t hesitate. We’re all here to help," Bellamy replied.

Ethan paused. “Actually, I could use some help.”

“Really? What kind of job? This doesn’t sound like a normal thing.” The lift in the man’s voice told Ethan that Bellamy’s curiosity was piqued.

“You remember Brooklyn, from Ohana’s?” Ethan asked.

Bellamy laughed. “Yeah, I remember Brooklyn. The woman you have a real thing for.”

“I wouldn’t call it a real thing, but... yeah.” Ethan shifted uncomfortably. “She’s having some issues.”

“What kind of issues?” Bellamy’s tone turned serious.

Ethan explained the situation with Liam and the van, detailing Brooklyn’s fears and her belief that the van had followed her home.

“She’s freaked out,” Ethan said. “And honestly, I believe her.”

Bellamy nodded. “Yeah, I’d believe her too. You want some help setting up security?”

“Nah, I just need to grab the equipment,” Ethan said. “Do you think Hawk will mind? I mean it’s his ranch and his equipment.” Jace Hawkins was also his boss, and he didn’t want to do anything to piss the man off.

“Not at all,” Bellamy replied. “You know he wouldn’t want to leave any woman in trouble. Go over there and fix it. Call me if you need anything. I’m happy to help.”

“Thanks,” Ethan said, heading toward his pickup. “Keep a beer cold for me in case I make it back tonight.”

“Have you ever known me to not have cold beer?” Bellamy said with a chuckle as Ethan hung up.

About thirty minutes later, Ethan pulled into the Brotherhood Protector Ranch’s command center. He’d gone home for a quick shower and fresh jeans and a t-shirt. Showing up to Brooklyn’s all sweaty wasn’t a good look. He hopped out of his truck and walked inside, the cool air of the room a welcome reprieve. Rusty Callahan stood in the middle of the space, arms crossed over his chest.

“What’s up?” Rusty asked.

“Not much, man,” Ethan replied.

“I heard you and Mojo were MVPs today.

Ethan grinned. “Yeah, thanks. Mojo was spot on.”

“Good stuff,” Rusty said as he rested his butt on one of the tables. “I also heard you’re going to help Brooklyn Alexander with a problem.”

“Yeah, she’s a little freaked out.”

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