Page 13 of Ethan's Command

Tears of frustration pricked at her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She turned away, staring out the window as her emotions churned. Every fiber of her being screamed that they should keep going, but Ethan didn’t budge. The silence in the truck was thick and heavy with unspoken words.

Ethan restarted the engine and turned the truck around. The ride back to her neighborhood was tense, the only sound the hum of the engine and the faint roar of distant traffic. When they finally pulled into her driveway, Brooklyn threw open the door and got out, slamming it behind her.

“I know you’re angry,” Ethan said as he grabbed his gear from the back seat. “But we’ll figure this out. You’re not alone in this.”

Brooklyn didn’t answer. She stalked toward the house, her shoulders tight with anger and fear. Inside, she knew Liam was safe. But as she reached the door, she couldn’t shake the image of the van, its dark windows hiding God knows what, and the men inside who might still be watching.

CHAPTER 6

Tension hungheavy in the air as Ethan followed Brooklyn into the house.

“How was it, dear?” Mrs. Forbes asked as she rose from the sofa, her warm smile genuine despite the late hour. “Did you manage to take care of everything?”

Brooklyn cleared her throat but her voice remained tight. “Yes, it was fine. I can’t thank you enough for helping me out these past few days.”

Mr. Forbes stood, his movements slow and deliberate, the shuffle of an elderly man with limited mobility. “It’s been our pleasure, dear. You know we think of you as a daughter, and Liam is such a treat.”

Brooklyn’s lip trembled slightly, and Ethan stepped closer, searching for something to say to ease the pressure building in her. He could see how much she was struggling to hold herself together. “I hope Mojo behaved himself,” he offered.

“What a fine animal!” Mr. Forbes said, glancing around the room. “He was just here a moment ago. Must have wandered back to Liam’s room.”

“Yes, he’s a good dog,” Ethan agreed. “I’ll just go fetch him. It was nice meeting you both.” He shook hands with Mr. Forbesand nodded politely to Mrs. Forbes before heading down the hallway.

Ethan quickly checked the other bedrooms and bathroom, finally poking his head into Liam’s room. Mojo was curled up on the foot of the bed, his ears twitching slightly. Ethan gave a low whistle, and the dog perked up, obediently hopping off the bed to follow him.

When Ethan returned to the living area, Brooklyn turned from locking the front door, her expression hesitant. “I want to apologize for yelling earlier. It was unfair. I was upset, but that’s no excuse.”

Ethan waved her off. “You’re under a lot of pressure, and you’re scared. I’ve been yelled at before—it’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“Still,” she said, her voice quieter, “I owe you an apology. You’re helping me, and I should have treated you with more respect.”

“Brooklyn,” Ethan said, leaning casually against the back of the couch, “you don’t need to apologize. It’s all good. The bigger question is, do you feel safe here?”

She hesitated, her gaze darting around the room. “I… you just put up the cameras, so it should be fine… right?”

“Do you feel safe here?” he repeated, his tone firmer. “Cameras or not, if you don’t feel safe, you won’t sleep, and Liam will pick up on your stress.”

She frowned, chewing her bottom lip. “Where else would we go? To a hotel? I doubt I’d feel safer there. Jackson decided to redo his floors while he’s away so we can’t stay there either.” Her explanation sounded rushed and defensive.

Ethan crossed his arms, watching her carefully. She didn’t feel safe. He could see it in the set of her shoulders, high and tense. Her fingers fidgeted at her sides. He couldn’t leave herlike this—it wasn’t in him to walk away when she and Liam were vulnerable.

“I can move you both to the Brotherhood Protectors’ ranch,” he suggested. “They have secure cabins you could stay in until this is sorted.”

Brooklyn’s eyes met his, and for a moment, he saw the appeal of the idea flicker in her expression. But she shook her head. “No. I appreciate it, but I think that would upset Liam even more. With his father gone and the science fair coming up, it’s better to keep him in familiar surroundings.”

Ethan’s jaw tightened. She was scared, and that didn’t sit right with him. He had another idea, though he doubted she’d like it. “I’ll sleep on your sofa tonight. Mojo can stay in Liam’s room.”

Her lips parted in surprise. “I?—”

“I won’t interfere,” he said quickly. “I’ll just be here, in case anything happens. To be clear, I doubt they’ll come back tonight, but I can’t guarantee it. All I can promise is to protect you both.”

Brooklyn hugged herself, visibly battling some internal war. He could tell she wanted to agree but couldn’t bring herself to say it.

“I’ll leave before Liam wakes up,” Ethan added gently, “so you won’t have to explain anything to him.”

She hesitated a moment longer before nodding, letting out a sigh that seemed to release some of the tension coiled in her. “I guess that would work.” Her tone was resigned, but her shoulders relaxed slightly. It was a small victory.

“Let me take Mojo out, and I’ll check the property,” Ethan said. “It’ll take ten minutes, tops. Then we’ll be good for the night.”

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