Page 17 of Stormswept Colorado

Usually, people who wanted my autograph were pretty low-key about it. But mob mentality was a very real thing.

“Is there a back exit?” Bryan asked.

Natalie wrung her hands. “No, but I could call for a police escort if you want.”

I shook my head emphatically. Calling Silver Ridge PD was the last thing I needed. A lecture from Chief Landry about how much of a problem my presence caused in town? No, thanks.

“It’ll be fine.” I was reassuring myself just asmuch as the others. I had Bryan with me, and I’d dealt with countless crowds of fans before. We were just fine.

I finished paying and tucked both my bag and Bryan’s under my arm. He looked worried. “I’ll go out first,” he said. “Clear the way, then I’ll come back for you.”

“I’d rather just get this done. I’ll stop a moment, say hi and take a few selfies. Then we can move on.”

Bryan glowered. “Hell, no. We can’t give those assholes any oxygen. I am not liking the vibes out there.”

Okay, he was right. But after my day out with Maisie, this was disappointing. And it scared me to think what might’ve happened if a crowd like this gathered when she was with me. What if she’d heard those guys cat-calling me earlier?

Even worse, I was supposed to head over to Hearthstone Brewing right after this. What if the crowd followed me there? What if they wouldn’t leave Ashford and Emma’s guests alone?

I should’ve worn the hat and sunglasses. Taken the side streets and alleys.

Don’t put yourself on display.Good girls don’t do that.You’re more trouble than it’s worth.

My father’s voice. Every once in a while, it snuck into my mind like a dagger. A cheap shot from nowhere. But it just made me all the more defiant.

Lifting my chin, I banished my fears. “Lead the way,” I said to Bryan. “Let’s go.”

Natalie unlocked the door. Bryan went out first. “Step back please. Let us through.” He reached backward so he could place his hand at the small of my back in a protective gesture. He angled his body, half shielding me and half ready to shove a path through the crowd.

I stepped outside. The shouts started immediately, setting my teeth on edge. “Ayla, can I get an autograph?”

“Ayla, we’re your biggest fans, can we get a selfie?”

I forced a smile. “Sorry, everyone. I can’t stop right now. Have a nice night.”Keep going. It’ll be fine.

The crowd jostled. Someone shoved into me.

“Ayla, smile!”

“Show us your tits!” another guy taunted.

My stomach lurched. “Learn some manners!” I shouted back, even though I shouldn’t have responded at all. Shouldn’t let my temper out.

“Move,” Bryan yelled. “Get the fuck out of the way!” The voices and laughter crescendoed, and a hard grip closed around my wrist. I didn’t see who it was.

Suddenly, everything was happening so fast.

Bryan shoved someone. I cried out as the hand around my wrist pulled hard. A fist lashed out at Bryan’s face, catching him in the nose. He threw a punch.

And then, all hell broke loose.

SEVEN

Teller

There wasa damnriotin the middle of Main Street.

“We need backup,” I said into my radio. Then lifted my chin at Susan. We’d just jumped out of my department SUV. “Focus on dispersing the crowd. It’s a chaotic situation, and we need to get it under control.”

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