Page 60 of Protected By Her Daddy

I see the tension in Ethan’s body as he weighs his options, realizing he’s lost control of the situation. His grip on Wren slackens as his focus shifts to Jonas, and my beautiful, brave wife doesn’t hesitate. She drops to the ground, covering her head. My little bird has a backbone of steel.

In that split second, everything happens at once. Jonas’ shot rings out, loud and sharp in the enclosed space, and Ethan crumples to the ground, the gun falling from his hand.

Ed and the team rush forward, their weapons trained on Gregory and Jerry. Leaving my men to deal with them, I make a beeline for Wren.

“Gabriel!” Wren’s voice is a broken sob as she runs toward me and flings herself into my arms.

“I’ve got you, baby girl, I’ve got you,” I rasp as she wraps all four limbs around me and buries her face in my neck.

“Ethan lured me from the penthouse. He said you’d been shot. I thought I’d lost you, Gabe,” she wails, her tears soaking my shirt.

I swallow hard, holding her tight, relishing her softness. “I told you I’m never leaving you, Wren. I meant it.” I spread my hand over her stomach between us. “Are you okay? The baby…”

“I’m fine. We’re fine now you’re here,” she hiccups into my neck.

“God, I was so scared. When Luther told me you were gone, I wanted to rip Ethan limb from limb.”

Wren pulls back to look at me, her blue eyes wide and shimmering with unshed tears. “Luther’s alive? I thought?—”

“He’ll be fine. I just knocked him out. He had to make it look good,” Jonas says as he joins us.

I extend my hand to him, and he shakes it. “Thanks, Abe. Must admit, it was a shock seeing your ugly mug here, but you saved my wife’s life. That’s a debt I can never repay.”

Wren looks between Abe and me. “Abe? But?—”

“Sorry I scared you,” Abe apologizes, “but I had to keep my cover.”

“You work for Gabe?” she asks in amazement.

Abe laughs, softening his harsh features. “No. Gabriel and I served together, but I’m a lone ranger now.”

Wren looks at me. “Is there anyone around here who isn’t an ex-SEAL?”

I give her a sheepish look. “What can I say? I surround myself with the best. Although”—I glance at Abe—“I had no idea Abe was here.”

“Sorry, brother, but I couldn’t risk exposure. I’d already infiltrated their group when Ed reached out for help. Turns out you’re not the only one who wanted to bring them down.”

“Someone else hired you?” I ask in surprise.

“Yeah, and you know better than to ask who,” he says as I open my mouth. “Need to know basis.”

I chuckle. “Fair enough.”

“How come Ethan didn’t recognize you if you served together?” Wren asks Abe.

“We didn’t. I retired three years before Ethan joined the unit. We never met.” Abe holds up the USB drive. “Thanks to you, Wren, I now have a lead on the people running the shit show.”

Wren shakes her head. “I only remembered I had it after Gabriel left earlier. Once I knew what was on it, I called Gabe, but he didn’t answer. Then Ethan happened.” She shivers. “But I’m glad if it helps you find those girls and take down the rest of those monsters.”

“I’m sure it will. In the meantime, there’s enough evidence to put Gregory and Jerry away permanently.” Abe looks at me. “If that’s what you want.”

“Ed and I have other plans for them,” I tell him.

Abe nods in understanding. “I’ll keep it safe, just in case.”

“Thank you, Abe. For everything,” Wren says with a smile.

“You’re welcome, Wren.” He winks and tips his head in my direction. “Keep this one out of trouble.”

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