Page 74 of Baited

Ethan’s fingers gripped his coffee; the scalding paper cup burned his fingers. He didn’t flinch. “Shit.”

“Nothing too serious, there weren’t any charges. But she claimed he’d uttered threats and was stalking her.”

“When was this?”

“Eighteen months ago.”

Ethan exhaled through his nose. “I guess we’ll find out more in a few minutes.”

“Damn right.” Nate loosened the seat belt across his collarbone and cleared his throat. “I’ve been meaning to ask, how’s Maddie doing?” Nate’s voice squeaked.

Ethan’s eyebrows snapped together and he settled back in his seat and narrowed his eyes at Nate. His friend kept his gaze on the road.

“She’s good. A pain in the neck as usual. Hang a left at the light.” He gestured ahead, and then turned his attention back to Nate. “Why do you ask?”

Nate looked at him, his brow furrowed. “Just curious, man. I haven’t seen her since Aubrie’s wedding. What’s with the tone?” Nate’s voice had returned to normal and Ethan shook his head.

He was bent out of shape about Riley and it was starting to show.

“Sorry, dude. I have a lot on my mind. Thanks for asking. Truth is she’s driving me nuts.” He slammed back the rest of his coffee and let the liquid burn his throat. He set the empty cup in the holder next to him. “Did I tell you she wants to get into the bureau?”

Nate grunted. “Yeah, I could see that.”

Ethan shook his head, frustration seeping into his veins. “She’s too damn cocky.”

“That’s what you get for training her in combat hapkido and MMA. She’s a tough girl. I’m pretty sure she could kick your ass.”

“I don’t doubt it, but that’s her problem. She’s going to get herself hurt. I don’t know why she can’t be happy as a bank manager. She always wants more than what she has.”

“I take it you shut down her ambitions?”

Ethan clenched his hands into fists. “I didn’t shut down any of her ambitions for fuck’s sake. I’m trying to save her from a world of danger and devastation.”

“You know you can’t protect her forever, right? Besides, she doesn’t need your permission.”

Ethan massaged the spot between his eyes. He didn’t need to have this conversation again. Riley had already said the same damn thing.

“Let’s drop it. I’m getting a headache.”

“Sure. We’re here anyway.” Nate pulled up in front of the light blue colored duplex and slammed the car into park. “Holy shit. Is that—?”

Ethan’s gaze snapped to Brian’s porch. Sure enough, Riley stood talking to Brian in her work uniform. Anger coursed through him, igniting his veins.

“Yeah,” he hissed. He flung the door open and stalked down the sidewalk.

His eyes never left them. Brian stood with his shoulders tense, his hands clenched into fists and his gaze zeroed in on Riley.

“Riley,” Ethan barked. She whirled around as he advanced up the steps and he caught her wrist in his hand. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Her gaze shifted from him to Brian, but he didn’t miss the relief that relaxed her shoulders. “I, uh, had some time before I had to be at work. I just wanted to talk to Brian.” She straightened her spine and turned her attention back to Brian.

Ethan locked his jaw, biting back the irritation that prickled his skin. As if coming here alone wasn’t bad enough, she hadn’t even told him.

Ethan’s Glock nestled snugly against his spine, and his fingers itched to pull it out and press it to Brian’s reddening face.

“Can I help you?” Brian crossed his arms across his chest. His brown eyes turned chilly. He stood a couple of inches shorter than Ethan, but was in good shape.

“S’up? We just want to chat with you.” Nate flipped his badge out and Brian’s eyes widened. “Mind if we come in?”

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