Haven Bound

19. Austin

19

Austin

When Hailey’s text came through that someone left a rose at Chelsea’s bakery and now she was being followed, my vision immediately veiled in a crimson haze.

I’m almost certain that the rose was left by her creepy-as-shit ex-boyfriend that I saw earlier today, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s also the one who’s tailing her. If this is yet another fuck that’s trying to steal her light, I will end them.

I returned to Haven Beach with one mission and one mission only. Daniel Witters, Chelsea’s stepfather, is supposed to be my focus. Not hanging out with my friends. Not falling back into Chelsea’s orbit. And definitely not going damn near eighty miles per hour down the fucking street to ensure her safety. I’m ignoring the lights that turn red just before I fly through them to get to her and intercept the vehicle that’s following her.

Her shuddering breath comes through the line, hinting at the emotion she’s likely fighting to keep in check while she drives. I’m going as fast as I possibly can without putting anyone else in harm's way.

“You still with me, Sunflower?” I can’t help but use my old nickname for her. I remember the way her eyes used to light up, her smile radiant across her face anytime I’d call her by it. The nickname impulsively came out one day. After I saw the way her face lit up, I knew that I’d be calling her Sunflower for the rest of my life.

“Why won’t you just tell me where we’re going?” Chelsea pouts in the passenger seat next to me. I shake my head and smile at her insistence, squeezing her thigh where my hand rests while the other grips the steering wheel.

“Because it’ll ruin the surprise,” I tell her. We’re almost to our destination, and she’s asked me where I’m taking her a handful of times. Each time, I refuse. Planning dates and keeping the details from her has become a habit at this point. The surprises are for her, but her reaction to them is for me. The way her eyes light up. The way the freckles across the bridge of her nose seem to brighten right along with her smile. Every little detail is like a shot of adrenaline that sets my entire body on fire.

Of all the dates I've planned for us over the past few weeks, this one is probably going to be one of my favorites. I can't wait to see her reaction. I just hope she likes it as much as I think she will.

“Pleeease?” She draws out the word, leaning in close to me. Her warm breath caresses my neck beneath my ear, sending waves of electricity coursing through my veins. Her lips kiss and tease at the sensitive area, my grip on her thigh tightening.

“We’re never going to make it there if you keep that up,” I tell her, my voice coming out as a rasp. She hums and slides her hand onto my upper thigh, dangerously close to my hardening cock.

“Are you doubting your driving abilities?” she teases as her hand slides right over my zipper. Her fingers move to trace along the edge of the denim.

“No, Beautiful. I would never let anything happen to you.” Her fingers slip ever so slightly beneath my waistband. My dick pulses at the thought of her touching me.

I swear this woman is going to be the death of me.

As much as I love the way her hands feel against my skin, I haven’t allowed myself to get carried away with her. It would be so easy to steal her away and finally claim her body, but I know that I can’t do that. I don’t have much time left before I’m expected to leave and begin my training. I’ll be leaving Chelsea and everyone else I know and love behind.

But I can’t tell her that. Keeping her in the dark is the only way that I know how to protect her. I don’t think she’ll understand the life I’m expected to lead. If I ever looked into her eyes and saw fear shining back at me, I would break.

She sits back in her seat, in the middle where the center console has been lifted up and out of the way so she can sit right beside me. Her head rests on my shoulder, her hand still tracing over my dick through my jeans. It’s taking all of my strength to continue driving and not pull over onto the side of the road.

Farmland stretches for miles around us on either side of the highway. Chelsea sits up in her seat, her lips parted as she leans forward to try and get a better view. Endless rows of sunflowers cover the approaching fields as we turn into Sunny Days Ranch, where they let you wander the fields and pick a wide variety of sunflowers.

Chelsea’s favorite.

I pull the truck into the dirt parking lot and hop out before walking around to open her door. I hold out my hand for her to take as she slides out of the passenger seat. “Austin… This is incredible!” she exclaims, her eyes darting back and forth across the wide expanse of flower fields that surround us. With her hand still in mine, I lace my fingers with hers and stand there smiling down at her, giving myself a moment to soak in the excitement that’s spread across her face.

“C’mon,” I urge, leading her with me to the entrance. I pay the admission fee and take the pair of shears that are provided in case she decides that she’d like to pick a few sunflowers to take home. She’s so excited that she’s practically bouncing up and down like a child who's seeing a candy store for the first time. It’s one of the most adorable things I’ve ever seen, and I can’t keep the smile off my face.

As soon as we’re through the front gates, we’re greeted by rolling fields with small pathways carved out so we can easily walk through and be immersed in the flowers. Chelsea spins to face me and wraps her arms around my neck, and I’m instantly leaning down to press my mouth to hers. What I mean to be a quick sweet kiss morphs into something more as she swipes her tongue over the seam of my lips, requesting entrance. I groan into the kiss and pull her hips against mine, allowing her to feel just how much I want her. She nips at my bottom lip and pulls back, tugging her own lip between her teeth as she gazes up at me. Reaching up, I pull her bottom lip free from her teeth and lean down to kiss her once more, forcing myself to keep this one short and sweet.

Stepping back, I take her hand in mine and lead her into the fields and down one of the dirt pathways. The smile and giddiness exuding from her only intensify as we weave our way through the endless rows of tall sunflowers, some of them so tall that we can barely see over them. Out here, surrounded by a sea of flowers, we're completely hidden from view. Walking through these fields, holding hands with this temptation of a woman feels like an entirely new sort of torture. One I'd happily dive into head first if it weren't for the deadline hanging over my head.

“I’m still here,” Chelsea murmurs, bringing my mind back to the present. The fear in her voice has me on edge. Tension radiates throughout my body as I slam my hands against the steering wheel, silently cursing at every vehicle blocking my path. “Almost to Harbor, but Austin…” She trails off for a moment and then says, “He’s still right behind me. Every time I try to speed up, he does too.” Emotion breaks through her voice, a slight sob escaping with the last words.

“It’s okay, Sunflower. I’m almost there. Just keep talking to me, okay?” It’s taking all of my inner strength to keep my voice calm and steady for her, but I know that if I let even a hint of fear show through, she’ll break. I can’t let that happen. Not until I know she’s safe.

“I’m at the light about to t-t-turn onto Harbor…” There’s a tremble to her voice that I’ve never heard before. It makes me want to obliterate anyone who has ever hurt her.

“Good girl.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them, and I have to bite back a curse at the sound of Chelsea’s sharp inhale. “Keep going. Hailey is waiting for you at the Elysian. I’ll take it from here, okay?” I’m not asking for permission, but I also need her to stay as calm as possible and get there safely. From this moment forward, I’ll do everything within my power to keep her safe.

Chelsea’s car comes into view. I immediately swing the blacked-out SUV into the lane beside her.

Her gasp is audible over the phone. “Relax, baby. It’s just me,” I tell her, and I swear a whimper filters through my phone’s speaker. Whether it’s because she’s finally feeling relieved that help has arrived or a reaction to my use of the term of endearment, I’m not sure.

“Don’t hang up until you get to the hotel,” I remind her, needing her to remain on the phone with me until then. She hums out an "Mhm" in response. Zack’s already connected to my dashcam and should have a clear view of everything playing out. With any luck, he’ll be able to get this guy’s license plate to run the tags.

I haven’t been involved in too many car chases, at least not when I’m the one doing the chasing, but I’m sure as fuck not going to give up until I can get this fucker away from my girl.

My girl.

Fuck, nope. She’s not my girl. Not anymore.

“Speed up for me, baby. I know the light is yellow, but you’re gonna fly through it and not look back. I’ll see you at the hotel tonight.” She doesn’t give me a verbal answer, just another soft "Mhm" as she picks up speed and makes it through the light the second that it switches to red.

I take a deep breath and tighten my grip on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, bracing myself for what comes next. I didn’t have a plan for how I was going to get Chelsea away from this asshole, but in a split second, I’m veering sharply to the left. The tires protest against the abrupt maneuver, the SUV swinging into the lane beside me at an angle, effectively cutting off the sedan’s access to Chelsea. Adrenaline surges through my veins, goosebumps coating my back and arms as the car screeches to a halt.