Free Understood by Maya Banks

short distance away. The sound was muffled to Ellie’s ears.
    “Jeremy, get him the hell out of here before Jake shows up or Jake’ll kill him,” Wes directed.
    Wes’ hand tightened around her. “Ellie, honey, let me get you out of here. You’re safe now.”
    She tensed. She was slow to process what went on around her. Was Ray still out there? She began to shake uncontrollably as what had happened started to sink in. Ray. On her doorstep. Oh God.
    She heard the thump of heavy footsteps and then Jake burst into the bathroom. She felt him as much as she heard him.
    “Oh God, Ellie!”
    Wes pulled away from her and suddenly she was in Jake’s arms. She threw her arms around him and held on tight. Hot tears coursed down her cheeks, wetting his shirt.
    He stood up, picking her up with him. She clung to him, hoarse sobs ripping from her throat.
    Jake carried her into the living room and sat down on the couch, her body cradled against his chest.
    “Ellie, sweetheart, did he hurt you?”
    She shook her head against his chest. Her hands crept around his neck, and she tried to control her trembling.
    His hands caressed her hair over and over, and he smoothed kisses across her brow.
    “You’re all right now, Ellie. The bastard can’t hurt you. I’ve got you, sweetheart. I won’t let anyone hurt you again.”
    She finally relaxed against him, her eyes closing in relief. She lay limply in his arms, so worn out, so emotionally drained she couldn’t have moved if she wanted.
    “Jake, I’ll need a statement from her so we can hold the bastard,” Wes spoke up.
    “Not now,” Jake said harshly. “Can’t you see she’s scared out of her mind?”
    She raised her head, surprised at how weak she felt. “No,” she said softly. “I’ll answer his questions.”
    “Are you sure?” Jake asked. His eyes held such tenderness, such love . Her chest tightened and tears welled in her eyes once more.
    She nodded and turned to look at Wes who sat across the living room in the armchair.
    “Did he threaten you? Did he hurt you in any way?” Wes asked.
    Jake tensed against her.
    “No. He kept saying he was sorry,” she mumbled. “I thought it was Jake at the door. I opened it and Ray was there. I lost it. It’s just that…”
    “You don’t have to defend your reaction,” Jake said gruffly. “Not after what he’s done to you.”
    “I grabbed the phone and hid in the bathroom,” she continued. “He came to the bathroom door but you got here before anything happened.”
    Wes nodded. Then he sighed and ran an aggravated hand through his hair. He looked apologetically at her and Jake.
    “Best we can do is bust him on violating a restraining order. He’ll be out before the paperwork is dry.”
    Ellie stiffened and turned her face back into Jake’s chest.
    “Just make damn sure he gets the hell away from her,” Jake growled. “Tell him to go back to New York where he belongs and to leave her the hell alone. Because if I ever see him back here, I’ll kill the son of a bitch.”
    “We’ll find out what he was up to and make damn sure he doesn’t pull a stunt like this again,” Wes assured.
    “Thank you,” Ellie said in a low voice. “Thank you for getting here so fast.”
    Wes stood up. “It won’t happen to you again, Ellie. Not on my watch. I’ll have a squad car come by here regularly to check in on you.”
    “She won’t be here,” Jake said bluntly. “I’m taking her home with me.”
    Wes nodded. “Take care, Ellie.” He turned and walked to the door.
    Ellie let out an exhausted sigh as the door closed behind Wes. Jake’s arms tightened around her.
    “Let’s get you some clothes and whatever else you need. You’re going to stay with me for awhile.”
    She nodded. As he started to pull away from her, she wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly against her.
    “Thank you, Jake. Thank you for coming for me.”
    He kissed her temple and stroked her hair. “There should never be a doubt,