Eli Morgan didn’t like getting involved in other people’s business. His job was already more complicated than he liked. Working as a private security contractor wasn’t as thrilling as his past life in the military—Delta Force had been his whole world. But a botched mission had changed everything. One misstep, one choice he couldn’t take back, and he was forced to leave.
Now, he handled messy situations for other people—threats, security breaches, high-profile protection jobs. He didn’t miss the danger. He told himself that often enough that it felt true most days. But something about Riley Monroe was starting to gnaw at him.
At first, she was just the annoying neighbor who blasted music at all hours. Then he noticed the way she looked over her shoulder every time she left her apartment. The way she jumped at small sounds, her knuckles white as she clutched her bag.
And then there was the man. The same guy, always hovering near her building. Eli had seen him three times now—hands shoved in his jacket pockets, head down, a baseball cap pulled low to hide his face. Each time, when Eli approached, the man disappeared into the shadows.
Tonight was different. Eli was walking home from a late job when he spotted him again. The man stood across the street, leaning against a lamppost. A cigarette glowed faintly between his fingers, the orange ember bright in the dark.
Eli stopped, ducking into the shadows as he watched. The man took one last drag, then dropped the cigarette, crushing it under his boot.
Moments later, Riley stepped out of the building. She was moving quickly, her head down, her keys clutched tightly in her hand.
Eli saw the man straighten. He stepped out of the shadows, his movements slow and deliberate, his gaze locked on Riley.
Eli didn’t wait. He ducked into the alley, staying low, his heart hammering in his chest. He knew the signs. He’d seen men like this before—men who hunted their prey.
He didn’t have to wait long. Riley came running moments later, her breath ragged, her footsteps frantic against the pavement. Eli moved quickly, stepping out in front of her.
She collided with him, and before she could scream, he clamped a hand over her mouth.
“Keep quiet,” he whispered, his voice low and urgent.
Her eyes widened in fear, but when she saw who it was, her body relaxed slightly. Eli pulled her behind him, his sharp gaze scanning the alley.
“You’re safe,” he muttered, his voice barely audible. “But stay behind me.”
He didn’t say what they both knew—that whoever had been chasing her wasn’t far behind.