Escape from Obsession (The American Soldier Collection 1)

“Take care of this for me, will ya.”

Teddy nodded. “I’m on it and will call it in right now.” Teddy walked away and then John Luke followed Teddy as Gunny walked her down the hall and into the private office.

The moment the door closed he pulled her into his arms and hugged her to him. His large hand cupped the back of her head and the other held her lower body. He was breathing heavy, and she felt the tension in his body. He was so upset.

“It’s okay, Gunny. He’s trying to get to me, like he did the others.”

“He’s not getting to you.”

“No, he can’t get to me. He has lost. It will all be over this week in court. There are too many charges against him and the judge should have never set bail.”

He pulled back and looked down into her eyes.

“What did he say to you?”

She shook her head and he gripped her chin, tilting up toward him.

“What?” he asked firmly.

“He said he knew where I lived and how nice the view was from the living room and bedroom. He mentioned my comforter.”

“Motherfucker.”

“What did he say when you took the phone?”

He was silent and she rubbed her hands along his waist and then up to his chest as he looked down at her. He was so tall and big compared to her. Her head barely reached his chest.

“What did he say?” she asked again.

He held her gaze then turned away as he clenched his teeth.

“He was describing how he would rip your clothes off and fuck you from behind.”

The fear hit her belly and she hugged him tight. He released a long sigh as the door opened and Wes and Garrett entered.

“What the fuck happened?” Wes asked and Gunner squeezed her snugly against him.

“Please calm down, Gunny. I’m safe and I’m here with you,” she told him as he leaned back against the desk. She stood between his hard thighs and held his cheeks between her hands.

* * * *

Gunny was filled with so much anger he wanted to hit something. It was difficult to not hold Gia too tight. He didn’t want to hurt her or scare her, but that fucking asshole called her. The same man who attacked her now was trying to intimidate her. If he hadn’t taken the phone from Gia, she would have heard that sick bastard’s words. His brothers entered the room, both looking just as angry at the situation.

“Please, Gunny, it doesn’t matter.”

“It does matter. This isn’t right. I’ve seen the results of situations like this, Gia. On the job I’ve showed up on scenes where women have been brutally raped or even beaten by men that were supposed to love them but instead nearly killed them. I’ve responded to calls about victims who cried for help or remained silent out of fear.”

“It’s over, Gunny. What he said, what he thinks, doesn’t matter. I can handle this and I don’t want you overthinking the situation.”

“Overthinking the situation?” he asked and she stepped back as if there was something she wasn’t telling them. Call it investigative instinct or whatever, but he was getting the impression that Gia really didn’t think this situation was unacceptable. What in the world kind of men, kind of life had she led and been exposed to?

“Gia, this isn’t normal or acceptable. Being stalked, harassed, and assaulted by a man is not acceptable by any means,” Wes stated and Gunny looked at him and then at Garrett as he pulled Gia into his arms.

“Is this the first time this asshole has tried to contact you since the attack?” Garrett asked and Gunny became more upset. He placed his hands on his hips and stared at her.

“Yes, it’s the first time. God, now you think that I’m stupid enough not to tell Teddy or call the police? I made that mistake once in my life and nearly suffered the consequences of it,” she stated and they all looked at one another.

Garrett touched her cheek.