Caught in the Undertow (Hawaiian Crush #6) by E. L. Todd

away into the darkness, getting into his car.
    When he was gone, Casey was in tears.
    Coen turned to her. “Are you okay?”
    She shook her head then moved into his arms, hugging him.
    Coen stilled at the unexpected affection. He kept his arms up, not touching her.
    “Thank you so much.”
    “Yeah…”
    She cried into his chest. “I can’t get away from him.”
    Coen kept his hands up. He hated it when girls hugged him. He felt like he was cheating on Sydney. “Is he your ex-boyfriend?”
    “I wish,” she said. “I keep trying to end the relationship but he won’t let me.”
    Coen tried to pull away but she gripped him tighter.
    Henry walked outside then stared at Coen.
    Coen felt his heart accelerate. He pulled away from Casey. “He shouldn’t bother you again.”
    She wiped her tears away. “I hope so.”
    “You’ll be okay. You have my number if you need me.”
    “Thank you so much.”
    “I should go.”
    “Oh…okay.”
    Coen walked away then moved passed Henry, going back inside.
    Henry followed him. “What was that?”
    “Nothing,” Coen said.
    Henry grabbed his shoulder. “It didn’t look like nothing.” His anger was shining through his eyes.
    Coen stepped back. “Don’t touch me.”
    Henry glared at him. “Answer me.”
    “It’s none of your business what it was.”
    “I’ll see if Sydney feels the same way.”
    Coen pushed him. “You really think I’d cheat on my wife? I know you’ve always thought you were better for her than me, but you aren’t. Drop it.”
    “Then explain yourself.”
    Coen glared at him. “I don’t owe you an explanation. It’s a private matter.”
    Henry didn’t look convinced.
    “I’m pissed that you’d assume I’d betray Sydney.”
    Henry sighed. “She’s my best friend. I’m sorry. It’s in my nature to look out for her.”
    “Have a little faith.” Coen walked back to the bar, feeling the anger wash through him. He was glad he spared Casey but he wished Henry hadn’t seen it. It didn’t look good. Sydney would completely understand the situation. He wasn’t worried that she would get the wrong impression. Their relationship was built on trust. Nothing could break that.

    8
    When Coen came home, Sydney was already asleep. He put the ice cream in the freezer, did the laundry, and tidied up the house before he went to bed. A bottle of Nyquil was on the nightstand, and Sydney was snoring like a baby.
    Coen got into bed then kissed her forehead. He hated seeing her so decimated by the illness. He stared at her for a long time before he fell asleep. His phone rang, waking him up. He grabbed it from the dresser and looked at the number. He didn’t recognize it.
    “Hello?” he whispered.
    It was a woman, sounding frightened. “Coen?”
    “Casey?”
    “Help me,” she pleaded.
    His heart raced. He glanced at Sydney, seeing that she was still sound asleep. He left the bedroom then moved into the living room. “Are you okay?”
    “He won’t leave.”
    “Your ex?”
    “Yes,” she whispered. “He keeps trying to break down my door.”
    “Call the police,” he said immediately.
    “No, he’ll hurt me more if I do.”
    Coen felt his anger bubble to the surface. “What’s your address?”
    She told him and he wrote it down.
    “I’m on my way,” he said.
    “Hurry.”
    Coen hung up then left the house. When he looked at the time, he realized it was two in the morning. Hopefully, Sydney wouldn’t realize he was gone. He drove to the address as fast as he could, speeding the entire way. Luckily, there were no cops on the road. He drove up the driveway then jumped out of the car. When he tried the front door, it was locked. Sounds of yelling could be heard inside.
    Coen took out his pocket knife then picked the lock. After a few tries, he was successful. He burst into the door then ran down the hallway. The man was trying to break down the door with a bat. Coen reali zed how serious this was.
    He shoved the man to the ground, kicked the