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

house. “I’ll manage.”
    “Call me if you need anything,” Coen said. “ Anything .”
    “Thank you so much.”
    “And please reconsider going to the police.”
    She didn’t respond.
    Coen left the house and returned to the shack. When he walked into the bedroom, Sydney was still asleep. He sighed in relief. If he couldn’t tell her the truth about Casey, he didn’t want her to notice his absence to question him.
    He went into the bathroom and washed the blood from his hands. Seeing it fall into the drain just made him angry all over again. The situation was too close to his hea rt. Guys like Jeremy didn’t deserve to live. Any man that hit a woman was a waste of life. Coen wished he could kill him with his bare hands. Theresa’s face kept popping into his mind. She was laying her casket, wearing her favorite dress. Her hair was displayed around her face, making her look peaceful and happy. Coen felt the tears in his eyes when he thought about it. He lost his sister but he wouldn’t let another innocent girl die. He would protect Casey if it was the last thing he’d ever do. He just wished he could tell Sydney about it. He didn’t know how he would hide it from her.

    9
    Sydney didn’t question him about that night. Coen was relieved that she hadn’t noticed his absence. It was a situation he was thankful to avoid. Sydney was still sick in bed, coughing and spitting out mucous. Coen became more worried.
    “Baby, I’m taking you back to the hospital. You should be better by now.”
    She nodded. “I’m scared.”
    He held her hand. “You’re going to be fine. I just think we need something stronger.”
    “Okay.”
    When they went to the hospital, the doctor diagnosed her with bronchitis.
    “How is that possible?” Coen asked.
    “It’s rare, but it happens,” the doctor said. “I’ll write you a different prescription. It should clear up in a few days.” He wrote on a pad and handed it to Coen. “And here is the verification that she can’t be in school for a while.”
    “Thank you.” Coen still felt uneasy. He wanted to help Sydney, but he felt worthless.
    The doctor noticed the look. “Your wife is going to be fine.”

Coen nodded. “Thank you.”
    When they returned to the shack, Coen helped her into bed.
    Sydney sighed in annoyance. “I hate this, Coen.”
    “I know, baby. I’m so sorry.”
    “I’m so glad you haven’t gotten sick.”
    He rubbed his nose against hers. “I’m indestructible.”
    “That’s good to know,” she said with a smile.
    “Everyone says they want to come over and visit you today.”
    “They do?”
    Coen nodded.
    “Good, because I’m so bored.”
    He laughed. “You guys can play board games.”
    “You won’t be here?”
    “I have to work, baby.”
    “Oh,” she said sadly.
    “I’m sorry. With you not working, I can’t give any shifts away.”
    “I understand.”
    He kissed her forehead. “I’ll see you later. Call me if you need anything.”
    “I know.”
    Coen left and went to school. He finished his morning classes then met his friends for lunch. Henry eyed him, watching his every move. Coen said nothing, wishing he’d look away. This would all be easier if he hadn’t promised to keep Casey’s secret. She was really putting a strain on his life.
    When he went to work, Casey was waiting for him.
    “How are you?” he asked immediately.
    “He hasn’t bothered me.”
    “That’s good,” he said with a sigh. “I’m relieved.”
    “Do you think he’ll bother me again?”
    “I hope not.”
    She nodded.
    They completed their training until the session was over. When Coen walked her out, she fidgeted with her hands.
    “I’m still scared,” she whispered.
    “Don’t be. You always got me.”
    “I’m so lucky I found you. I don’t have anyone else in the world.”
    “I’m sure you do.”
    She shook her head. “I really don’t. I can’t tell anyone.”
    He sighed. That was the root of the problem. When they kept their