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Before she could move, jean-clad legs in black boots appeared. A tanned, masculine hand lifted the gun from the floor, but she couldn’t get a glimpse of a face.
Her already racing heart gave an extra pump of adrenaline.
Who was that? Ryder and Hadley seemed oblivious to the newcomer as they traded punches, their curses littering the air.
Her fists curled, nails digging into her palms. Every wet thud made her stomach turn. When would it stop? She couldn’t tell who had the upper hand with the way they were going at it, or whether the black boots belonged to a friend or enemy. Why was he just standing there?
While she cowered under the table, unable to help Ryder.
The front door burst open with an explosive force that sent bits of the door frame flying.
Nathalie shrieked.
Nathan Long burst through the shattered threshold, a pistol between his giant palms. He spared a brief glance at Ryder and Hadley, his weapon following his icy gaze as it swept the room. Lachlan Mackay entered behind him, doing the same thing.
When the barrel of Nathan’s gun reached her, he immediately lifted it to the ceiling.
Another crash, this time from the kitchen.
Nathan reached Nathalie in two long strides and crouched next to her. “You okay?”
At her nod, he yanked a knife from his boot. With two flicks of his wrist, he freed her from the chair, then scooped her in his arms and turned back to the chaos.
Now she had a better view of the room.
The black boots belonged to Caleb. Behind him, in the kitchen, was Danny. Lachlan took up position near the front door.
All of them watched like they were ringside at a UFC fight.
Nathalie struggled in Nathan’s arms. “Why aren’t any of you helping Ryder?”
Nathan just grinned and tightened his hold. “Our boy looks like he’s holding his own.”
“Are you kidding?” She threw a pointed finger toward the scrum. “That guy is dangerous!”
Nathan’s amusement vanished. “So is Ryder.” He turned and set her on the couch. His tone lightened again as he looked at the two men, now grappling on the floor. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the guy lose his shit like this before.”
“Okay, Ryder, that’s enough, pal.” Lachlan stepped forward and grasped Ryder’s shoulder.
Ryder shook him off.
Lachlan lifted his chin at Nathan.
Nathan sighed. “Excuse me.” He ambled over to where Ryder was punching a now motionless Hadley in the face, reached down and wrapped his arms around Ryder’s body, forcibly lifting him off the other man.
Ryder snarled, his bloodied face twisted in rage.
“Easy, amigo.” Nathan set him on his feet but didn’t release him from the bear hug. “You won.”
Caleb kneeled over Hadley’s prone form. “He’s alive, but he’s going to need medical attention.”
“Nathalie.” Ryder’s frantic gaze searched the room until it landed on her, his electric blue eyes alive with emotion.
“I’m right here. I’m okay.” Her vision blurred at the sight of him, hair mussed, his light blue polo and bare arms covered in blood.
But alive. So very alive.
Nathan released his hold.