Page 99 of Taken With Trouble

“There’s proof,” he says, we’re circling each other now, both guns out. “I found coordinates.”

“Too bad you’ll never get to test them out.”

His eyes widen, and he pulls an expression onto his face that is almost human. “Wewill.”

“You’ve never wanted any part of my life. Now I don’t want any part of yours.”

His lips quirk in a half smile. “A shame.”

I nod. It is.

Three things happen in the next second: A door bursts open followed by two gunshots—one from my gun, one from his. I don’t feel anything except the feeling of falling.

Falling.

Forever.

Chapter 44

Serena

Sebastian drags me downthe hall, and once we are far enough away from Liam, my brain starts to function again. I have to fight for myself, for him. Sebastian pulls me roughly, causing me to stagger behind him. He takes a corner too quickly, and I fall, tripping over my own two feet. I go down hard, knees, elbows, head. The emotions catch up to me, and it’s perfect timing.

I sob.

“Seraphina.” Sebastian stops and kneels beside me. He must be feeling bad for claiming me like I’m a possession. For some reason, after all these years, he still has a soft spot for me, and I plan to manipulate it. “Are you okay?” He picks me up, checking me for injuries.

Big mistake. I jab my fingers into his eyes, and when he yells, I jump behind him, looping my arms around his neck.

He grunts and squirms, trying to free himself.

“Listen to me carefully.” I hold him with strength I didn’t know I possessed. “I am not your toy. And I am not the same girl I was seven years ago. I will kill you, and I’ll enjoy it.”

A throat clears behind me, and I whirl around, bringing Sebastian’s purple head with me. “Caleb?” And a whole team behind him. I’ve never been so happy to see my partner.

“Perhaps you can let the man go, and let me take it from here?” he asks, amusement seeping into his voice.

Sebastian goes limp in my arms, and I bite my bottom lip. “No need.”

Two shots go off from the direction we came, and I drop Sebastian. “Liam!” I scream, running down the hallway.

“Serena, wait,” Caleb calls behind me. I think he’s going to stop me, but instead, he holds out a gun, running in stride with me.

“Thanks.” I run through the already open door and take in the scene. Both Liam and his father lie on the ground. There is someone at The Boss’s side, helping him up. Ford.

Caleb’s face goes bright red. “You piece of—” He jumps on Ford.

I race toward Liam. Blood spurts from his right side and I will myself not to cry. “He’s hit,” I yell to no one in particular. I’m aware of other agents and officers coming inside and doing something, but I don’t know what. I can’t pull my eyes away from Liam.

“Liam,” I say, pressing my hands to his side.

“What?” he groans, eyes still closed.

“I need you to stay with me.”

His eyes open to slits. “Serena?” he whispers, like he can’t believe it.

“I’m here. Just keep breathing, okay?” My voice shakes. Will his bad heart make him bleed out too fast?