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Her eyes narrowed. “Tell me why you’re here. Start giving me answers!”

I showed her my palms in a calm-the-fuck-down gesture. “I will. If you lower the gun, we can talk.”

“Wearetalking, jackass. Get your hands back up in the air and don’t move!” Her nostrils flared as she glared daggers at me.

I did as she asked.

She glanced at her cell on the nightstand.

I took a step forward while her gaze was averted. “I wouldn’t do that.”

Her eyes whipped to me. “Stay back!”

I held my position. “Lower the shotgun so nobody gets hurt. Shooting an unarmed person will get you in a world of trouble.” Doubtful since I’d broken into her home, but it was worth a try. “Listen, you’re the only one here with a gun in your hands. You’ve got all the control. Don’t do anything stupid.” I used a soothing tone and took another small step forward.

Her brow creased. “I said stay the fuck back or I’ll pull the trigger.”

“Calm down.”

“Do it, now!” She stared at me unblinking, the antique weapon trembling in her grip.

I lowered my chin. “Cameron, listen to—”

She froze, her pale face looking freaked at the sound of her name. Then she held her breath and closed her lids.

I dove to the floor.

Click.

The rusty shotgun misfired. Cameron’s eyes snapped open.

Moving fast, I jumped to my feet. She hurled the weapon at my head. I deflected it with my forearm.Fucking ouch!I growled and launched at her, but she lunged from my reach to snatch up a large wrench from her dresser. I grabbed her from behind, covering her mouth with my hand. She screamed and hit me on the brow with it. I grunted in pain.

I knocked the wrench out of her grip, pulled out the syringe and flicked the cap off. She reached behind and grabbed my ear, yanking my head to the side. I snarled and stabbed the sedative into her thigh. She jerked and screamed again, then thumped me in the jaw with her fist. I tossed the empty syringe to the floor and held her in a firm bear hug.

She still fought hard, bucking and kicking like a wild animal. Eventually, the drug took hold and her thrashing slowed.

Muffled screams became cries, then silence. I removed my hand from her mouth and turned her to face me. I shouldn’t have. The fear in her stare was unsettling to witness and tugged on some long-forgotten part of me.

Long lashes fluttered as they struggled to remain open.

“I’m sorry it has to be like this.”