Page 80 of Before and After

Now, I lost it.

I threw myself at him, and he caught me, yanking me into his arms.

Chapter 20

Caden

Ipulled Allie close, pressing her face to my chest.

She was alive. She was fine.

I held her tighter and breathed her in. So many terrible scenarios had run through my mind. I tipped her face up.

“I’m okay.” Her eyes were watery, but that defiant tilt of her chin told me that she was holding it together. “I’m fine now.”

I rubbed my thumbs across her cheeks. I saw the swelling around her eye and my jaw tightened. “They hit you.” My voice cut through the space like a blade.

She pulled in a breath. “No, I banged my face when they were trying to get me into the trunk of their car.”

They’d put her in the trunk of the car. Air hissed through my teeth. “I’ll kill them.”

“Hey.” She pressed into me. “You’re the good guy, remember?”

“No, I’m not.”

“Caden.” Her face softened. “I won’t pretend I don’t find your scary protectiveness hot, but let’s not kill anyone.” She nuzzled into my shirt. “I’m all right.”

I released a harsh breath, then gently touched her face. “This is going to bruise.”

“It’s not my first black eye. Sean accidentally elbowed me once and gave me a shiner.” She pulled a face. “Oh, but I don’t want Ollie to worry.”

“We’ll get some ice on it.” I realized her wrists were bound and pulled out my pocket knife. I cut her free.

“Do you always carry a knife?”

“Yes.”

“Even when you’re wearing a suit?”

“Yes.” I pulled her closer again, and felt her shudder. I pressed my cheek to her hair and breathed her in. I realized now how fucking terrified I’d been.

Afraid I’d be too late, that I’d miss something, and she’d pay the price.

“You’re so warm,” she murmured.

And she was cold. I slipped my jacket off and guided her arms through the sleeves.

The sound of voices made me straighten.

“You found her?” Ro appeared out of darkness. “Thank God.”

Enzo followed Ro inside. I saw Hugh hovering behind them.

“I’m okay,” Allie said.

A quiet, lethal rage built inside me. Moreland and his asshole friends were responsible for this.

Enzo claimed Allie for a quick hug. My gaze narrowed on the man, while the asshole shot me a grin.