Page 84 of Billionaire's Promise

"No," she shakes her head, "no."

I lower my head toward her, when the sound of a gun being cocked reaches me. I hold her gaze, stare into her beautiful green eyes, swimming with fear, with love.

I love you.

I push her away, then raise my arms.

"Don’t come closer," he warns.

I pause, take in the sheen of sweat on his face, the intent gaze, the steadiness of his aim. This guy won’t miss. I only hope I can divert him, keep him talking until Archer gets here.

"You don’t want to do this," I say in a calm voice.

The intruder's lips twist, "I don’t have a choice."

"What do you want, money? I can arrange that for you."

He hesitates.

"How much? A million? 10 million?"

His forehead furrows. I take a step forward, and this time, he doesn’t stop me. I make sure to plant my body between him and Ava.Focus, focus. Keep him talking; keep her covered.

"You can take everything I have."

His grin broadens. "Oh, but I will." He levels his gun at me, and I draw in a breath. This is it. If I can save her life, it will be worth it.

"No," Ava cries out, "don’t do this."

"Shut up," he growls.

I sense Ava stiffen behind me.

"Do as he says," I mutter.

"You stay quiet." He points his gun at me, as I sink to my knees. He aims it at my temple, when the sound of footsteps from the staircase reaches us. The man starts and glances over his shoulder. I lunge for the gun on the floor and fire just as he collapses face down.

Blood oozes out from a wound in his back.

I glance up, take in the man framed by the doorway, holding a gun.

He’s dressed in a black T-shirt, a leather jacket and denim jeans. His amber gaze holds mine, his dark hair brushing the collar of his jacket. His features—his very familiar features—are pale. He lowers his gun, glances down at his chest.

I follow his gaze to where blood blooms from the left side of his chest.

"No," I choke out, "no."

I run toward him, reach him as he sinks to his knees. I lower my gun to the floor, then grabbing him, I ease him to the floor.

Footsteps sound, then Ava reaches us. She throws her arms around him, "Edward, oh, my god, Ed!"

To find out what happens next read The Billionaire’s Bride HERE

Read an excerpt

Edward

The darkness pulls at me. I am falling, twisting, writhing. The sound of harsh breathing, groans reach me. I turn toward it, reach out my hand. It’s Baron; it has to be. "Don’t hurt him." I cough. "Please don’t. I’ll do as you say. I’ll let you do anything to me; just don’t touch him."