Page 26 of Dismantle & Prevail

Damn, I missed her voice.

“I would have. But not everyone would run in blind, not knowing if the person they were rescuing was alive or even on the premises.”

She shrugs and looks down at our tangled hands.

Suddenly, pain erupts from my other arm and my head snaps to the side. Doc dabs a damp gauze pad against my wrist and black dots dance in my vision at the excruciating pain.

“Ace. Take the medicine. Please.”

Taylor’s voice is low, almost a whisper, and when I look at her, I can see the slightest hint of hurt.

And that’s all it takes.

Turning my attention back to Doc, I say, “Give me the meds. But make it fast. This bed is hard as a rock.”

He nods and I steal one last glance at Taylor. I squeeze her hand lightly and a small smile spreads across her face. “Happy you’re alive. Don’t do that again.”

A chuckle escapes me as my eyes slowly drift close. “Don’t plan on it, Hellhound.”

Chapter Eleven

Taylor

“Whatthehellwereyou thinking, Taylor? You could have gotten yourself killed!”

Boone stares at me, waiting for a reply and I sigh, sinking into my chair inside the Heart, the large meeting room within the Clubhouse where every single important discussion on what goes on within Braveheart occurs.

I knew this was coming the moment I walked into that house without a second thought. But now I’m sitting here, listening to Boone, Zoro, and Indy rip me a new one.

I try to take in their words, but my mind keeps drifting to the man who is currently having surgery on his wrists.

What I saw in that basement will haunt me for the rest of my days, and the way he grabbed my hand like it was his lifeline broke me.

The man, who is the picture of strength and bravery for everyone, sat in front of me and reached to me for help.

Why me? The one who is a giant pain in his side?

And that damn smile he flashed me in the med bay?

Why did it feel like my heart dropped and butterflies filled my body? I’ve known Ari for two years and that man has never looked at me likethat.

Scrubbing my hands down my face, I force myself to pay attention to the guys and not go down a path I have no business being down.

“Taylor. You’re not even listening.”

My eyes find Zoro’s, the one I know is secretly on my side and would have done the same thing. His light blue eyes meet mine and he flips his baseball cap around backwards and leans his tattooed arms on the long mahogany table.

He steals a quick glance at Indy before returning his gaze to mine. “You know we love you. Right Tay?”

I nod, swiveling back and forth in the large black desk chair.

“Good. Remember that when I say this, what you did was the least selfish thing you could have done, but also the most reckless. Think about what would have happened if you would have walked into an army? They could have taken you, killed you, or beaten you within an inch of your life and ran off with Ari. Second chances don’t happen often and we could have lost both of you. And whether you believe it or not, just like there is no Braveheart without Aries. There is no Braveheart without Taylor.”

A lump rises in my throat and I quickly push it down. Zoro’s light eyes stare into mine and I avert my gaze to Boone’s stone cold stare.

Better. That I can handle.

“Don’t look at me, Tay. Everyone in this room—no, this entire compound would say the same thing.”