Page 85 of Her Silver Fox Firefighters

It takes him by surprise, causing him to loosen his grip on me. “Shit!”

I grasp the opportunity and run across the motel’s parking lot.

My body moves well ahead of my brain. The cool night airfills my lungs as I sprint like I’ve got the devil on my tail. In a way, Idohave the devil on my tail, and he’s about to catch up.

“Olivia, you stupid bitch!” Marcus shouts after me.

There are various lights on in the two-story motel. I catch glimpses of people coming to the windows to see what the fuss is about.

“HELP ME!” I scream. “SOMEBODY HELP ME!”

“Olivia!” Marcus snarls just over my shoulder. I feel his fingers slip through the ends of my hair.

“Oh, God!” I cry out as I see the parking lot exit.

Just a few more yards. I don’t know where I’ll go next. I can’t outrun this bastard. He’ll catch me. It’s just a matter of time.

“Olivia, I’m gonna fucking kill you!” Marcus growls.

POP!

Something heavy thuds behind me.

I scream. Somehow, I’m able to run even faster. I see people coming out of the shadows, rushing toward me. I don’t know whether to feel relief or dread, until I recognize their faces.

Dax. Beck. The sheriff’s deputies, though Carlos isn’t among them.

“Oh, thank God,” I gasp and stop. I’m panting, burning up on the inside while chills simultaneously trickle down my spine.

I glance back and I see him.

“Olivia!” Dax shouts as he and Beck rush toward me.

“He’s…” I mumble as I stare at Marcus.

He’s dead on the ground, a pool of blood spreading across the dark pavement. There’s barely any light out here, but it’s for the best. It’s a gruesome scene. I don’t need the details. He’s gone, that’s all that matters.

Relief washes over me, and the adrenaline subsides. By the time Dax and Beck reach me, I’m shaking like a tree caught in a summer storm.

“Fucking hell, Olivia,” Dax says as he wraps his arms around me.

I burst into tears, crying my heart out as I look around. “How did you find me?”

“Jocelyn came to us,” Beck says, then covers my face with warm, reassuring kisses. I hide in Dax’s strong arms, trembling and sobbing while coming apart at the seams.

“He’s gone,” one of the deputies says. He puts his gun away while his colleagues dispatch across the parking lot. Two of them go into the motel room, its light beaming through the open door. “Was he alone, Olivia?”

I nod once. “Yes.”

“Look up there,” Dax whispers, and I follow his gaze.

On the motel roof, invisible until he stands, Leo waves at us. There’s a sniper rifle in his hand, his broad shoulders and tall, massive figure outlined against the night sky. My dark savior.

He fired that shot.

“You’re safe now,” Dax tells me, his lips finding mine.

I damn near lose my breath, turning into a limp noodle as heand Beck help me remain upright. “I’m so sorry,” I manage. “My legs are wobbly.”