Page 124 of Lethal Threat

Roark grunts. “Visual confirmed. Target’sin sight. Confirming, our target is restrained in a kennel. She’s moving. No others in sight. Over.”

I’m both elated and horrified. I motion for Simona to move out. When the three of us are in the cover of the tree line, Bryan crouches so he can see the building. “What can I do? You know I’m former Special Forces.”

He’s a long way from top form. But he’s right. He’s got the experience.

I check my gear once more. “Go with the guys and Simona. I’ll be bringing Sierra out. She’s my focus.”

“Take this.” Simona passes him one of the guns from her holsters. She hisses, baring her teeth at the man. “I can’t believe I’m giving a gun to a druggie in the middle of a rescue. I hope you’re telling the truth about being straight. Don’t make me regret this. I’ll be watching you.” With a final glare, she warns him, “I might be small, but I’m as lethal as a lightning strike.”

Bryan glances my way as he takes the pistol and checks the clip with expert hands. “I’m helping you get my sister back. You’re not stopping me. And as I said, I’m good. My head is clear.”

Marshall speaks into our ear. “Proceed with plan. Over and out.”

Chapter Forty-One

SIERRA

I don’t know how long I lie with my muscles tensed. But the light sliding through the window changes. I’m so spent from adrenaline surges, I finally lower my face onto the concrete and just breathe. The pain in my wrists is as acute as the pain in my shattered heart.

My eyes snap open to almost pure darkness. Instantly, my heart rate shoots up.

The warehouse.

God, I hurt all over. My throat is dry. My eyes are gritty.

My muscles tense and shake as I fully come awake.

How did I fall asleep?I must have run completely out of adrenaline. Obviously, it’s back in supply, because I’m squarely in fight-or-flight mode now.

I shift against my restraints. My legs and arms are throbbing. Nothing I do makes them comfortable now.

Blinking, I turn my neck as far as I can and try to scan the interior of the warehouse. It’s too dark to see much.There’s barely enough light to make out the boxy shapes around me.

Maybe if I scoot around…

I manage to work my way around so I can see a little more. Not that I can see far. Wooden crates are stacked in columns around the space, between the cages, and along the walls.

Terror takes flight in my veins like bats screeching madly in the night air. Dizziness hits me. My body sags. Stars blink in front of my eyes as a blackout threatens to swallow me.

No. I can’t pass out. Gritting my teeth, I coach myself. Breathe. Breathe. Iwill notpass out. I won’t let it happen.

I take a few shaky breaths, even though it hurts like hell. There are definitely cracks in my ribs.

But I’m more worried about why Bryan isn’t answering me.

Thud. Thud. Thud-thud. The unmistakable sound of feet dropping onto concrete.

Then the sounds of running boots.

A shadowy figure angles toward me. A man. Broad shouldered, completely in silhouette. His face is impossible to see.

I recoil.

He slides in on his knees like he’s skidding into home base. “Hang on, baby. We’re getting you the hell out of here.”

Am I dreaming?

It can’t be… Cole.