Page 126 of Lethal Threat

I grab his hand. “I’m ready. Let’s go.”

Gunfire shatters the quiet. We both duck, but a split second later, he yanks me to my feet and tosses me over his shoulder. He’s so strong. Somehow he makes it seem like I weigh nothing.

Cole runs fast, staying low. His powerful body crossing the warehouse in seconds flat.

I flinch when he fires his gun at the chain onthe door. And sag in relief when he bursts out into the black night like he’s running for a touchdown.

His shoulder bounces hard against my gut as he sprints toward the cover of trees. I want to yell in pain, but I fight it by keeping my teeth clenched.

We’re free. To hell with my ribs.

As soon as we’re clear of the building and safely behind an oak tree, he lowers me to the ground.

I’m shaking. He’s focused. Every ounce the trained hero when he drops to his knees in front of me. Every few seconds, he glances toward the building.

“Where are you injured?”

Decked in tactical gear and looking like an angel if I’ve ever seen one.

“Just my wrists, that’s nothing… and I got kicked in the ribs. They hurt like a bitch, but I’m okay, I promise.”

He snarls. Pushes back onto his heels like an animal ready to pounce on something it’s eager to kill. Cole has vengeance in his darkened gaze. My captors will soon be in his sights.

He’s tight with anger. “Think you can walk?”

I nod as I rub a shaky hand over my face. “Yeah.” He pulls a gun from his waist and presses it into my hands. “There’s a black SUV one block west of here. Keys under the windshield wiper on the passenger side. Get there. I’m going back in.”

“No. Don’t?—”

He leans down and kisses me fast and hard. “I love you. Now get the fuck out of here.”

Then he’s gone.

Silent and nearly invisible in his black tactical clothing, he slips into the shadows like he’s one with them.

My first few steps are stumbles, then mybrain and feet get their act together. I’m dehydrated and queasy. But I’m not dead.

Not dead.

I made it.

Bryan is alive too.

Cole said he loves me.

Sirens echo in the distance.

Time feels both fast and slow as I run-walk as fast as I can to the black Ford SUV. I crawl into the back floorboard and lock myself inside as I say prayers. Lots of prayers.

For Cole. For his team. For Bryan.

For the future I hope is ahead for us all.

Chapter Forty-Two

COLE

I speak into the mic as I run. “Coming in, east side. Over.”