Page 167 of Protecting Peyton

“No way,” Yuri said. “Cops identify themselves.”

That could only mean that Zane and the rest of Hawk had come for me.

Lucifer hauled me with him. “We go out the front then.”

“Right.” Yuri ran that way.

“I don’t think so.” Zane emerged from the corridor, bigger than life. He was a glorious sight.

“Zane.” I knew he would come for me, and he couldn’t have picked a better time. “That’s my boyfriend. He’s going to gut you,” I spat at the monster.

“Shut up.” He spun me and clamped a hand over my mouth. “Yuri.”

Yuri held a knife behind him as he advanced on Zane.

I bit Lucifer’s hand.

“Bitch.” The monster punched the side of my head.

“Watch out!” I cried. “He has a knife.”

Zane pulled out his gun and aimed at the thin man. “Bringing a knife to a gunfight is a bad idea.”

Yuri halted, the blood draining from his face.

Vlad backed up as well.

Lucifer yanked me back roughly.

I struggled, but it was useless against his strength.

He brought a knife to my neck. “Put it down now, or I slit her throat.”

Zane froze.

With the knife pressed against my neck, I didn’t dare struggle. “Don’t do it, Zane.” Without his gun, he’d be defenseless. The cut on my belly hurt like hell, but I refused to give the monster the satisfaction of even a sob.

Zane ignored me and pointed his gun skyward. “Hold on, Angel. Trust me. Everything is going to be okay.”

“Put it down, or I’ll end her,” Lucifer yelled.

Fight with everything you have.All I needed was an opportunity.

“Calm down,” Zane said. “I’m putting it down.” He slowly laid his weapon on the ground.

“Now kick it over here.”

The gun skittered across the concrete floor.

The sporadic gunfire still sounding from the warehouse gave me hope that Lucas and the rest of Hawk Security would burst in at any moment.

Instead of a Hawk person, short Boris came through the door. “They’re?—”

Lucifer cut him off. “Get the car.”

Boris raced behind us and out a door.

Lucifer laughed and thankfully pulled the knife away from my neck. “Now it’s a fair fight.” He nodded to Yuri.