Page 46 of The Prey (The Hillers of Barratt County #6)

Gia was trying to think. There was no way she was going to get away from him—or around him.

There was only one way out—the door. The windows on this floor of the courthouse weren’t operable now.

They probably hadn’t been in a long, long time.

This part of the building wasn’t open to the general public—or anyone.

It was mostly used for storage. As far as she knew, only a few offices were still up here.

Those were occupied by the judges, she thought.

Not chambers, just offices. She didn’t think they were used much at all.

She probably wouldn’t get to the door. Jason was big—equally as big as her brothers. “What are you hoping to accomplish here?”

“We’re going to talk.”

“About what? I have nothing to say to you—except to tell you that your ass belongs in jail. This…isn’t helping your cause.”

“No. It probably isn’t. But you are going to listen.”

He looked so…erratic. Not as polished and smooth as he normally did. Why? What had changed in the last hour to make him do this?

“Do I have much choice?” If she screamed, would someone hear her on the floor below? She had no guarantees.

But Hudson…Hudson and her brothers would come looking for her very soon. She just didn’t know if they would think to look up here. Before it was too late.

“What has Hanan been doing?” He shoved her against the wall. The windowsill jammed into her lower thighs. Gia swung out with her good hand—aiming for his eyes. He grabbed her wrist and twisted. She cried out. “Answer me.”

“What do you think he’s been doing? Why don’t you enlighten me?” She wasn’t going to be a victim again. Not ever again.

“Don’t play games with me. You aren’t very good at it.” His hand crept up her front. His fingers encircled her neck. “Tell me what your boyfriend’s been doing. Who has he been talking to? Why has he been digging into my life in Wichita Falls?”

“I didn’t know he was.” But it didn’t surprise her one bit.

Not Hudson. Of course, the moment he learned what Jason had done to her, of course he would be trying to find a way to make him face justice.

It was that core of honor that was so woven into that man she loved—how could he not do just that?

“He knows what you did to me, you idiot. And he loves me. Why wouldn’t he want to make you pay for what you did? But I did not know he was digging.”

“Even the fucking FBI was asking questions. About me. I don’t need this bullshit right now.”

“Well, a man’s sins are bound to catch up to him sometime.” Gia put her hand against his chest. And shoved. As hard as she could. “Get off of me. Or I’ll have Sheriff Addy arrest you for assault.”