Page 66 of Thorns of Desire

“Touch her again, and I’ll skin you alive.”

The men jerked, but before they could react, I shot the first masked guy in the head. A string of Chinese curses followed, telling me these were Triads. In the distance, I heard a car revving, but I focused on the immediate danger.

I prowled forward, my gun remaining trained on the fuckers.

“Put down your swords or I will shoot. Right fucking now!”

One of the men grabbed Athena by her throat, dragging her limp body off the floor.

I pulled the trigger, hitting the masked man in the chest. But the fucker must had been wearing a bulletproof vest because he barely staggered back. I aimed for the second guy and took my shot. Blood splattered from his arm.

The man who seemed to be the leader issued an order: “Pull out.”

I took another shot, piercing straight through the leg of the man dragging Athena’s body. Another roar filled the space.

“You’re not taking her with you,” I gritted.

The masked men shared a wordless exchange and turned as one, jumping out of the window and into the dark night.

Adrenaline pumping, I rushed across the room before dropping to my knees in front of Athena’s slumped body.

Still gripping the gun, not trusting the Triads wouldn’t come back, I cradled her face.

“Amorina… wake up.” To my relief, her eyes fluttered open, and I released a breath I’d been holding since I arrived and found my worst nightmare unfolding.

Athena

A familiar voice pulled me from unconsciousness. When I opened my eyes, I saw broad shoulders and a wide chest, packaged in a three-piece Brioni suit. And then recognition slowly sunk in as I met the dark gaze full of worry staring at me.

“Dio mio, I almost had a heart attack.”

He leaned closer, his scent filling my lungs, and I inhaled greedily. “At your age, it’s not improbable.”

The edge of his mouth lifted slightly. “I am glad to see you still have your sense of humor.”

I let out a soft snort. “Those ninjas didn’t break my spirit the last time and they certainly won’t crush it this time.”

He dragged the back of his knuckles across my cheek. “Okay,amorina, we have to get the fuck out of here.”

I shook my head. “Raven and Phoenix. I want to check their rooms.” His brows furrowed and alert shot through me. “What? Did they get hurt? Phoenix can’t hear and?—”

He pressed his mouth against mine to silence me. “Nobody’s in this apartment.”

Relief slammed into me. “Really?”

“Yes.” It was the best outcome I could have hoped for. He tucked his pistol into his waistband at the small of his back, then as if he didn’t even have me in his arms, he stood up effortlessly. “I’ll show you.”

And sure as fuck, I was the only one in the little apartment that had seen years of mischief, laughter, heartbreaks, secrets, and a friendship that would forever bind us together.

“I never thought I’d be happy to say that I’m glad those two aren’t here,” I murmured. “Although, I wonder where they went? We came back together, and then we all went to our rooms after the stupid engagement party.”

Manuel shrugged. “Who knows, but it’s probably for the best that they aren’t here.”

I met his gaze. “Why are you carrying me?”

“You just had a traumatic experience and?—”

I let out an exasperated breath, wiggling out of his grip. “I’m all better now. Put me down.” I refused to be a weakling, clinging to her man.My man.Shit, that sounded perfect.