Page 112 of Marked

Jesus, this might very well be the most selfless act he’d ever commit.

The pressure in his chest mounted, reaching his throat and making his glands ache. Sophia would be fine. She had Bella, and that little spitfire would keep her mom happy.

Christ, he hadn’t even gotten the kid a birthday gift.

Clenching his hand around the phone, he disconnected. Then, steeling his nerves, he shoved everything from his mind—Sophia and Bella included—and opened the side door. Making his way toward the main hallway, he moved slowly and soundlessly.

“Adrian! So glad you made it. Come in. We’ve got some snacks.”

Cole pressed his back against the drywall around the corner and several feet down the hall from the conference room.

“Not hungry. Just tell me you got more kids this time. Twelve isn’t enough.”

Kenneth let out a jovial laugh. “I think you’ll be happy with what we’ve put together. Have a seat.”

The door clicked shut.

Everyone was in place, but he needed to make sure no one made it out last minute. No one could survive this. He had to make sure Sophia and Bella were forever safe from Lionsgate. He moved away from the wall and lifted the little black device in his hand. His thumb hovered on the red button.

Goodbye, Sophia. I meant what I said.

He hit the button.

Kaboom!

One blast. Then another. Dust and debris exploded around him. A flashfire blazed down the hallway from the conference room, searing his skin. He broke into a run. Smoke rushed into his nose and mouth, blinding him as he coughed.

Cracks sounded as the floor above gave way.

Darkness stole his vision.

CHAPTER 28

A blast shook the vehicle Sophia sat in, rocking her into the window. She grabbed the dash for support, panic gripping her insides. A huge cloud of dirty smoke billowed from the warehouse she’d been in moments before.

She couldn’t tear her eyes away from the sight. Fire lashed out the lower windows. The front of the building was gone and part of the top was caved in. Air wheezed in and out through her teeth as sheer terror unlocked her body from its frozen position.

Shoving open the SUV’s door, she scampered onto the sidewalk and then broke into a run. “Cole!” The scream ripped from her chest.

Rough arms locked around her waist, pinning her elbows to her sides and lifting her from the ground. Dare, Brooks, and Dallas raced for the warehouse.

She fought against the embrace that kept her immobile, kicking and grunting, but it was no use. He was too strong.

“Stop, dammit!” Nash’s angry command made her muscles weak.

Gasps broke through her lips, and dampness coated her cheeks. Nash steadied her on her feet, and she brought her hands to her face. Dust invaded her nostrils and burned her throat.

“He has to be out, right?” She turned to Nash and studied his face for answers.

His brow was dipped low, his jaw clenched. He flicked his gaze toward her, and his somber eyes said it all. “If he’s alive, Dallas and Dare will find him.” His tone was tight.

She sucked back a sob and curled her fingers against her lips. “We need to search, too. He could be hurt.”

Nash shook his head. “Can’t let you in there. Cole would kill me.”

She wheeled on him. “Cole could be dead or damn close! And you’re just going to stand here?” Indignation shook her voice.

Slowly, Nash focused his icy gray eyes on her, instantly reminding her how deadly Cole’s siblings were.

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