Page 223 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“I trust him,” Addie countered. She was surprised that the admission had come blurting out. Even so, the truth of her words hit home. She trusted Maddox more than anyone outside her family, even more than she trusted Piper.

“This doesn’t concern you,” Piper argued, eyeing Maddox.

“Anything that concerns Addie, concerns me,” he countered, locking gazes with Addie for one, long moment.

Addie felt the blood quickening through her veins, then came the wave of familiar desire. What she didn’t expect, however, was the blanket of comfort that covered her. Addie was so very grateful to have Maddox in her corner. Maybe there was no hope of them ever getting back together. Maybe her stupid fear of his dangerous profession had pushed him into the arms of another woman. But here and now, she knew that a part of him still cared about her. Right now, that was enough. Time to step up to the plate, even if it meant ostracizing her best friend.

She turned to Piper. “You know, maybe Maddox is right. The man he works for is honorable. If the formula for PZT is on that hard drive, we’ll make sure it stays safe. After it’s checked out, we’ll return it to you. You have my word.”

Piper’s jaw worked like she wanted to say more. Instead, she clamped her lips shut and waved a hand of dismissal as she turned to go.

Addie’s gut tightened. “Wait! Don’t leave upset.” She was about to charge after Piper when she heard a series of loud pops.

“Get down!” Maddox shouted, lunging for her. They toppled to the cement floor, his body shielding hers. She became aware of the weight of his body and was appreciative of his protection. Her heart sank, however, as she looked up.

A masked man wearing all black had Piper in a choke hold, pointing a gun at her temple.

“Hand over the drive,” the man ordered, “or the woman gets it!” He tightened his hold on her neck. Piper gurgled and coughed.

“P—please, don’t hurt me,” she stammered, her eyes wide with fear.

Addie felt Maddox move slightly. It occurred to her that he was reaching for his gun. Of course Maddox had a gun, but she’d not thought twice about it until now.

“Don’t move!” the man growled in a raspy voice like he had a frog in his throat that he couldn’t clear.

Maddox froze.

“Push the drive towards me,” the man ordered. “Now!”

Addie realized that the drive was a foot to their left. Maddox must’ve let go of it when he rushed to protect her.

Piper’s voice trembled as she spoke to the gunman. “You don’t have to do this. Whatever someone’s paying you, I can pay more.”

“Shut up!” he screamed, clutching her in a vise grip. She yelped in pain.

Terror clawed down Addie’s spine. “Do what he says,” she said in a low tone to Maddox. She couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to Piper.

Time seemed to stop. Finally, Maddox cursed under his breath, pushing the drive forward.

The gunman released Piper. “Give it to me,” he ordered.

Piper stumbled forward and reached for it with shaky hands. She turned and went back to the gunman. Addie expected him to jerk it from her hands, but he grabbed Piper instead.

Piper let out a cry, sobs bubbling from her throat.

Addie felt her own eyes mist. “You’ve got what you want. Let her go.”

The gunman held Piper as a shield as he backed out of the storage unit.

Maddox sprang to his feet. “Stay here,” he ordered, charging after the gunman with his gun drawn.

The next instant, shots were fired. Addie’s heart nearly stopped. Had Piper been shot? Maddox? Shakes rippled through Addie’s entire body as she stood. Not heeding Maddox’s command to stay put, she rushed outside.

Piper was crumpled in a heap on the grass, her hand clutching her throat as she gulped for air, half-crying, half-choking. A stab of fear shot through Addie. Where was Maddox?

Her knees went weak when she saw him jogging toward them, a furious expression on his face. “He got away,” he growled.

Numbly, Addie pushed her feet forward. When she reached Piper, she dropped to her knees. As she pulled Piper into a hug to comfort her, a tingle of thought pricked Addie’s mind. The gunman’s voice was raspy.

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