Page 54 of Sniper

And somehow that wasn’t the worst part.

Oh no, the worst part by far was that he held a gun to the back of Sniper’s head. My heart stopped in my chest and the air was trapped in my lungs.

Chapter Thirty-two

Sniper

He got the jump on me. Ethan got the fucking jump on me. I was too distracted thinking about all the shit Katey said about being a widower and annulling our marriage. It was bullshit talk honestly, but I knew it came from a place of sincerity. Even though she was dead ass fuckin’ wrong, she thought she was doing me a favor. As if my life would be better if I walked away and let something happen to her.

“So you’re the asshole trying to steal my girl.”

I was too focused on those five minutes to pay attention to my surroundings. The parking lot was mostly empty when I arrived and when I came down, a few more cars had left. I was fairly confident we were alone, so I wasn’t as vigilant as I should’ve been, and now I had a piece of cold steel pressed against the back of my neck.

I reached at my side for my gun, fully prepared to take this asshole down right here, right now. But he applied more pressure with the gun and laughed. “Reach for that gun and I’ll pull the trigger right now.”

I snorted. “That’s the plan anyway, ain’t it?”

“That depends. I’m feeling generous today so let’s see how it goes.” His voice was high-pitched and on edge, like maybe he was on something.

Katey’s sneaker-clad feet hit the bottom step and she walked forward, oblivious to the hell she was about to discover. Her feet slowed when she took in the sight of Ethan and then the gun. She froze like a deer in headlights.

“Katey, there you are baby girl.” The joy in his voice was palpable and I couldn’t help but wonder if he was this delusional or if he really loved her in his own sick, twisted way.

She put her hands on her hips and cocked her hip to one side, summoning up all the courage her petite frame could hold. “Wish I could say the same.”

“I’m so fuckin’ glad your hair is growing back so you look like a woman again.” He ignored her words and continued talking. “It’s not too late for us. I can forgive you, baby. I want to forgive you. Just ask.”

Her brows dipped. “Ask what?”

“Ask me to forgive you and I will.” I couldn’t see him, but I heard the smile in his voice.

She snorted, her confidence growing right along with her anger. “That’s not going to happen, Ethan. Did you really think after everything, I’d beg for your forgiveness?”

“Run,” I mouthed the word to her, but the stubborn woman shook her head.

“Okay fine, how about this. You ask for my forgiveness, and I forgive you and then you come with me. If you do that, I won’t kill lover boy here.”

“Run,” I mouthed to her again.

Again she refused.

Ethan laughed. “What do you say, baby girl? His life in exchange for yours.”

She was actually considering it. “No,” I barked. “Run as fast as you can. Get the fuck out of here. Now.”

Katey bit her bottom lip nervously as she contemplated her choices. I saw the moment resolve settled around her. She stood a little taller and squared her shoulders as her gaze shifted from me to Ethan. “Okay.”

“Good girl.” There was a tension in his words that put me on edge.

“Sure thing Ethan. Whatever you say.”

“Words I love to hear. We’ll get you disciplined good and proper this time.”

She smiled sweetly. “Giving up my life for the man I love is a small price to pay.” Her quiet, taunting words stopped his rambling.

“What the fuck did you say?” He gripped me more forcefully.

She waved him off as if she hadn’t said a thing. “You let him go and I’ll stay right here until I can no longer hear the sound of his bike riding away. Deal?”

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