Page 83 of Pick Your Spot

Instead of staying low, Knox raced around the vehicle, knowing the element of surprise would be on his side. He was confident in his ability to master Gammon in a physical contest and to keep Thea safe.

He took in the scenario in an instant. Thea, bound at the feet and with her hands tied behind her back. She lay on the ground and Gammon was trying to pick her up. Probably to throw her into the open trunk.

She wasn’t having it. She was twisting and kicking and yelling for help when she had the breath. Knox’s heart exploded with the love.

Blood dripped from her nose, and he figured Gammon had hit her. The bastard would pay for that.

Pride in this incredible woman filled him as he raced forward with a roar.

Gammon jerked up with surprise in his eyes as Knox rammed his shoulder into him, taking him down in a heap.

The hit knocked the wind out of Gammon, and it only took Knox a couple of seconds to turn him over and secure him. He wanted to smash him in the face but it wasn’t even necessary.

As Gammon tried to gulp air into his lungs, Dodge appeared at Knox’s side. “I’ve got him. You get her.”

Knowing Dodge could more than handle Gammon, Knox turned to where Thea lay on the ground.

She smiled up at him. “I knew you’d come. I knew you wouldn’t let him take me.”

Knox eased her up into his arms and held her gently. “I’m so sorry he got to you in the first place. I should have been watching more closely, but I got distracted by the Worminator.”

To his shock, she laughed. “Me, too. I didn’t think I was in any danger while we were surrounded by our friends.”

He cupped her face and brushed the blood away from her cheek. “He hit you.”

She nodded, and he was surprised when she laughed again. “After I kicked him in the nuts. It was worth it.”

This woman. “You’re amazing, Thea. No wonder I’m in love with you.”

Her eyes instantly filled with tears. She’d been dry-eyed after being kidnapped and hit. But telling her he loved her had changed that. He brushed away the tear that fell with his thumb. “You’re the bravest, best person I know, Thea. I love you so damn much.”

Her smile lit up the evening. “I love you, too, Knox. More than I ever thought possible. I don’t even know if I believed in love before I met you. I certainly didn’t believe in it for me, but you’re such an amazing man. I love you with my whole heart.”

Troy dropped beside them with a knife in his hands. “Come on, Annie. Shape up. Free your woman from the zip ties before you tell her you love her. Get the order right.”

Thea laughed as Knox felt his face flush. Epic was completely right. He should have taken care of those immediately and checked her for other injuries.

Fox skidded to a halt beside Thea as they worked on the ties. The dog licked her face and woofed softly. He didn’t sit on her lap or try to bowl her over as if sensing her injuries. “Fox is the hero. He led us up the road, and turned in the right direction for us.”

Thea grinned. “Thanks, buddy.” Then she gasped as they released the zip ties and blood rushed back into her hands and feet.

He took her hands to gently rub them to increase her circulation. “Sorry, Epic’s right. Should have done this first.”

Fox sat beside her and rested his massive head on her shoulder, rubbing his cheek against hers.

Thea grinned. “I’m not complaining. You’re here. You saved me. You love me. Sounds perfect to me.”

It did to him as well.

Chapter25

Johnny On The Spot

Thea snuggled into the safety surrounding her. Knox’s arms tightened, and he brushed his fingers over her hair.

“Good morning, warrior princess. How are you feeling?”

She snorted out a laugh at the name. “I’m warm and safe. Couldn’t be better.”