Page 130 of Moonlit Colorado

With a primal scream, Grace launched herself at Ainsley. Their chairs both toppled. I heard something crash into the wall, but I had to trust that Grace could look after herself.

I grabbed Vincent’s wrist to stop him from striking out with his knife, while at the same time I smashed my fist into the man’s nose. Payback for what he’d done to Grace, and it was satisfying.

Vincent recovered fast, struggling with me for control of the knife. His leg swept out to knock me off my balance. I fell back against the desk. He tried to bring the knife down while I held his arm back, both of us shaking with the effort.

Blood dripped onto my shirt from Vincent’s nose. “You’re going to die for that.”

“Not if I kill you first.”

“I’m not the one with a knife pointed at his neck.” Vincent grunted as he used his weight to drive the tip of the knife downward.

So I decided to let him.

Instead of pushing, I pulled down on Vincent’s hands while I twisted rapidly to the side. The knife tip slammed into the wooden desktop, embedding there. Then I got my leg up between us and kicked out, shoving Vincent back.

Pain burned along the side of my neck, and wetness dribbled down to my shirt collar. That had beenwaytoo close.

I pulled the knife from the desk and levered myself upright. Ainsley was slumped on the floor over by the wall, and Grace crouched over her. Vincent looked from me to Grace, like he was trying to decide whether to grab her and make her a hostage. But that would mean turning his back on me if he wanted to reach her fast enough.

“Touch her and die,” I growled.

With a bellow, Vincent rushed me. But I was ready for him.

I buried the knife in Vincent’s chest, my other arm wrapping around his back like we were embracing. He struggled a moment, eyes going wide, before his bodyweight slumped. I stepped back, letting him go, and Vincent fell to his knees. Then he toppled to the side.

My blow had hit its mark, going straight to the man’s heart.

Grace was crouched on the ground near Ainsley. She got up on wobbly legs. “Ainsley’s out cold. Is Vincent…”

“He’s not your problem.” Vincent wasn’t anyone’s problem. Not anymore.

I crossed the room and pulled Grace into my arms. She was shaking. Then she pushed back from me and gasped. “Dane, your neck is bleeding.”

“It’s a scratch.” I brushed her hair back from her face. Her glasses were askew, so I set them right. “Your head okay?”

“I’m good. If anyone got a concussion tonight, it’s Ainsley.”

“That countdown of yours. I can’t believe you did something so reckless. But I’m glad you did.”

“I’m glad you figured it out. Just…” She cringed. “Don’t mention it to my brothers.”

Was she kidding? I was going to tell all of Silver Ridge, hell, all of New York City too, that she’d saved both of us with that stunt. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Today was a bit too much excitement for me.”

I had to laugh. “Message received. I’ll try to make our lives a little more boring in the future.”

THIRTY-NINE

Dane

Ten Days Later

I didmy best to deliver on my promise to Grace. But it didn’t seem likeboringwas in the cards for us.

“Hot cocoa delivery!” I shouted, holding out a tray of insulated cups and bracing myself as a dozen kids descended. They were all in ski gear, with giant goggles and helmets obscuring their features but not hiding their smiles.

“Is there marshmallows, Uncle Dane?” Maisie asked, clasping her mittens together. “I really love marshmallows.”

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