Page 32 of Braxton

“Don’t move!” a voice yelled.

A moment later, Mesa appeared out of the darkness. He lifted a gun, aiming it at Quinn.

“Who the hell are you?” he asked. “Call it curiosity, but I’d like to know before I kill you.”

Chapter Thirteen

Braxton blinked against the bright light shining in his eyes. He had a quick decision to make, and once he determined the best course of action, he didn’t hesitate. But before he could fire off a shot at Mesa, there was a loud grunt of pain and the spotlight went out, casting them all in darkness.

Brax threw himself into Quinn, knocking her sideways and down to the grass as Mesa fired off one wild shot after another. Luckily, his aim was for shit. Several more rounds filled the air and Brax knew Demon was systematically taking out Mesa’s men, one by one.

Grabbing Quinn’s hand, he helped her up and they ran toward the netting. Halfway there, a loud roar filled the air, but he wasn’t about to stop and look. Apparently, their buddy Simba had another exit to his enclosure, and Brax wanted nothing to do with the creature.

They reached the netting as the spotlight turned on again—this time lighting up Alvaro Mesa. While Brax and Quinn yanked another stake up and crawled out, Mesa let out a furious scream, turned and ran toward the netting.

Big mistake. The lion launched forward, chasing after him.

Breathing hard, thankful to be out of the lion’s den, Brax spotted Gray nearby. He stood beside the spotlight, watching themain event, an unreadable look on his stony face. The lion took Mesa down with ease, tearing into him with its claws and teeth. Quinn spun away and Brax caught her in his arms.

That had been way too close.As he stroked a hand down her back, his attention dropped to the ground where five of Mesa’s men lay dead.

“I can’t listen to this,” Quinn murmured against his chest.

“I know, baby.” Brax glanced at Gray who appeared fixated then began to lead her away. “Meet us at the dock, Demon.”

The man nodded, but didn’t look away from the carnage happening in the enclosure. Gray had certainly gotten his revenge, but it wasn’t exactly what Brax had expected. He was damn glad he hadn’t been forced to shoot the lion. It was a beautiful creature who deserved better than to be on display for Mesa’s perverse pleasure.

On the way to the dock, Mesa’s screams finally stopped.Thank Christ.Brax touched his comms unit, connecting with his team, “Pyro, requesting exfil.”

“Roger that, Pharaoh. Your GTFO point is a helipad on the northern corner of the island so you can avoid another swim. You’re welcome.”

“Appreciate it.” His damp clothes were beginning to chafe. “El Escorpión is one more name we can cross off the list.”

“Hooyah!” Ryland exclaimed. “Demon, was it everything you imagined it would be?”

“It was,” Gray said, “but the honor of eliminating Mesa went to a lion.”

“What?” Zane boomed.

“Yeah, Mesa is officially cat food.”

“That’s one kitty litter box I wouldn’t want to clean,” Saint added.

They all groaned.

Brax didn’t expect any more trouble from what remained of Mesa’s men. Most likely, they would loot the place and then jump ship. Once a leader died, men’s loyalty tended to die with it.

He and Quinn arrived at the exfil point ahead of Gray and Hunter, and he realized he was still holding her hand. And it felt so very right.

“That was damn impressive back there, Quinn Jones,” he said, nodding to the bullwhip still clutched in her other hand.

She chuckled, but he felt the belated tremble run through her body as she dropped the whip.

“Hey.” He tilted her chin up and met her sage-green eyes. She still seemed a little shaken and he couldn’t blame her. “You’re okay.”

She shuddered out a breath and he dragged her into his arms. Holding her tightly, enjoying the way her arms wrapped around him, too, he pressed his cheek against hers. Her luscious scent filled his nose and he yearned for her with every fiber of his being.

Fucking hell.

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