Page 53 of Vow to Protect
As the next fighter climbs into the ring, the atmosphere turns electric. Adrenaline courses through my veins, hypersonic and forceful. She turns to the door, staring out as the vicious brawl unfolds.
Malakai glares at Dexter, nods, and then drags a hand over his face. He yanks the door closed, blocking Raen from sight, and then stomps away with Dexter tailing him. They’ve left her unguarded. Unless someone else is with her.
I weave and shove until I’m facing the steel barricade separating us. Sliding my piece out of its holster, I aim it low, crank the door handle and kick. As the door swings in, I raise the firearm to eye level.
Tousled hair thrashes as she turns. Forrest green eyes trap me with a wildness of anxiety. Bound wrists strain and fingers stretch. Pieces of my disfigured heart bind with the relief that rests her fearful expression. I scan the room, pointing the gun at all four corners. She’s alone. Gradually lowering the weapon, I pull down my hood.
“Brett!” She charges, slamming into me hard and emotive. “It’s not safe for you here. Where’s, Tilly?”
This is more than saving Tilly’s family. I’m learning to let love mend my trauma and giving my heart a second chance in one last shot. In that second, I make a promise to myself to end Blaine and welcome Raen into my life when the nightmare ends.
Even in the harshest storm, she has given me a rope to hold on to, a sanctuary to bunker down in and a helping hand to shut out the chaos.
My arms fold around her narrow shoulders, gripping her with an intensity that seeps out genuine feelings. What I can’t say, I pour into our embrace. Over her shoulder, I notice a switchblade on the desk. Fiery gashes flame beneath the plastic strip trapping her wrists.
“I’m going to snip this off.” I move towards the weapon. She swallows, flicking her gaze to the blade. “I won’t hurt you,” I confirm, stalking to the very item that chills her blood.
The curved black handle fits in my palm perfectly. A lethal spring brings the six-inch steel out into the open. When I look back, Raen’s hands are trembling, and she stares at the only exit.
“Trust,” I whisper, sensing the surge of her fear.
“Not that thing,” she chokes out. “That's the blade he used to kill—” Her cheeks turn ashen, and she chews the inside of her lip.
I’m all too aware that our party of two will quickly multiply. “Look at me.” I tread into her personal space with the blade hidden from immediate view. “Tell me what you see.”
Her lips part, and she inhales a shaky breath. “I see the man you really are, the man behind the mask you wear. I see kindness and compassion.”
“And?” I gather her hands. “What do you taste?” The sharp metal edge meets the cable tie. Her entire body goes rigid. I dip down and slip my tongue into her mouth, taking her by surprise. She sucks in a whimper. In one swift tug, the strip snaps apart, and I slip the knife into my pocket.
Her freed hands fly up to my hair like an untamed woman taking back her life. The instantaneous freedom kick starts her inner strength. She comes alive with the power I’ve returned to her. A kiss deepens to violent and brutal. Her heart hammers against my chest wild and free. The combined lust blends with an acute desire to survive.
“We should go now.” I breathe into her, burying my nose in her hair. It’s lost the fresh soapy scent, replaced with faded cigarette smoke.
Raen rubs the tender flesh on her wrist and nods within our silence. Her cheeks flush, and she drags her cuffs down over her hands. “Did you find Tilly?”
I usher her to the door. “I did. She told me it was your idea to hide in the unicorn. How did you know she was in danger?”
She jerks, preparing to flee when a chorus of cheers penetrates the room. “I heard Dexter talking. They got on my floor to use their cell phone.” The words jumble out in a frenzied breath. “When I arrived, Dexter and his butcher buddy were holding a woman hostage.” She stares at the door, tightening her features. “Is she okay? Is Tilly safe? Please tell me they didn’t go back for her. Is that why you’re here? Have they taken her?”
“She’s safe thanks to you.” I offer her a grateful smile.
“So why are you here? You said if this went tits up, I’d be on my own.”
“I lied,” I say simply. “I’m here for you.”
“For me?” Her head shakes back and forth, and she fidgets with the ends of her hair. “No, Brett. You need to get out of here. He’ll kill you. Please,” she begs. “Leave now, before he comes back.”
“I don't think you understand, Raen. I made you a promise, and I intend to keep it. I’m not leaving here without you.”
“Omigod. Go. Please.” Fingers curl around my jacket. “I take back my request for help. I don't need you anymore.” Those clasped fingers glide to her belly. She staggers backward like I’ve slapped her face. Confusion jars my brain. “Go back to Tilly. I’m begging you, Brett. Hurry. Go now.”
“You’re coming with me.” My steps eat up the floor until I’m pressed against her. “We can get out of here right now. Let’s go.” I tease a lock of hair behind her ear and trace the silky soft skin of her jaw. “I won’t let you down, Raen. This is personal.”
“You’re risking too much for me, Brett. I can’t let him slice you up as well,” she says with a breathless rasp. “The only way this nightmare can end is with his death, or mine.”
“And I’ll kill him before he touches you again. Now let’s go.” I clamp her bicep and shunt her to the door.
“No, Brett. You can’t kill him.” She shirks off my hand. “That's not who you are. You’re not like him.”
