Page 86 of Blood & Throttle

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I turn back to her.

She’s still glaring at me.

Still shaking, and bleeding.

But still fucking mine.

Without a word, I reach down and scoop her into my arms. She lets out a sharp breath but doesn’t fight it.

Doesn’t look away.

Taz falls into step behind us, quiet and loyal.

I don’t say anything as we walk back toward our quarters.

I don’t have to.

Because if anyone even thinks about touching her again, I’m not just killing them.

I’m ending the whole fucking system that let it happen.

Sixteen

Sienna

Homicide - Merkules

Riot doesn’t saya word as he carries me back through the pit, but every step is loaded like a goddamn bullet.

Not with rage this time.

With something heavier.

His arms are tight around me, jaw locked, eyes straight ahead like if he blinks, I might vanish. I can feel his heart hammering through his chest and the flex of every muscle in his body like he’s still ready to fight someone. Anyone. Everyone.

It's almost sweet, if it didn’t scare the shit out of me.

Back in the quarters, the door slams open and we’re inside. He doesn’t ease me down like I’m fragile. He sets me on the edge of the bed like he’s trying not to break.

My thigh stings where the bullet kissed it, but I don’t make a sound. Not because I’m being tough but becauseheis.

Riot drops to his knees in front of me. Hands shaking, covered in blood. His or someone else’s, I don’t ask.

He grabs the med kit and yanks the bandage roll out like it insulted him.

“Okay, Carter,” I say, wincing as he pulls the torn fabric of my pants down “Let’s not act like I got taken out by a tank. It’s a graze.”

“You bled,” he says flatly. “And it wasn’t a fucking tank. It was a sniper.”

“Ohhh,” I mock, eyes wide. “So dramatic.”

He shoots me a look, but it’s not angry. It’s afraid. And that’s worse.

“You think this is funny?” he mutters, pulling the antiseptic out next.

I hiss as it hits the wound. “I think you storming off like the goddamn Punisher to pop a Syndicate handler in the face on live feed wasmaybea little excessive.”

“He shot you.”

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