Page 15 of Fear the Reaper
“We will worry about that later!” I slammed her door and ran around the side just in time to dodge a bullet. Star screamed but I grabbed the gun again and turned. Even as I did that, I tossed the key to the SUV in through the window.
“Got them!” Star called.
A man made an appearance from what was left of the trees in the alley and I lifted my Glock and fired. The first bullet sliced through his right shoulder, the second caught him between the eyes. The engine roared behind me and I was behind the wheel and shifting into drive before the gunman even hit the ground.
“Keep your head down!” I shouted at Star.
Another bullet smashed the back screen and I could feel it wedge itself into the back of my headrest. But, I concentrated on getting both of us out of there.
All this over a reporter.
We managedto get to one of Brotherhood Protectors’ safe houses. After I ensured we weren’t being followed, I pulled into the garage and parked. While Star was still moping about, I climbed from the front seat and entered my security code to let them know it was me and not some intruder.
I escorted her into the house and sat her on a chair in the kitchen. By the time I found a first aid kit and returned, Star’s pupils were enlarged, her skin pale and—I touched her—clammy. I had to call her name three times before she even heard me and when I brushed a finger against her forehead she jerked around.
“Shit!” I muttered.
Nova Shuman was going into shock.
I set the kit on the counter and picked her up from the chair and kicked it out of the way. Lying her on the floor on her back, I dragged her bag in and pushed it under her legs to elevate them. After another round of checking her skin and eyes, I tapped at her cheeks. “Stay with me, Star,” I said. “Nova!”
“Hmm? No—yellin’.”
“Who am I? What’s my name?”
Her eyes rolled back, and I tapped her cheeks harder.
“No! Nova! Look at me!”
She refocused on me.
“What’s my name? Say my name!”
“Mav—Mav…” She swallowed hard, the white of her eyes becoming prominent again.
“Nova!” I barked.
“Mav—damn it!” She groaned and closed her eyes quickly but then met my gaze again. “Maverick Forge.”
“Good. What do they call me?”
“Rea—Reap—er.”
“Good, girl.” I smiled down at her. “I want you to focus on my face.”
“I don’t…” She heaved.
Instantly, I rolled her to her side. Not a second later, her body heaved again and she threw up. Holding her head into my stomach, I held her, hoping she’d stop shaking. I scooped her up and carried her into the living room, sat and pulled her into my arms hoping my body would warm her up.
“This is bullshit!” Star groaned. “Serious—bullshit.”
“I agree.” I whispered. “I need you to stop shaking, okay?”
She moaned and snuggled closer.
I couldn’t remember the last time I had a woman in my arms. Hell, I couldn’t remember the last time I had a woman period. After I left the SEALS I locked myself away. I genuinely disliked people for I had been burned so severely by those I’d trusted. They had been my brothers and when shit hit the fan, I was left hanging like I was a stranger.
I climbed in my truck and headed away from Montana. I wound up, almost six hours away in some small town and didn’t look back. Dating was another thing I ignored over the years. It didn’t make sense seeing someone when all I wanted to do was disappear—not exist.
