Page 104 of The SEAL's Duchess

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The world let go.

Ivy fell.

38

Metal sagged under Ivy.

Soft.

Like mud giving way.

“Ryder—”

The deck quivered under her boots, metal tearing like paper.

She jumped.

Missed.

For an instant their eyes locked.

The roar of the ocean intensified.

No—

Air sliced her face?—

And shestopped.

The jolt wrenched her shoulder, robbing her of breath.

I’m hanging.

She looked up.

Face red, Ryder was flat on his belly, his body hanging over the edge. His hand was locked on her forearm, vise tight, his eyes on her. “I’ve got you.”

Below her, the ocean swirled, sucking, gasping.

“Ivy.” Veins bulged on his forehead.

“Ryder.” She clawed for purchase, scrabbling against the edge of the deck.

Nothing, only air.

The walkway behind her had vanished, twisted metal dangling into the void like broken teeth. When she looked down her feet were so small against the maw.

Ice penetrated every vein. She scrunched her eyes tight. His grip hurt, crushing her arm.So tight.

Ellie. He had to think of Ellie first. Had to let go.

“Ivy!’

She opened her eyes and fixated on the rough metal straight ahead, her breath coming in jagged bursts.

“Ivy.Eyes on me.”

She looked up. “I?—”

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