Page 60 of The Reaper

Heath snarled at him, and that seemed to be the only sign Shorty needed to shut the hell up. “We can’t let you destroy what we’ve built, Reaper,” he explained.

My hands were released; rings of raw pink skin were etched into my wrists.

The men—except Heath—retreated and drew their guns, aiming them in my direction, adding wrinkles to my very limited plan. I could tackle those guys, but Heath was the wildcard that made me hesitate. After our little tussle earlier that evening, he was more dangerous than all three goons and their guns combined.

“You see …” Heath closed the distance between us. His hands were in his pockets. “The success of The Firm depends on our ability to stay under the radar, and we can’t have men like you going rogue on us.” He shook his head. “We can’t risk it.”

“Do you believe me?” I asked. I had to know. I thought I could trust him, but what did I know? “Do you believe me?” I balled my fists, ready to die fighting. I finally had a purpose and I would fight until the end.

Heath didn’t answer. The three men behind him exchanged confused looks, clearly wondering what I was talking about.

“Let’s just get this over with,” Shorty urged.

“So, do you?” I yelled, my frustration growing. If these fuckers thought I’d lay down and take what they were going to give, they couldn’t have been more wrong.

Heath stayed silent and reached out a hand in the men’s direction. After a short pause, Stocky handed over his pistol.

He stepped forward, his eyes never leaving mine. He unzipped his jacket—my leather jacket—to reveal two guns tucked into the sides of his waistband. He took another step, stopping within arm’s reach of me. He raised his arm and pointed his gun at my chest. Read my lips, he mouthed.

What the fuck? I glared at him, my eyes focused on the lips I had enjoyed kissing a few hours ago.

Blink if you can read my lips.

I squinted briefly, hoping to relay the message.

“What are you waiting for?” Stocky yelled. His high voice was strained with impatience, and I saw him step forward in my periphery.

“I got this!” Heath replied. His lips started to move, soundless words coming out. There are two more guys outside.

My gaze traveled to the stairs, then back to his. Your bike is parked across the street.

My heart was pounding so hard, but my mind was clear. I knew what I had to do. Heath was risking this for me.

On three.

I blinked.

One. He glanced at the guns tucked into his waistband.

Two.

I nodded.

Three.

I pulled both guns out just as he was turning.

He shot one of the men directly in the forehead. A thud when his body hit the ground.

“What the fu—” The second bullet hit Shorty before he had a chance to finish his statement.

I took down Stocky with one bullet to his temple and made my way to the stairs.

The door slammed open, light from upstairs illuminating me at the bottom of the steps. Two guys rushed down and Heath and I took them one at a time.

I aimed my gun at Heath. He aimed his at me. Neither of us flinched a muscle.

“Run,” Heath said. “There are more coming.” He pulled my keys and burner phone out of his pocket, tossing them to me.

---