Page 19 of Stone

He shook his head, then he saw the swelling on the side of her head. He gently reached out and gripped her chin. He tilted her head back and brushed his fingers over the side of her face.

“Oh, that. The asshole rammed me into the dumpster. I don’t recommend it.”

For a second, Knox wanted to laugh, but he couldn’t get past the anger. He glared at the asshole on the ground. He wanted to hit him again.

“Knox, I’m okay.” She pressed a hand to his arm until he met her gaze. “Where’s Nick?”

“Lainie fainted. He went to check on her.”

“Oh no.” Nola’s face turned distraught. “Is Lainie okay?”

Of course she was more worried about her friend, and not about the fact that she was in grave danger.

“No word yet, but I’m sure she’ll be fine.” He grabbed her hand. “Come on, we need to get you safely to Sentinel Security.”

“I’m sorry you got dragged into this.”

He tipped her chin up. “I’m not.”

She stared up at him, and instantly he felt that beat of connection. The one that had overwhelmed him last night.

“I’m glad you’re here,” she murmured.

“I’m glad you’re all right, Sprite.”

“Knox,” she breathed.

He lowered his head, she moved closer.

Shouting voices in Russian echoed down the alley. Knox swiveled, and shoved Nola behind him.

Two big guys shouldered through the mouth of the alley.

“Fuck.” Knox grabbed her arm. “This way.” He spun and pulled her deeper into the alleyway.

There were more shouts. Zolotov’s men were following them.

Knox picked up speed, half dragging Nola. A door opened ahead of them, and a man in a white apron holding a black trash bag stepped out.

“Get back inside,” Knox yelled.

Gunshots echoed off the brick walls.

Fuck. He shoved Nola to the side, shielding her body with his. The man dropped the bag and raced back inside, slamming the door closed behind him.

Knox pulled his SIG from his holster and swiveled. He fired down the alley.

“We have to move, Nola. Run as fast as you can.”

“Moving.” She took off like a sprinter.

Knox followed, firing behind him.

A rain of gunfire ricocheted through the alley.

“Down!” he roared.

Nola dropped. Knox crouched and dragged her behind a dumpster. He peered around the side and fired again.

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