Page 102 of Scorched

Maggie tried to slow her breathing, expecting Michael to walk through. But the doorway stayed empty. She frowned, staring outside.

“Hello?”

Silence met her query, so she tried again. “Is anyone there?”

Declan’s voice followed after a beat. “Maggie?” He peered around the doorframe, his eyes surveying the room. He stepped into the cabin, her dad behind him. “Where’s Dad?”

She stood up. “Unconscious in the bathroom. Where’s Michael?”

“Tied up in my truck.”

She ran forward and launched herself at him. He caught her, burying his nose in her hair.

“Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”

“I’m fine.” She pulled away to hug her dad. He squeezed her tight.

“I’m so glad you’re all right, girl. We were so worried when they found your car.”

“I’m okay, though. And it’s over.”

“It is.” He released her. “I’m going to let Seb know. Then I want a word with Cole.” He walked just outside the door to make the call.

Declan pulled her to him and kissed her. Maggie savored the feel of his mouth on hers. She wanted to feel it every day for the rest of her life.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked, pulling back.

She ran her hands through his hair. “Completely. How about you? How are those ribs?”

“They ache, but I’m okay.”

“Good. I couldn’t handle it if something happened to you. I love you, Declan Briggs. So much.”

He smoothed her hair away from her face. “I love you too,” he whispered. “I don’t deserve you, but I promise I will spend my days making you happy.”

She kissed him. “Just you being near makes me happy, so that won’t be hard.”

The bathroom door banged open. They jerked apart and turned to see Cole stumble out into the main room, blood covering the lower half of his face and staining his shirt. He had a detonator in his hand.

“Dad. Dad, don’t.” Declan shoved Maggie behind him and took several steps toward Cole.

She made a mad grab for Declan’s clothes to hold him back, but he moved out of her reach.

“Please. It doesn’t have to end this way,” Declan pleaded as he moved toward his dad.

“Why shouldn’t it? I’ll take out an Archer—the baby of the family—and I won’t go back to prison. And as a bonus, Lee’s still alive and will have to live with knowing he couldn’t save his daughter. You should leave, though, son. Despite your terrible judgement, you don’t need to die. Losing her will be enough of a punishment.”

“No. If you blow yourself up, you’re going to have to take me with you.”

A strangled sound escaped Maggie. She kept her feet planted, though, and let Declan talk. She knew if she moved forward, Cole might just push that button.

“I already killed your mother. Don’t think I won’t kill you too.”

“You’ve made it perfectly clear you think I’m a traitor.” He edged closer. “But that doesn’t mean I want you to die.”

“Cole. Put down the detonator,” Lee said from the doorway. “Let’s talk this out.”

“There’s nothing to talk about. I’m not going back to prison.” His thumb edged closer to the button.

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