Page 15 of Sweet Little Spies

His mom’s eyes widened when she saw him, and she started tomove his way. He shook his head.

“Get her to safety. I’ll get Carys and Aidan,” he shouted,and suddenly a massive dude was at their backs, moving the women along.

Nathan Carter sent him a nod and a look that told him hewould ensure everyone was safe. Nate was former Aussie Special Forces, and Tristrusted him.

Now he had to deal with the rest of his family, the ones whowouldn’t be running to safety.

Where the hell was Aidan? From what he could hear, thechopper would be right on them now. Tristan rushed onto the big balcony in timeto watch the helo swing in and gunfire start.

An explosion came from his left. Grenade? They were lobbingfucking grenades at his wedding? Anger and fear flared, but he shoved them downas smoke covered the balcony and the sound of gunfire exploded through the air.

He barely avoided one of those bullets as he crossed thespace, trying to work his way to the altar where he saw Carys on the ground,covered by Aidan. Sean had moved in, lending his big body to protect hisdaughter, too.

Aidan looked up. “What the fuck is happening, Tris?”

He heard Carys gasp but he didn’t have time to talk. “Staydown.” He looked over and Ian and his fathers had taken up refuge behind thebalcony wall. Luckily they’d stayed somewhat true to the original architectureand hadn’t switch it out for wrought iron. It was a thick wall that protectedthem from bullets.

The hail of bullets went on for what felt like forever. Hewas forced to huddle behind one of the big pillars while Carys and Aidan werebehind the wall. He could barely see the white of her dress because her fatherand Aidan protected her so completely.

But he wasn’t there, and if he didn’t figure this the fuckout he never would be again. Aidan had been serious. He’d meant to cut Tris outafter today.

He’d agonized for years over the decisions he’d made. Hethought he’d come to terms with all of them. But standing here and not beingable to take his half of the burden was killing him. He couldn’t do this. Hecouldn’t be without them for the rest of his life.

The sound of the chopper hung in the air and then he riskedit to get a look. Tristan moved to the side, and the chopper was starting topull away.

“Are they leaving?” Carys asked quietly.

He glanced over to where his cousins were huddled. Kala andKenzie looked worse for the wear, but neither was panicking. Kala caught hisgaze and lifted her chin slightly.

She wasn’t letting anyone leave. Neither was he. If hedidn’t take the shot, his cousin would.

He nodded and then the twins were moving, firing to give himsome cover. The helo was starting to turn. Cooper was suddenly at Tristan’sside.

“Hit the fuel tank,” Cooper said, his eyes narrowing as helifted his weapon. “They’re too close right now.”

Tristan knew exactly where to hit, but they had to let thefucker get further away. There was a responding set of gunfire, and Cooperducked but Tristan stood there. He stared at the fuckers who were likelylooking for him. He was the reason for all of this. A bullet flew by him, buthe stood firm.

The gunfire ceased, and for a second the quiet wasunsettling.

“Girls, get down now. Tristan, Cooper, take them out.” UncleIan yelled.

He was sure Ian would have preferred to do the taking down,but he and Coop were in a better position. The helo started a sweep up, and heand Coop fired.

Two shots. It was all they needed. Two shots and then theyheard the whirring of the engine right before the whole thing exploded.

Tristan felt the heat from the blast and realized Coop hadtaken cover. Everyone had. They’d all protected themselves, but Tris needed tosee it, needed to feel the power of the blast, to know beyond a shadow of alldoubt at least these fuckers wouldn’t be coming after his family.

“What is wrong with you?” His dad’s eyes were wide as hestalked across the space, pointing Tristan’s way. “Do you have a death wish,son? They were close. You are lucky the blast didn’t take you out.”

“Hey, are you okay?” His papa was calmer, though he couldsee what it had cost Adam Miles to stand down while the rest of them took careof the situation.

“I’m fine.” He took a long breath and turned to help Aidanup, but Sean Taggart was already there. He had Aidan on his feet and reachedfor Carys, but she was already holding her hand up for Aidan.

“Yeah, I need a cleanup crew,” Big Tag was saying into hiscell.

Liam O’Donnell rushed in as Aidan helped Carys to her feet.

Her dress was ruined. It was torn in several places andcovered in some form of soot. Her hair had come down, and the veil was barelyhanging on. She held on to Aidan as she looked back at her dad. “Is everyoneokay?”

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