Page 121 of Fix You

A nervous laugh bubbled from my lips. “Since this is my first rescue attempt and potential murder, I’ll take any advice.”

“First, describe the scene to me.”

After explaining to Rafe about Quinn’s placement in the middle of the street and where Isla and Mikita were, he cursed. “What a fucking impossible shot.”

“Thanks for the pep talk.”

“Sorry,Tesoro.”

Peeking my head out, I once again surveyed the scene. In that moment of watching Isla struggle against the man and Quinn beg and plead for her life, I was sucked out of that moment and back into the shadowy walls of the crypt. The adrenaline coursing through began to wane.

The gun in my hand shook as shudder after shudder reverberated through my body. “Maeve?” Rafe questioned.

“I can’t fight…He’s holding me down….Da has a gun to their heads…They’re going to die because he’s…holding me down!”

“Donna coraggiosa, don’t you dare go back there. You stay with me. Do you hear me?”

Tears streaked down my cheeks. “They’re going to die because of me.”

“Maeve? Maeve, listen to me,” Rafe commanded.

“I…I’m listening.”

“You can do this.”

Even though he couldn’t see me, I shook my head furiously from side to side. “What if I miss him? What if I hit Quinn or Isla? You said it yourself that it was a tough shot,” I protested.

“That’s not going to happen.”

“It could.”

“It won’t.”

“How can you say that?”

“Because I know you. I know you’re stronger and braver than any woman or man I’ve ever met.”

A sob choked off in my throat. “You really believe that?”

“I sure as hell do.”

“Oh Rafe.”

“But more than that, you’re a Kavanaugh. Your brothers prepared you for this.”

“I can do this,” I repeated more myself than for Rafe.”

“Damn straight.”

“Okay. I have to go.”

“I’m on my way. I’ll get to you as soon as I can.”

Even though it was the last thing I should’ve said, I blurted, “I love you!”

A pause echoed over the line, sending regret rocketing through me. But then Rafe said, “I love you, too, Maeve.”

Hope surged through me at his words. After sliding my phone into my pocket, I took the safety off my gun. Easing thedoor open, I stepped out of the pub. The street was empty except for the three of them and a few people cowering behind trash cans and cars.

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