Page 28 of Dark Love

She’s in trouble. And whoever caused that panic button to be pressed is going to regret it.

The cluster of people surrounding my security step out of my way without a word.

“What happened?”

Brax doesn’t blink as he keeps people at bay. “Woman passed out in the head. Drugs.”

She doesn’t do—That can also mean—I slam the bathroom door open.

The sight in front of me knocks all the air out of my lungs. It’s her lying on the bathroom floor. It doesn’t matter that I can’t see her face. No one else wears practical flats and a cardigan.

Rage has my fist flying into the nearest wall.

Glass explodes everywhere as blood pours off my knuckles. “Is she dead?”

It’s going to break me when Barb says—

“Nope. Respiration and BP seem fine, all things considered.”

Alive. She’s alive.

“I’m about to call the—”

“My girlfriend—” A man rushes in. “—is she okay?”

NO! She can’t be his.

“She said she had to go to the bathroom. She wasn’t feeling good. Drank too much.” He sinks down to his knees on the floor next to her. “You know how it is.”

Drank too much?!?

But she doesn’t—LIAR!

This was a setup.

Payne walks into the door. He takes one look at me and asks, “What do you need?”

“Clear the hallway. Completely.”

His eyes widen even as he nods. “On it.”

After all these years, thankfully, Payne knows what I mean without me having to explain. Now I need to deal with the trash... until I can dispose of it properly. “Barb is going to help prepare your girlfriend for transportation to the hospital. Is there anything she needs to know, like allergies and medical conditions?” I step over the glass and slowly make my way to the dead man’s side.

First, get him away from her.

Second, immobilize him as painfully as possible.

Third, get her somewhere safe.

Fourth, shake her until she listens to you.

Fifth, and my favorite, visit with my soon-to-be-dead friend over here. There are so many ways I am going to make him pay for what he just attempted to do.

All you need to do is stay in control… stay sane until you make it to step five.

Calm.

Cool.

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