Page 97 of Savage Beauty

He wavers, uncertain.

Run. It’s Sam’s voice. My heart feels like it’s going to pound out of my chest.

“I risked my life to save you. And now you’re playing me, aren’t you?” Another step back. “You don’t plan on working with us. You may think you’re safer outside, but that’s not the case. Yes, outside someone will hear the gun go off. But we’re on a vacation island. Chances are anyone who hears will assume it’s a car backfiring.”

“Then just shoot me.” One more step, and I’ll be close enough to the corner of the villa I can take off running. It’s a risk. But the farther away I am, the more likely he’ll miss. I’ve never known William to practice target shooting. He can’t be a good marksman.

But then again, I didn’t know he was married.

The hum of a combustion engine steals William’s attention.

And I’m off. Running.

My feet slip on the sandy path.

My gaze locks on the dunes.

Run.

Faster.

Run.

“Sloane!”

Max.

I spin, searching for him.

My chest heaves.

What’s Max doing here?

Max’s hands are up in the air in a defensive posture, but he’s moving forward at a quick pace. And William’s gun points at his chest.

“He’ll shoot,” I warn Max.

Slow down.

As if hearing my thoughts, Max slows his steps.

“Are you okay?” He directs his question to me. But Max is trained like Sam. And Sam would attack. That’s what Sam would do. If he lunges for William, he’ll be shot. William won’t miss from so close to his target. At that distance, the bullet will kill him.

“I’m okay,” I answer, edging around the corner of the villa, getting closer to Max. “Please be careful.”

“Interesting request. Pretty sure you were supposed to stay put.”

William’s legs spread into a wide stance.

“William, please don’t shoot him.”

“This is your guy, huh?”

Max’s hands are out at his side. He’s not going to back down. Sam wouldn’t.

“Put the gun down. Please.”

“You know I can’t do that.”

---