Page 80 of Guarded from Danger

Please let Xavier’s team be on their way.

Oh, please. I just want to get out of this.

When the door is about a third of the way open, Xavier turns to me. His eyes are dark. Icy. Intense. Determination is set in his features. Danger is banked in his gaze.

In a tone so low it’s almost inaudible, he says, “Lucy. I have to go.”

My heart stops.

What?

“I can’t let him escape,” he explains. “You’ll be okay. I’ll come right back for you.”

More light comes in through the open barn door, casting a glow across Xavier’s face. He looks like a statue—one of those Roman gladiators, ready to leap into battle.

A vise is crushing my chest. My lungs won’t work. I’m lightheaded from lack of air.

“Xavier,” I wheeze. “No?—”

“I have to.” His voice softens for a moment. “You know I do. I’m sorry.”

Oh, God.

No.

Panic resurges, grabbing hold of me and shaking.

I can’t. He can’t leave me. Peter has a gun. What if he shoots Xavier? What if he kills him?

Wait.

How can Xavier go after Peter? He’s chained to the wall, just like me.

Except he’s not.

Xavier opens the shackle around his wrist and carefully sets it on the ground. Then he does the same for the one on his ankle.

How?

My mind fractures for a second.

What’s happening?

“I’m sorry, Luce.” He presses a quick kiss to my lips. “I promise. I’ll be back.”

And then.

Xavier races towards the barn door, which Peter is now stepping through.

My heart flies into my throat.

Oh. Please.

I have to watch. But I’m terrified to.

Like a shadow, Xavier moves silently across the barn floor.

Peter steps outside, his back still to us. But if he turns around too soon…

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