Page 41 of Embracing Easy

I look to my brothers, making sure they understand that is what matters most. They all nod, but I can see the beast in their eyes, thirsting for blood. I get it; Trigg was my friend too, but all that matters now is getting my woman back in one piece.

“Let’s go,” Legend calls over his shoulder, already dodging cars like Frogger as they whiz past.

After making it across the four lanes of traffic, we move silently across the parking lot with our weapons drawn.

The sound of my heartbeat pounding in my ears drowns out everything else as we position ourselves outside the door. Knox and Sparrow take flanking positions while Legend covers our six.

I close my eyes for a second.

One breath.

Two breaths.

Then, slowly, I open them, lift my booted foot, and let it connect with the door. The cheap wood splinters around the locks.

The scene that greets me makes me see red. John's bent over the dresser, white powder scattered across its surface, but it's the sight of Lexi's still form on the bed that sends me over the edge.

She's not moving.

Why isn't she moving?

Red fills my vision, and with a roar that barely sounds human, I launch myself at Lexi’s ex.

We hit the ground hard, and I roll us until I’m straddling his chest. I don't hesitate. My fists connect with his face over and over, each blow accompanied by the satisfying crunch of his bones.

“You killed her!” Each word is punctuated by another blow. Blood sprays, coating my knuckles, but I can't stop. This motherfucker took her from me.

“Easy!” Knox's voice seems far away as he tries to pull me off. “Brother, that's enough!”

I struggle against his grip, my chest heaving, my tears mixing with the blood on my face. My eyes go past him, landing on Lexi again, and everything else fades away.

Climbing off John, I shove past Knox and stumble to the bed. My hands are shaking as I gather her onto my lap, burying my face in her hair. “I'm sorry, baby. I'm so fucking sorry. I should have been there. Should have protected you.”

Then, like a miracle from the gods themselves, I feel her arms go around my neck. Before I can stop it, a sob tears from my throat, and there’s no disguising the anguished sound. “Thank fuck. Thank fuck.” I thought I’d lost her.

“Shawn?” Her voice is weak, confused, but it's the most beautiful sound I've ever heard.

“I’ve got you, baby. You’re safe now.” I crush her tighter against my chest, and she lets out a groan. Immediately, I loosen my grip, running my hands over her, checking for injuries.

She takes my face in her hands. “I’m okay.”

“You’re not fucking okay. He took you.” I go to set her aside, ready to beat on this fucker some more when the sound of sirens wailing in the distance grows closer.

“We need to move,” Viper orders. “Now.”

I scoop Lexi into my arms, cradling her head against my chest. “Close your eyes, baby. Don't open them until I say.”

She nods weakly, turning her face into my neck. Only when I'm sure she can't see do I shift her weight to one arm, draw my weapon, and put a bullet between John's eyes.

He deserves so much fucking worse, but there’s no time.

“Let's go,” I growl, moving toward the door.

As we step out into the night, Lexi trembles in my arms. “I've got you, baby,” I whisper against her hair. “I've got you, and I'm never letting go.”

Epilogue

Lexi

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