Page 75 of Tempest

“That’s true, but I know a thing or two about what a girl looks for in a boyfriend. A man who threatens a bunch of innocent women and a dog isn’t considered an ideal mate. So if you hope to save your relationship, then put the gun down.”

Rocko growled again, and William stared at the dog. “Make the dog shut up.”

Ivy slipped her hand into her purse, pulled her gun out, and released the safety. Holding it at her side, she gave William one last warning. “Put the damn gun down and quit yelling at the dog. You made this mess, and I’m tired of watching you wave your gun at us. I’ve had a difficult couple of weeks, and my patience is about done. My daddy dies, someone shot at me, the wells are being sabotaged, and you and your crazy uncle stole money. Leave the dog alone.”

Clearly, he wasn’t paying attention, because when Rocko bared his teeth and barked, William the idiot pointed his gun at the dog. “ Last chance, William.” She watched him release the safety, so she raised her gun smoothly and shot him in the leg. “Whatever doesn’t kill me had better start running,” she said.

William’s large body crumpled to the ground and the gun slipped from his hand, as he groaned loudly. Rocko continued to growl and Ivy patted his head. “Someone call 911 if you haven’t already.” Leaning against the table, she let the gun clatter from her hand. Grace stood and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, and she began shaking violently.

The doors burst open, and Ken ran in with his gun in his hand. “See if you can stop the bleeding,” Grace called out as she held on to Ivy.

Phoebe came out of her shock, moved around the table, and took her sweater off. “Here, we can use this to tie around his leg.”

The front doors of the building crashed open, and Ivy saw a bunch of police run in. They were followed by two paramedics. Knowing that help had arrived allowed her to take a deep breath in. The sound of the helo could be heard in the distance, and she figured that the guys had returned. As black spots filled her vision, she slipped out of Grace’s arms and fell to the floor.

***

Something sharp hit her nose, and she shook her head to make it go away. It smelled like ammonia and she figured someone had waved smelling salts under her nose. Opening her eyes, she looked into Ryan’s face and closed them again. “What happened?” she mumbled.

Her body was lifted gently, and he held her against his chest. His scent was unmistakable, and she filled her lungs with it. A low whining sound made her eyes open a second time, and she looked at Rocko stretched out next to her. He laid his head on her lap. She lifted her hand and rested it against his warm fur. “Ryan, I know what I want for a Christmas present.”

He leaned over and smiled into her eyes. “What’s that, honey?”

“I want a dog just like Rocko.”

The sound of relieved laughter filled her ears as he held her closely. “Please tell me I didn’t faint,” she said.

“Okay, I won’t,” he said into her ear. “Hell of a first day at Bellows Energy.”

“I guess shooting someone puts everyone on notice not to mess with the new boss.”

“I think you just gave a whole new meaning to the term boss lady.”

“Might’ve,” she responded. Twisting her head around, she saw the room full of people. “Guess we have to answer a couple of questions before we leave.”

Ryan followed her gaze and shrugged. “Yeah, we’re going to have to wait on the celebration sex.”

“What are we celebrating?”

He gave her a “get real” look. “We’re reveling in the fact that you didn’t get shot today.”

Pushing away from him, she sat up and straightened her top. “Is celebration sex different than makeup sex, or morning sex, or night sex or car sex or pool sex or…”

Covering her mouth with his, he kissed her gently. When he released her, he whispered against her lips, “Guess you’ll have to wait and see.”

“Guess I will.” Patting Rocko’s head, she stared at the dog. “Thanks for the help today. I think you earned a steak.”

Ryan stood and helped her up, and she held on to his arm. Her head was swimming a little, and she figured that it was going to be a long time before she let him go. “How is William the idiot?”

“He’ll live. The paramedics said it was a clean shot and he shouldn’t have any lasting damage.”

“I aimed for his big tree trunk leg and knew he was going to be fine. I wouldn’t have done it, but he pointed the gun at me and Rocko.”

“Totally understandable,” Ryan responded. “By the way, Ken feels terrible that he didn’t get down here in time. When Phoebe jammed the network, she limited the cell reception, and Grace’s call never went through.”

“No problem.” Looking up into his eyes, she smiled. “I was kind of pissed, so it felt good to finally handle one of the threats head-on. I might have fulfilled my dreams of becoming a vigilante.”

“Remind me never to get on your bad side,” he said with a laugh.

“You asked me when we met if I would warn you before I shot you, and I told you no. I’ve changed my mind. I like you enough to let you know when I’m mad.”

“Can’t ask for more than that.”

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