Page 109 of Zero Hour

Pat moved like a predator, shifting into close-quarters combat before the shooter could fire again. His gun came down hard on the intruder’s arm, sending a second shot wild.

The attacker spun, face contorted in fury. That’s when Jasmine recognized him.

So did Pat.

“Riad.” His voice was ice.

Al-Jabiri’s cousin snarled, switching his gun to his left hand. “This is your fault!”

His aim went wild, but it was still too close for Jasmine’s liking.

“Drop it!” Pat ordered.

Riad ignored him, finger tightening on the trigger.

Pat fired first.

The shot ripped through the air.

Riad staggered, slamming against the doorframe. His gun clattered to the floor.

Jasmine exhaled, relief flooding her?—

Until he grinned.

Her stomach turned to ice.

He moved his arm, fingers curling around his fallen gun. His sights locked onto her.

She couldn’t breathe. Closing her eyes, she braced for the shot?—

Another deafening crack rang out.

Silence.

Trembling, she forced herself to look. Riad lay sprawled on the floor. A dark, seeping hole in his chest.

Pat lowered his weapon. His eyes swept over her, checking to make sure she was all right. “You okay?”

Jasmine scrambled to her knees, shoving the duvet away as if it carried the nightmare with it. She looked down at the body, then at Pat. “You killed him.”

His gaze was steady. “Would you rather he killed you?”

She swallowed hard. “No. God, no.”

Then she was in his arms, relishing the feel of him as he held her. Grounded her. She buried her face in his chest. “How did he know to come here? Patrick, we could have been?—”

“It’s okay. I’ve got you. I’ll never let anything happen to you.” His voice was a vow. A promise that went beyond tonight, beyond this moment.

She lifted her face, searching his eyes and she knew he meant it.

She had never trusted anyone like this before. Never loved anyone like this before.

Taking his face in her hands, she kissed him, hard. He deepened it, pouring everything into her—the fear, the relief, the desperate, unbreakable connection between them.

When they finally broke for air, she whispered, “I love you.”

His eyes softened. “I love you too, Jasmine.”

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