Page 130 of Nate

“Drop the weapon or you’re going to have one hell of a headache,” Rafe said.

“I’ll kill him,” Knowles said, but Nate could hear the fear in his voice.

“And I’ll kill you.”

Nate looked at Knowles and shrugged. “I’d do it if I were you. Rafe has no problem blowing your head off. Trust me. I’ve known him practically my entire life.”

“Besides, I’m not the only one here. You’ll never get out of here alive if you try. The sheriff and his deputies are right outside those doors.”

“I don’t believe you,” Knowles snapped.

Nate watched Rafe take a deep breath and then sigh.

“Come on in, Sam,” Rafe yelled.

Nate turned to see Sam, and Logan enter behind him, and Nevada, and Brody behind Rafe. He looked at Knowles and grinned.

“One thing Rafe doesn’t do, is lie. I’d put that gun down if I were you.”

“Do it! Drop the weapon and kick it away,” Sam yelled.

He watched Knowles lower the gun to the floor and give it a kick. Nate strode toward him, stopped in front of him, then punched him in the face, knocking him to the floor. He shook his hand to alleviate the pain.

“That’s enough, Nate,” Sam said as he handcuffed Knowles. “Are you alright.”

“I hurt my knuckles,” he said, then grinned. “But damn that felt good.”

Sam chuckled and shook his head. “I get it.” He pulled Knowles to his feet. “Let’s go. Jarrett Knowles you are under arrest, you have the right to remain silent…” Sam told him as he walked him from the barn.

Nate watched the deputies as they followed their boss outside, then he looked at Rafe to see him lower the hammer of the rifle back to its resting position, removing tension from the firing mechanism so the gun was no longer ready to fire.

“Are you alright?” Rafe asked him.

“Yeah. I’m glad Markie did what I said. Can I have your phone?”

“Sure, but you don’t need to call her, she’s pulling up.” Rafe nodded toward the doors. “One of the deputies probably let her know it was safe to come back.”

Nate turned just in time to catch her in his arms. She sobbed against his chest. He ran his hand over her soft hair.

“I’m fine, baby. We’re all fine, now,” he murmured.

She looked at him with tears rolling down her face. “I was so scared.”

“I know. But Rafe—”

“Oh, Rafe!” Markie ran toward him and hugged him. “Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome, Markie. Everything will be fine now.” Rafe hugged her back and grinned at Nate when he narrowed his eyes at him.

“You can let go of my woman now,” Nate snapped.

“Not yet. I kind of like this.” Rafe laughed when Nate stepped toward him but shook his head and chuckled.

“Seriously, Rafe, thank you.” Nate shook his hand.

“You would have done the same for me.” Rafe shrugged.

Nate shrugged too. “Maybe,” he said but grinned, letting Rafe know he was kidding.

---