Page 73 of Nothing But the Night (Basic Instincts 2)

He fixed himself, took a deep breath for fuel, then charged at the door, flinging it wide.

Chantelle stood across the desk opposite Marc. As she turned in surprise, Jason was already pounding towards her. He had speed and trajectory just right. He would take her down.

She raised the knife.

He was still on track to stop her.

His foot touched the floor and as he powered forward, he slipped. The wooden floor was wet. Jason’s feet went out from under him, and he lost momentum. Chantelle ducked aside and he hit the front of the desk with full force. He roared in agony as pain from his injured ribs tore all through his body.

Jason dropped to the floor.

The world became a kaleidoscope of crazy images. As he hit the ground, he looked straight into the slackened face of his partner. There was blood all around them. Survival instinct impelled him to move. He rolled onto his back.

Chantelle was right above him. Her lips moved but he couldn’t understand a word.

Her knife drew back, and she was coming at him.

Jason couldn’t get away. This time the pain was too great.

He prayed Marc would use the distraction to escape. If this was the end, it would be a consolation to know he got away.

Chantelle came closer and the knife bore down towards him.

Then another movement. Marc was right behind her. He swung hard, smacking her across the head with his plastered arm. She was lifted clear off her feet.

Jason’s vision dimmed. He fought against the blackout.

Marc was above him. Tapping his face, shaking his shoulders.

“…up.”

Jason winced. His sight and hearing were woozy, but were returning.

“Where is she?” He tried to sit up, which triggered another rush of darkness. He paused a moment before continuing. The pain in his chest was agony.Probably broken another rib. “The knife.”

“I’ve got it,” Marc said, helping him to lean against the desk. “She’s gone. But I think she’s locked us in.”

“Are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” Marc said.

Despite their situation, Jason felt a sudden lightness of relief. He gripped Marc’s good hand, wanting to hold him. Needing a moment of stillness to let it sink in. He raised Marc’s hand to his lips and kissed it. When this was over, he wanted to hold him and never let him go.

“Can you stand?” Marc asked. “If she’s locked the door, we’re not out of trouble yet.”

Jason nodded grimly. He gritted his teeth and when Marc counted to three, together they managed to get him to his feet. Jason sucked in a great mouthful of air.

It was then that he smelled burning.

Looking towards the doors, he saw grey tendrils of smoke creep under the bottom.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Ablaze

“She’s set fire to the place,” Jason said.

“Stay here,” Marc told him, easing him against the desk. Jason was in a bad way. The howl of pain he’d issued when he’d gone down made it clear that he’d sustained further injuries.

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