Page 53 of Sizzling Nights

Marco nodded, "We will."

Mitch stopped them. "Hang on. Don't go out there until we have more backup. I saw her companions ready to enter this room until they saw the police and myself rushing in."

Theresa's heartbeat was beginning to slow. The incredible adrenaline rush had started to subside and her body shook. Marco took his jacket off without a word and hung it over her shoulders. "It's the adrenaline."

"Yeah."

Police were questioning Kelsey but were not getting any responses from her, so finally one of the cops read Kelsey her rights.

One of the cops turned to Theresa and said, "We'll need a statement from you."

Mitch responded, "I'll get them to the station for an interview."

The officer nodded. They lifted Kelsey to her feet and ushered her through the door and out to their cruiser where they'd give her a private escort to the police department and hopefully jail.

Mitch turned to them, "Okay. Her two goons..."

He stopped speaking and opened the bathroom door. "Are gone, but I don't know where. Let's get out of here. We'll head to the police station and give your statements, then to the cabin where you can get a good night’s sleep."

She nodded. "That sounds good. Will you ever get the information about why Kelsey was involved here?"

"Yes. I'll get that information."

Theresa's shaking started to subside. She took a steady breath and let it out slowly. "Okay."

Mitch led the way from the bathroom, and she and Marco followed. Once in the hallway, she walked along between them, with Marco's arm securely around her, holding her tight. Her heart swelled with the protectiveness he offered. It had grown progressively over time as she worked with him, but these past few days, he'd found a place in her heart that would never leave.

As soon as they left Paradise Gardens, the cool air brushed over her face and the remaining tension left her body. The beautiful lights lit the palm trees, and the shine on the driveway glittered with the lights. It was still impressive here. Regrettably, she didn't get an opportunity to dance with Marco and that made her stomach twist slightly. She'd felt like a princess in a stunning gown with her prince in an amazing place. Kelsey ruined it all. She'd never forgive her for that. She'd also never forgive her for the duplicity and nastiness she brought to them all.

They strode quietly to Mitch's SUV, all lost in thought. Suddenly, two men jumped from between cars and attacked Marco and Mitch. She heard fists connecting with flesh and bone. Grunts and feet scrambling on the pavement. It took her mind a few moments to comprehend what was happening and then she saw another man coming toward her. He began running and she had only a few seconds to figure out what to do. Shots rang out, two in rapid succession and she saw the man running toward her fall. She was pushed down as something heavy hit her legs. Her head hit the pavement hard, the jarring pain sliced through the back of her head and ran down her back to her hip. Air whooshed from her lungs and the weight that had pushed her down, now lay on her legs.

Panic rose along with the shooting pain from the back of her head. Then, as if by divine intervention, the weight on her legs was lifted.

Marco knelt down beside her, blood trickling from his lip. "Theresa. Baby, are you okay?"

She tried to say something but nothing came out. Taking a deep breath, she then whispered, "Yes."

Her hand lifted to his lip. "You're hurt."

"I'm fine."

"You're bleeding."

"The important thing is you aren't."

"I'm not more important than you."

"I think you are." His fingers reached behind her head, still on the warm pavement. "I don't feel blood, so that's good. Are you able to move?"

"I think so."

"Move your hands for me."

She chuckled. "I just did."

"Yeah." He chuckled. "Move your legs."

She moved her legs back and forth and he smiled.

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