Page 91 of Ruthless Redemption

She keeps hold of my hand as we reach the property. She doesn’t let go as I enter the pin into the panel at the gate. And our palms remain united while I shift into park and kill the ignition.

She doesn’t move to get out. Doesn’t release her belt.

“You okay?” I ask.

She nods, her expression a gentle statement of peace as she looks back at me. “I just want a few more seconds of this before I have to deal with Bishop.”

“Don’t worry about him. I’ll keep him occupied.”

“Promise?”

God, she’s beautiful. With playful eyes and a slight tweak to her lips, I could die a happy man with her as my final image.

“Cross my heart.” I strike a finger across my chest.

She snickers, her attention diverting over my left shoulder.

Her posture stiffens. Her humor evaporates. Her hold on my hand tightens.

She’s scared.

Panicked.

Someone’s in the yard.

“There’s a gun in the glove compartment.” I lower my voice. “Can you grab it?”

She shakes her head. Swallows. “He’s right there.”

A silhouette enters my periphery, making my blood surge.

“Who?” I slowly release my belt. No sudden movements. No risking her safety. But the question becomes redundant when Remy creeps into view on her side of the car.

He meets my gaze, his navy suit and matching tie boasting professionalism while the Glock in his grip awakens my demons.

“Salvo’s behind me?” I ask.

She nods. “What do I do?”

“Nothing. Stay still. It’s going to be okay. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Her attention returns to mine, her eyes silently screaming for help. “They want me dead.”

“They won’t succeed.” I squeeze her fingers. “They’re not going to hurt you.”

She continues to nod, the action short and sharp. She’s in shock. A breath from fight or flight.

“Don’t make any sudden movements, okay,mia dea?” I release her hand, gradually lowering my fingers to my thigh. Then my pocket.

“Get out.” Remy taps the barrel of his weapon against her window, only pausing a moment before he yanks her door open.

Salvo does the same on my side, his gun entering my line of vision.

“Proceed with caution,” I warn. “If you touch her, there will be hell to pay.”

“We don’t want trouble.” Remy places his barrel at the back of her skull. “We just need you to get out of the car.”

She could be gone in a blink. Without hesitation or remorse.

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