Page 70 of Pick Yourself Up
Boomer took that as a command and moved toward the car. Gray lowered into a crouch and kept his weapon out, knowing his backup would be in place.
He rounded the edge of the trunk and had to work to control himself.
Allard was bent over Amber, who lay unconscious in the trunk. The man held a knife with a long, wicked blade.
The man reacted instantly to Gray’s appearance by putting the knife to Amber’s throat, right at her jugular.
Instead of looking scared at being caught, Allard grinned. “Perfect. You get to watch her die.”
Gray gritted his teeth. “Back the fuck up, asshole. It’s over.”
Allard, face covered with fading bruises, grinned. “For her? It sure as hell is. You’re next.”
He was awfully cocky for a man with a gun in his face. Did he have backup, too? Had someone gone into the bush to take a leak or check the surroundings?
Annie and Dodge would have heard Allard, and they would come to the same conclusion as Gray. He’d let them worry about anyone else. Allard was his.
He felt Boomer’s tension from his side. The dog was alert and ready for his opportunity. Gray didn’t think he’d need to voice the command, but he was as ready as the dog.
Had Allard even noticed Boomer?
“Do you really think this was smart, Allard? You think Lauzon is going to forgive another fuckup? You’re bringing more attention to his organization and he’s going to be pissed. Thanks to your stupidity, you’re done in every way you can imagine.”
Fear flashed in his eyes as Gray’s words registered. The knife lifted off Amber’s neck to point at Gray. “Then I’ve got nothing to lose.”
Allard realized his mistake at the exact moment Gray commanded. “Bite.”
He needn’t have bothered, as Boomer was already moving. With a mighty spring, the dog leapt at Allard and shoved him backward, aiming for the hand that held the weapon.
The knife flew and Gray followed Boomer’s lead, keeping his aim true. Boomer stood on the man’s chest and kept his teeth gripped on Allard’s arm. His teeth had cut through the jacket, and Gray hoped they’d found bone.
The large man shrieked as if he were in kindergarten. “Get him off me. I’ll kill you all. Get him off.”
Gray put his foot on the knife and ignored him. He heard rustling in the woods and called out. “You got the other asshole?”
Annie’s answer was a growl. “Got the prick. You got Amber?”
“As soon as Dodge has his gun on this guy.”
In seconds, his team was there. Gray turned to the dog; glad he’d learned the commands from Amber. “Release and guard.” Boomer immediately released Allard but continued to watch him, growling low in his throat.
Allard tried to clutch his arm, but at the movement, Boomer leaned in with another growl. Leaving his friends to tie up the pair of assholes, Gray turned to the vehicle.
Amber’s eyes were open and misty, but she tried to smile at him. He would have sagged with relief if she hadn’t been bound and gagged.
He touched the edge of the duct tape on her face and called out. “She’s conscious. I’m sorry sweetheart, this is going to hurt.”
She nodded minutely and winced at the motion. Had they hit her on the head?
He eased the duct tape off as quickly as possible. There was no way to do it without it stinging.
Amber winced again, but didn’t make a sound. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Let me get these ties.”
His voice shook, but he didn’t care. His pocketknife made quick work of the zip ties, and then he lifted her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest.
He turned and sat on the bumper, keeping her shaking body close. Boomer reached up and nuzzled her hand.
She stroked his muzzle. “Boomer. Thanks, buddy.”
