Page 96 of Wretched Heart
She glares at me. “Until?”
“There isn’t a simple solution to how our lives could fit together. I don’t want to pull you into my chaos, but we can talk about it later. Maybe when we’re not on Barrett’s damn plane.”
It’s a lame attempt to break the tension, and Maddie doesn’t smile. But she does let me kiss her. Her lips open for me and I’m too busy plundering her mouth to worry about what her hands are doing until she’s pulling my gun from my waistband.
Maddie twists away from me, taking a step back so she can aim the gun at Ray’s head. In the enclosed space, she has almost point-blank range. Damn, this woman is full of surprises.
I’m curious rather than concerned as I slip behind her so I can watch over her shoulder as she flicks off the safety. The color drains from Ray’s bloodied face.
Chapter 36
Maddie
I’m very aware that I’m wearing just my t-shirt and panties amongst four suited men and one kidnapper clad in black, but it’s rage that makes my body tremble rather than the cold. It’s certainly not humiliation. I’m so done with letting men treat me like a pawn in their games. I won’t be objectified, and I have no intention of being obedient. I like the weight of the gun in my hand. It’s one of four guns pointed at Ray, but it’s the only one making him cower.
“You let her take your weapon?” Ash asks incredulously.
“Not the first time,” Mace mutters.
Hunter’s chest is pressed against my back and I feel him shrug. “It wasn’t the weapon I was hoping she was reaching for, but she knows how to handle a gun.”
I’m not sure what I like more, the pride in Hunter’s tone, or the feel of his rigid cock against my spine. Refusing to be distracted, I glower at Ray.
“These guys might have scruples about shooting an unarmed man, but I don’t,” I tell him. “You collected me forBarrett like I was something less than human. I don’t see why I shouldn’t view you the same.”
“Please,” he begs. “I’m sorry, Maddison.”
“And now you’ve just pissed me off some more. My name is Maddie,” I grind out. “Tell me why the hell I should keep you alive because I can’t think of one damn thing. And you’d better be quick. You wrenched my shoulder when you shoved my arm up my back, and I’m getting tired. I might pull the trigger by accident.”
“I’d rather you didn’t do it with me directly behind him,” Ash points out.
I scowl at him. “I’m angry with you too, Ash,” I warn. “But if it makes you feel safer…” I lower my aim to Ray’s heart. “This way, if the bullet passes through, it’s not like there are any vital organs inside your chest.”
“Ouch.” Mace says.
“Don’t sound so smug, Mace,” I say, shooting him a glare. “You were bugging my house?”
“Only audio. I planted a few devices back when Hugo was there,” he says without a hint of remorse. It’s like he doesn’t know the meaning of privacy. “And me listening in is the reason we came back here to save your ass.”
I feel Hunter shift slightly, and I look over my shoulder. “It wasMacewho came back for me?”
“It was a team effort,” my husband tries.
“We all care about you, Maddie,” Reid adds, the last brother to enter the fray.
As I turn to the front, my weakened arm sways. My shoulder burns with the effort of holding the gun steady until I feel Hunter’s arm slip beneath mine. I’m expecting him to disarm me, but instead, he wraps his hand around my wrist so I can use him as a support.
As I settle against my husband and his erection, I replyto his youngest brother. “Reid, you need to know that your actions hurt just as much. You’re the most sensitive and considerate brother, but you went behind my back, and Hunter’s too. You started the process of ending my marriage with your usual efficiency.”
“I was tempted to lose that envelope on my way back to Chicago,” he admits.
“Well, go with your instincts next time. I’ll need help standing up to your brothers if I’m going to be a part of this family.” I look at each of them in turn, my gaze settling on Hunter last. “And I am going to be a part of this family.”
“For what it’s worth, I think you’ll fit in well,” says Ray.
That might just be enough to save his life. I put the safety back on the gun, and Hunter and I lower our hands together.
“Jake’s pulling up with another two cars,” Reid says as we spot headlights outside, cutting through the darkness.
