Page 118 of Wicked Duty
Callum’s rough hand cuffs my wrist, ripping me into motion so fast I nearly stumble.
Strangled noises emit from my clogged throat. “Callum?—”
“Not now.” He pulls me past the downed guard to Heather, who’s slouched against the wall, trembling. He hooks a hand under her armpit, lifts her up, and then gives her a quick glance and a nod. Then he shifts to me, green eyes glittering with rage. “Are you hurt?”
I shake my head. “No, I’m okay?—”
He yanks me close, nose against my hair.
I breathe in his scent.He’s here.
Before I can return his embrace, he pushes me away. “Get your friend out of here. Do you know the way out?”
I clutch his sleeve, still processing that he’s here. He’shere. “I do, but…but what about you?”
His eyes burn into mine. “I need to take care of Benetti. Darren and Veronika are on their way.”
The lump in my throat grows. I can’t just leave, not when he came for me.
A shout echoes down the hallway. “He’s this way!”
“You two cut through the den and double back.” Even though it feels like the three of us pitted against a small army, Callum’s calm order anchors me.
“Callum—”
He fires at this new assailant, nailing the man in the chest. The guard crumples.
Callum spins toward me, eyes blazing into my soul. “Everything you heard me say earlier was a lie. There is nothingpretendabout what I feel for you.”
Tears prickle against my eyes.
Heather tenses at my side as voices draw closer.
“Get out of here! Go!” Callum picks up the dead guard’s gun and shoves it into his waistband.
After one last glance to drink in his face, I leave my heart in the hall with Callum while Heather and I sprint right into the living room.
He came for us. Came forme.
Told me he lied.
How am I supposed to focus on escaping given these new revelations?
The foyer’s right there, the front door just around the corner. If we run, we might actually make it out. Heather grabs my hand as we race through the den.
Behind us, shots ring out.
Callum.
My feet skid to a halt. Heather swivels back, eyes wide.
“Lucy?”
I shake my head. “You go ahead.” I can’t just abandon him. I won’t.
More yells spill from the hallway.
My heart lurches.
