Page 81 of Twisted Revelations

Thankfully, I had, because the danger in Texas apparently hadn’t died when the guys had taken out Santino Dominquez. Dax yanked my top shirt down, popping off a button to gain access to my chest.

He pulled down the taut material of the vest shirt, revealing a large bruise that was a welcome sight considering what my alternative would have been. It sat prominently atop my pale skin, hues of blues and purples had already started to show. The bruise was above my heart, close to my right shoulder and would serve as a reminder of how close I’d come to death.

“You okay, man? What is this? Are you wearing a vest? You scared the shit out of me,” Dax stated breathlessly. He didn’t hide the concern in his gaze. The care and concern were the main reasons I was willing to jump into the fire if any of them needed me.

“Prototype. I guess it’s safe to say that it works,” I gave him a crooked smile.

Dax threw his arms around me in a strong hug. It hurt like hell, but I reciprocated the gesture. When I glanced up, Laura and Beverly were standing near, staring.

Laura must have noticed Dax yanking my shirt down because she did the same. The top of her head was midlevel to my chest, but she owned the presence of mind that made her my height.

“Either you have the toughest skin in the world or this undershirt is a high-tech vest.” Her large eyes searched my face, expecting an answer.

“New vest,” I replied to Laura before my gaze fell on Beverly. Her wide eyes were filled with unshed tears. Were they for me? Before I could utter a word, Dax started up again.

“We need to go,” he announced as he started the SUV.

“Get the ladies to safety. I’ll clean this up.”

“Are you sure?” Dax asked. A heavy coat of concern was still draped over him.

“Yes, I’ll sweep this place and have them ready by the time you get back,” I insisted as my gaze found one of the dead men.

“I’ll talk to the employees,” Dax informed. “They can redirect flights or stall them until we clean this up and figure out how they found us.”

I nodded as the women climbed into the back of the SUV. Beverly’s gaze met mine once more before Dax closed them inside.

---