Page 49 of Heartbeat Girl

“One more step, and I snap her neck.”

My knees buckled, but the man held me up. My feet left the floor as the pressure on my neck increased.

I just learned the truth. Is this the end for me?

Liam shook as his eyes became black pools. “If you hurt her—”

Someone slammed into the man, and I lost my balance. The room spun, and the floor tilted. My attacker’s grip loosened as he turned to fight whoever lunged at us.

“Jayne!” Liam yelled.

I spun away from the man, but I tripped. Instead of hitting the ground, someone caught me. I looked up as Liam pulled me into his chest and lifted me into his arm. That small reprieve was over as soon as Smooth Voice attacked. Liam released my legs and dodged the blow. My feet slipped, but somehow, I found my footing. Liam shoved me to the side. I fell on my ass, but the two men crashed into the table. The table collapsed, but they kept bouncing around. Every time I blinked, they were wrestling in another spot.

“Can’t say I’m happy to see you, Ginger.” My head turned toward Steve’s voice. He held a redheaded vampire up against the wall. Was that my attacker? Was Steve the bulldozer that crashed into us?

“I told Marilyn you guys would betray her one day.” Ginger’s hand pulled something silver from his pocket.

“He’s got a knife!” I yelled.

Too late. Ginger plunged it into Steve’s side.

Steve winced and staggered as Ginger shoved him. The force threw Steve, but he landed like a cat. Pete swooped in like a bolt of lightning and rammed something into Ginger’s chest.

His eyes widened as he looked at Pete.

“Did you forget there are three of us?” Pete grinned as the man fragmented into smoke and ash. It sounded like the whisper of a storm starting and immediately ending all at once as the dust settled at Pete’s feet.

When I glanced at Liam again, he was above Smooth Voice, knee pressed against his windpipe. The vampire said, “I didn’t come to kill you. I just want my sire back.”

“I don’t care what your reasons are. No one threatens Jayne.No one.” Liam’s fangs lengthened, growing larger than what they already were. His black stare made him look so unlike himself it rattled me to the core. Gritting his teeth, he was the picture of malice. Then he pinned me with that darkness. “Hand me the chair leg, Jayne.”

I didn’t dare disobey. Why would I? Liam terrified me, but something became abundantly clear.No one threatens Jayne.He was mad at those vampires because of me. I rushed forward and gave the wooden leg to Liam.

“What’s going on? Why did you guys hurry off the stage?” A female worker walked in and gasped.

Man, I thought I had bad timing, but the woman strode in right when Liam impaled the vampire’s chest. The man erupted into a swirl of smoke, turning to ash as he disintegrated.

The worker staggered, turned to run, but Pete blocked her path.

“It’s okay.” Pete assured her, rubbing her arms. “Nothing happened. Tell everyone Liam got sick and had to come backstage. Make sure no one comes in here for at least fifteen minutes.”

With glassy eyes, she said, “Yes.”

Wait! Wasn’t that the same expression the other worker had when Smooth Voice spoke to him? Was she in some sort of trance?Manipulation of the mind.I shivered as I turned my attention back to Liam, who stood with his eyes on me.

“You haven’t taken it out yet?” Pete snagged my attention.

“Steve!” I shouted. The knife was still wedged in his ribs, and blood covered his shirt. Without realizing it, my feet moved toward him.

“I always hate this part.” Steve grimaced.

Pete walked over to him, too. “You’re such a baby.”

“Gentle. Jayne said we’re delicate, remember? We need bodyguards—”

Steve’s words broke off when Pete pulled the blade out. I became lightheaded and swayed. Oh God.I think I might…

“Fuck!” Steve shouted.

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