Page 213 of Mad Jack (Men of Action)

Another man enters the room holding up a weapon and taking in the scene.

“Not smart.”

We both swing to Kent, who is holding a knife to Ford’s throat.

“One slice and you’ll watch him bleed out.”

A tremor takes over, my hands unsteady with the gun.

Black spots fill my vision as the predicament comes to light.

If Ford dies, I’ll never recover.

Right then, the room quakes. An explosion knocks me down and gunshots ring out.

Kent rocks back, a kaleidoscope of red bursting on his chest before he collapses. The third man is next, crumbling in a heap to the floor. Shouts boom, men flood the room, but all I can see is Ford being lowered to the ground.

A hand lands on my arm, and I let out another blood-curdling scream.

Max’s face comes into view, his kind eyes silencing me. “It’s okay, Rowan. We’re here.”

Max is here! Ford mentioned he was in town for a few days. He’s here to save us. Which means all the guys are here.

“You’re safe.”

“Ford! Talon… they’re hurt badly. Please help them.”

“We have them.” He soothes his hand over my head. “Give me the gun, sweetheart.”

I shove it at him carelessly, my skin searing.

“Are you hurt?”

I shake my head.

“Why do you have a bruising eye?”

“Kent slapped me, but that was it.”

The kindness in his eyes goes ferocious, and he glances over his shoulder. “Get me some ice.”

There’s movement behind him, but I’m drawn to Ace handing Ford his gun. Ford cocks his arm, raises the weapon…

Max ducks into my line of sight as the shot blasts.

If Kent wasn’t already dead, he is now.

“Get me to Ford,” I plead, clawing to get up.

“Give it a minute, honey. Let Ace take care of him.”

“He needs me.”

“Yes, sweetheart, he does. It’ll just be a minute.” The softness of his voice is little consolation to the gravity of the situation.

To my horror, a long, dramatic wail escapes, and I dissolve into him. He holds me tight, soothingly rubbing my back as all the fight and fear seep out. I’m jostled to the side, and the tears come in an avalanche when Ford’s body folds around mine.

“Baby, it’s over.” He plants small kisses along my temple.

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