Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 89934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89934 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
She had no idea how true that was, but the Handlers would keep them safe and eliminate any threat they might encounter.
“We need to move soon,” Spec whispered behind her so low Kelsie wouldn’t hear. “We’ve been here too long.”
“Mm.” She made the noise in agreement before taking another step toward Kelsie.
“Brenna…” Lock’s worried voice came from the door.
“That’s my boyfriend,” she said with a smile for Kelsie. “He’s a little overprotective, and he’s worried I’ll get cut by your knife.”
“Oh.” Kelsie’s eyes dropped to the blade, then widened as though she’d forgotten she held it. Then she let her arms fall limp at her sides. The blade slipped from her fingers, clattering on the floor a split-second before Kelsie crumpled in a heap of sobs.
Brenna dove forward, wrapping her arms around her before she could hit the floor while Spec darted forward to grab the knife. She held Kelsie as she cried. “It’s o—” She almost said it was okay, but it wasn’t. It wouldn’t ever be okay. “It’s over,” she said instead. “I’ve got you. No one will hurt you.”
A gentle hand landed on her back, stroking upward with a touch she’d recognize anywhere.
Lock.
She looked at him over Kelsie’s head.
“You’re fucking incredible,” he mouthed, making her smile.
Pulse appeared on her other side. “Do you think she’ll let me check her over?”
“No. Not yet, but maybe if we take her back to the clubhouse, I can talk her into it on the way over.”
“Bren,” Lock said with a frown. “You need to go to a hospital. Both of you do.”
“I will,” she said, pleading with her eyes. “If Pulse thinks I need to go.”
“For fuck’s sake,” Lock muttered but nodded. “That’s what I get for falling for a badass.”
“I will not bullshit, brother. If she needs to go, I’ll tell you,” Pulse said in solemn promise.
“Let’s get the fuck out of here,” Lock said.
Sweeter words had never been spoken. “Yes. Let’s.”
Kelsie tried to stand, but her trembling knees kept buckling. With her ribs screaming, Brenna wouldn’t be able to help hold her up.
“Fuck this.” Ty strode across the room with a fierce scowl, moving straight toward Kelsie.
“No, Ty—” Brenna started, but he ignored her, crouching in front of Kelsie.
“I’m going to carry you,” he said in a voice that brokered no argument. “You won’t be able to make it up the stairs. Swear on my fucking life I won’t hurt a hair on your head. I’ll also let you point out who hurt you so I can kill them if you want.”
“Ty…” This was a terrible idea. Kelsie would freak out if he tried to pick her up.
But the young woman stared at Ty with something akin to awe. “O-okay,” she said.
“Good.” He scooped her up like a damsel and strode from the room without another word.
Brenna stared after them in wonder. “What the hell?” she whispered.
“Don’t question it,” Lock said at her ear. “Ty’s a damn good man. She’ll be safe.” Lock gripped the back of her neck and gave a gentle squeeze. “Let’s get the fuck outta here.”
The warmth of Lock’s palm steadied her and provided strength beyond what she possessed herself. Within minutes, he had her bundled in the back seat of someone’s SUV. Lock sat beside her with his arm around her while Kelsie curled up in a ball on Ty’s lap in the front seat. Hopefully, she’d find some much-needed rest, but the way Ty frowned and kept glancing down at her killed that notion. She seemed to be gazing at nothing with the same vacant stare Brenna had come to recognize.
“Rest,” Lock whispered before kissing the side of her head.
The simple command unlocked something in her, releasing a wave of intense fatigue she couldn’t ignore. With a sigh for the comfort of sitting on something other than the unforgiving floor, she rested her head on Lock’s shoulder.
Within seconds, she faded to sleep, confident in her safety and protection in Lock’s arms.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
“IF YOU DON’T stop hovering and growling at me like you’re plotting my death, I’m going to kick your sorry ass out of the room,” Pulse muttered as he probed Brenna’s sore ribs where he crouched next to the bunk.
She winced, making Lock clench his fists to keep from smacking Pulse’s hands away from her.
“Fuck off,” he grumbled, glaring at his brother, who might not survive what little remained of the night.
Brenna reached for his hand from her spot lying on a bed in the bunkroom. “Lock,” she said, chuckling slightly. “Let the man do his job.”
“He’s hurting you.”
She rolled her eyes. “Not really. He’s checking for injuries.”
He grunted, making her laugh again. Hell, if jokes at his expense got her grinning and happy, she could laugh at him all fucking day.
“All right.” Pulse rocked back on his heels. He glanced between Brenna and Lock. “I’m pretty sure nothing is broken, but the only way to be positive is an x-ray. But, like I said, I’m not overly worried about broken ribs. I’m pretty sure it’s just bruising, which is no joke. It runs all up and down your side, which will make it difficult to do much physical activity. You’ll be hurting for a week or two.”