Page 51 of Armed ’N’ Ready

Like Nick, Saxon was a cop who would take down an armed bad guy without hesitation, putting his life on the line for her and others. The dog’s training and instincts to protect were just as fierce as Nick’s, yet both could switch from badass to gentle and caring in a heartbeat.

Saxon lay on the floor on Stray’s other side. It never ceased to amaze her how wonderful and loving dogs were. To humans and to each other.

Nick knelt before her and rested a hand on her arm. “We’re transporting these guys to the barracks. We’ll get them to talk.” The look he gave her was tender and filled with concern.

“This is because of Joe, isn’t it?”

“I’d say so.” He nodded grimly, pausing to run his hand over the top of Stray’s head. “We think they wanted to use you as bait. To lure him in.”

Her eyes widened, and she grabbed his forearm. “But they’ll kill him.”

“And they’d have killed you, too.” His jaw clenched, and a deadly gleam sparked in his eyes. “If they’d gotten you tonight, they’d have found a way to make sure he knew it. They’d have lied to him, told him that if he turned himself in, they’d let you go.”

A chill crept up her spine. “But they wouldn’t have. Would they?”

“No,” he answered in a voice as hard as granite. “Where’s your phone?”

“In the kitchen. Why?”

Releasing her arm, he stormed into the kitchen, returning a moment later with her phone. He punched in her code, then cued up a call and held the phone to his ear.

“Nick,” Cox warned. “What are you doing?”

“Speeding things up.”

“We don’t want to scare the guy off,” Cox countered, making a move to grab the phone.

Nick’s tone was deadly. “I don’t give a fuck what you want.”

Saxon scrambled to his feet, planting himself in a protective stance between Nick and Cox.

As one, Eric, Matt, and Kade moved to Nick’s side, as if in support.

“And I’m sure not gonna give these assholes another chance to grab her,” he continued. “Myer needs to know his actions are putting Andi in harm’s way, where she’ll remain until he turns himself in. He may not answer the phone, but you can be sure he’s checking his voicemail.”

She knew the moment Joe’s voicemail kicked on. Nick’s eyes narrowed to slits. His lips compressed, and his nostrils flared. “Joe Myer,” he said. “This is Sgt. Nick Houston with the Massachusetts State Police. Whoever you’re laundering money for just tried to kidnap Andi and use her as bait to lure you in. She could have been killed, you sonofabitch. If you still love her like I think you do, you’ll turn yourself in. To me.” He recited his cell phone number then ended the call.

Andi hugged her knees to her chest, lowering her head to hide the tears trickling down her cheeks. This wasn’t supposed to happen. None of it.

When she lifted her head, Nick was again kneeling in front of her.

“You can hate me for what I just did, but I’d do it again. Anything to keep you safe.” The determination on his handsome face frightened her. “Nothing’s going to happen to you. I won’t let it.” His face had softened again, and she believed him. “Matt and Kade will stay here while the rest of us go to the barracks to interrogate those men. I’ll find out who’s behind this.”

“What will you do then?” she asked.

“You let me worry about that.” He smiled, but there was no warmth. “A patrol car will stay out front overnight. You’ll be safe. And did I mention that Kade is a veterinary technician? He’ll give Stray a cursory exam and make sure she’s okay. I’ll be back later.”

“When?” she asked, unable to contain the hopefulness in her voice.

“I don’t know. I’ll call.” He handed her back her phone then dropped a quick kiss on her lips. “Hier.”

Saxon nuzzled Stray one last time then followed Nick out the door. Eric and Cox went with him. Even though Matt and Kade remained behind, the room suddenly felt empty. She didn’t doubt Nick’s words. She would be safe. Matt’s friends and the officers stationed outside would protect her. But who would protect them? They were all highly trained, but they weren’t bulletproof.

“Would you like me to look at Stray?” Kade gave her a warm smile that showed off his dimples. “Nick said she’d been hurt.”

“Yes. Please.” Numbly, she stroked Stray’s ears while Kade carefully helped the dog to her feet. Then he ran his large hands methodically over both sides of Stray’s rib cage.

“I don’t think anything’s broken. Bruised, probably, so she’ll be walking unsteadily for a while.”