Page 12

Metal crunches.

I hit the brakes.

The driver scrambles out and takes off toward the trees.

Let him run.

I've got bigger problems.

The back door flies open.

The asshole in the suit drags Kierra out, locking an arm around her chest and pressing his gun beneath her chin.

I draw mine.

"Let her go."

"Back the fuck off!"

I stop.

Kierra's pale as a sheet. Her light brown hair's falling around her face, her eyes are huge, and there's blood on her lower lip.

The sight makes my gut twist.

"Drop your gun!" he shouts.

"Let the woman go, asshole."

"I'll fucking kill her!"

He jams the barrel harder against her skin.

She whimpers.

Every part of me wants to put a hole between his eyes.

Can't.

Wrong angle.

And I ain't risking her life to satisfy my temper.

"Look at me, darlin'."

Her frightened gaze finds mine.

"You're getting out of this."

"Shut the fuck up!" the bastard snarls.

He swings the gun toward me.

Big mistake.

I fire.

The bullet catches his shoulder.