“Send for him. Meredith should be examined.” Sebastian’s tone was grim.
“I’m fine,” she began to protest, but Sebastian hushed her with a single look.
“You’re in shock.” He returned to the sofa and slid his hand along her nape. Yes, her heart was racing and she was still panting, but she didn’t think she was so bad, was she? Holding up her hand, she stared at the violent trembling seizing her fingers.
Okay, maybe she was.
Vidal pressed two fingers to his earpiece. “The physician is on the yacht. We can take you both there immediately. We’ve already called for our helicopter.”
“Kate flew out first thing this morning. Is she secure?” The mention of the other woman jolted Meredith and she gripped Sebastian’s wrist, holding on for dear life.
“Yes, sir. Miss Braddock is fine. We sustained a couple of injuries and we’ve notified Greek authorities about the damaged craft. It was smoking when it flew away.” Vidal paused and Meredith glanced up to see the censure on Bastian’s face a moment before the bodyguard switched to another language.
“Who was hurt?” Meredith wanted to know. Sebastian might have been the target, but there were other people out there—bodyguards and maybe some of the house staff. She’d been too busy arguing to pay attention.
Instead of answering her immediately, Sebastian continued to massage the back of her neck and looked at Vidal. “How long?”
“Ten minutes. I want you both in vests. We’ll handle everything else.” The man nodded and let himself back out, the light flashing back to red when the door sealed. It was a panic room. The belated realization seemed to come from some distant part of her mind which persisted in trying to sort through the data.
Sitting back down, Bastian pulled her into his lap once more. “Meredith, I need you to focus on me.”
“I am.” Why did he keep acting like she wasn’t? She shifted in his grip and faced him. He was so beautiful, dark and haunted. She’d been so angry with him and now all she wanted to do was hold him and make sure he was all right.
“Your breathing is still off.” He frowned. “Concentrate, slow breaths. In for a count of four and then out for a count of four.”
Of course, she could count to four. She tried to obey, but the air seemed to back up in lungs, and she let it out with a whoosh. The quivering sensation was everywhere and icy heat slid over her skin. “You’re scaring me. What happened? Who was hurt?”
“O’Connor was hit in the shoulder. He has lost a lot of blood, but two of my men are field medics—Meredith, breathe.” The last two came out on a whip of command and she sucked in a noisy gasp and then another under his implacable stare. He exhaled slowly with a nod and continued to rub her back. “They’ve stopped the bleeding, but he will be on the transport. We have a physician and a fully appointed medical bay on the yacht. He will be all right.”
The roaring was back in her ears again. “I have to see him—”This is my fault.He was hurt because of her. She’d chosen to go outside. If not for her, none of it would have happened.
“You will, you will.” Sebastian didn’t let her go. “In a few minutes, they’ll bring us bulletproof vests. You will put it on.” His tone brooked no arguments. “We’ll leave as soon as the helicopter lands. They’re securing the landing pad right now.”
She clutched onto the control in his words. “Should we leave? I mean if they sent a helicopter before…?”
“This is a stationary target and they’ve never come at us here before, but things are changing and changing swiftly. The yacht is mobile and easier to secure. We’ll also be able to see anything coming at us.” He sounded so matter-of-fact and calm.
“I’m sorry I’m not handling this well.” She wanted to do better. “I’ve never—no one’s ever shot at me before and why? Why would they? It’s like something out of a movie.” A bad movie, a terrible thing, and Bastian? He’d taken her all the way to the ground. He’d covered her so they wouldn’t hurther. Flashes of ice and flame consumed her.
“Meredith.” The command in his voice snapped through her again and she blinked, bringing his face back to into focus. “Breathe.”
Aggravation at her weakness flared. She was a wreck while he was a rock. “How can you be so calm?”
“I am not calm,” he said in oblique fashion, but the door locks tumbled again and once more Sebastian rose. Instead of setting her on the sofa, he put her on her feet. He stayed between her and the door.
Vidal entered and passed over a vest. Bastian took care to help her into the oppressive item. It weighed more than she expected, but he made sure it was secure before sliding on his and covering it with a jacket.
“ETA?” Sebastian asked.
“We’re ready now. The Grand Duke was notified and has handled security arrangements for the rest of the family. Theyare all secure. The yacht is holding a stationary course and we’ll confirm once we’re in the air.”
Sebastian pressed a hand to her face. “Stay with security…”
“What? Where are you going?” She hated the needy sound invading her voice.
“Shh.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I will be with you, but we’re going in separate cars with separate details. Vidal will be in charge of yours.”
Which was apparently news to the other man. Shock rippled Vidal’s normally placid expression, but he seemed to recover quickly.
