Myprey bolts.
A door slams. An engine roars. Tires squeal.
Dammit.He’s gone.
Spinning on my heel, I storm back to the cabin. “What were you thinking? I had him.”
“My sidearm?” He holds out his hand.
Safety on, barrel down, I give it over. “What—was I supposed to let him murder us?”
He opens his mouth, but I cut him off. “It’s a miracle you survived the war, O’Malley. Any idiot would’ve killed the lights. You were standing under a goddamn spotlight!”
His jaw tics as he scans the woods. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“The murderer,” I shout. “He was right there. Outside your house. And you scared him off.”
Then I see it—the flicker in his eyes. The subtle shift.
Because he didn’t see anyone, he doesn’t believe me.
My throat tightens. “Wait… You thought I stole your gun?”
I shove at his chest. “That’s why you yelled? You thought I was gonnarun?”
A bitter laugh bursts out. “And here I was… thinking you were different.”
Chapter 25
Kade
“Come in here.” Unclenching my jaw, I tamp down the tension threatening to erupt any second.
Arms crossed, Briana hesitates.
Worried the killer could circle back, I open the door wider, easing the edge from my voice. “Please.”
Impatient, my dog nudges the back of her knees, herding her inside. Once she’s safe in the kitchen, I close all the shades and pull out a chair.
“Sit.”
Straddling another, I take a slow breath. “Why didn’t you shout for backup?”
Eyes narrowed, she tilts her head. “If the roles were reversed… would you have?”
“No—but—”
She bolts upright, pacing, hands fisted tight. “What the hell? I’ve got a whole tribe trying to protect me. I don’t need another bodyguard.”
Each word punctuates with a bang as her fist slams the counter—the same one where we just made love.
“God, Iheardhim. Mumbles was in my crosshair. I could’ve ended this if not for—”
Me. Yeah, I get it.The bastard could’ve taken her out just as easily.
“I’m sorry I scared him off,” I say quietly. “That doesn’t mean I’m not pissed. You never should’ve gone out there alone. Never.”
“There was no time.” Voice fierce, mouth grim, she spins to face me. “You don’t get it. He’s not all there, Kade. I saw a car—someone else was driving. The guy has a freaking partner.”
