“No!”
“Yes!” She heard a thread of panic now in the voice. No longer a deep growl, it was raised and she sensed his desperation. “Do not doubt what I am capable of, Lady Samantha. You are going to get up and stand before me in my booth. We will then leave through the rear door of this establishment.”
“No. You have to—”
“Now!” His tone was urgent.
She did as he asked, her eyes going to Warwick. He must have read something in her face because he straightened. She shook her head, hoping he understood he must stay away from her. She heard the click of a pistol and then an arm came around her neck, and the weapon was pressed to her temple.
“Stand back or I shoot her.”
“Let her go. You are surrounded,” Warwick said, moving closer.
“I will shoot her. Back away now!”
The noise in the room meant not many had heard the man’s raised voice. But Warwick and the man at his side, Zachariel Deville, had.
The man held her before him as he backed toward the rear of the Duck and Goose. He entered another room and walked her with him through the small kitchen. She couldn’t see him but could feel his body was not large like Warwick’s. Samantha thought he may be close to her in height. If they were to find this man, she needed to remember what she could about him.
But first you must get out of this alive.
“Move!” He dragged Samantha backward.
“You won’t get away with this. We are everywhere.” Warwick appeared before her. Face set, body ready to do what he must to keep her safe.
“Stay back, Warwick. He will shoot you.” Samantha was desperate to keep him safe.
“I don’t care. He’s not taking you anywhere!”
Warwick advanced. The pistol moved, and she was nearly deafened as it fired.
“No!” She tried to get free, but he dragged her out a door and slammed it. “Warwick!”
“At least I killed one of you.”
“No!” She fought him, desperation giving her strength as she scratched and kicked to get free. She had to get to Warwick. Raising her skirts, she pulled out her knife and stabbed it into his thigh. He howled with pain, releasing her. She spun to look at him, but his face was covered with a mask, and a hat was pulled low.
“Bitch! I’ll kill you!” He reached for her. She staggered back, then turned and ran into the building, where Warwick lay, hoping she did not receive a bullet in her spine.
“No, no, no.” She dropped down beside his motionless form.
Dev and Cam burst into the kitchen followed by James seconds later.
“Stay at the door, James. Let no one in!” Dev ordered.
“Help him!” Samantha cried.
A fist pounded on the door, and she heard Zachariel Deville demanding he gain entry. James kept his body there, holding the door shut.
“Out, all of us, now!” Dev roared. He picked up his brother and headed toward the rear door. Cam went first and then Dev and Warwick. Samantha ran through behind them. James followed and slammed the door.
They were soon hurrying down the street.
“Warwick.” She took his hand where it hung limp at his side. She didn’t know how Dev was carrying his brother now that Cam was sprinting ahead, as he was just as large as he, but he was. “Tell me he is all right, Dev.”
“He will be,” was all the eldest Sinclair said. “But we must get him back to Lilly. Must keep him away from others. No one can see him like this, or they’ll think he’s dead. No one will understand when he is healed.”
As they reached the end, they were suddenly surrounded by family. Max and Rory arrived on their horses. Max took Warwick before him. Rory pulled Dev up behind him, and they were soon galloping away.
