Shards of glass ripped into the back of Quint’s neck. In a second, everything became clear to him. He caught sight of the gun and went in fast, sliding on his knees and ripping it free of Chrissy’s hand. In one smooth motion, he shoved the gun in the back of his waist and captured Heather around the waist.
He twisted and put her behind him.
Chrissy looked up, a welt beneath her eye. “Quint. You’re here. I’m so glad. She attacked me.”
Quint took a deep breath. He had the gun and Heather was safe. “What in the hell is happening?”
Tears filled Chrissy’s eyes. “Please help me. They kidnapped me and brought me here. I barely got the gun away from that man. I’m so scared, Quint. Help.”
Heather growled. “She’s crazy. They both followed me, and then she shot Jack. She’s also the one who damaged his car. The chick is allFatal Attractionover you.” She gasped in air, wheezing. “She also punched me in the gut.”
Chrissy shook her head. “She’s lying. I’m telling the truth. Please, Quint. Help me.”
He couldn’t believe he’d never really seen her before. “Did you shoot at me the other night?”
“No.” Tears slid along Chrissy’s face to fall toward her ears. “I was aiming at Jolene. She wanted to hurt you and your family. I’m just trying to protect you. You’re my future.”
The woman was nuts. Quint clamped her arms and flipped her onto her stomach. “Heather? Are you all right?” He tore his belt free and secured Chrissy’s hands behind her back.
“Yes,” Heather breathed, hopping to the bed. “Jack?”
Chrissy struggled, her face buried in the thick shag carpet. “Quint. Stop it.”
Quint finished with the belt and stood, turning toward the bed.
Jack blinked awake and slowly sat up, gingerly touching his nose. “What the hell?”
Heather fell onto the side of the bed. “I think I elbowed you when I charged Chrissy.”
Jack prodded his nose and then wiped blood off his face with his arm.
Quint settled as he scouted the room for any more threats. “You weren’t shot?”
Jack looked down his body. “Um, no.” He angled his head to see Chrissy writhing on the floor. “I’m not sure what happened. One second she was going to shoot us, and the next…”
Quint focused on Heather, heated energy roiling through him. “You charged a psycho with a gun—using a wooden spoon.”
Heather’s hand shook as she pushed hair out of her face. A bruise was already forming near her chin. “She was going to shoot us, so the risk seemed worth it.” The color slowly slid out of her face.
Quint pulled his phone from his back pocket and dialed 9-1-1. He ended the call. “Heather. Here.” At the moment, he wasn’t capable of more words. He’d gone cold the second he’d heard the first shot.
She moved from the bed and hopped toward him.
The second she was within reach, he pulled her into his side. The world settled. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
“Yes.” She snuggled right in, tremors shaking through her body.
Jack watched him. “I think I’m due an apology here.”
Quint sliced him with a look. “Really? You owe Heather an apology for filing vandalism charges. She told you it wasn’t her.” He made sure to keep Jack’s gaze. “She’s mine, buddy. We might as well get that straight right now.”
Heather shifted slightly against him.
He kissed the top of her head, keeping her right where he wanted her. “We can argue about the arcane language later, darlin’.” For now, he needed Jack to get him. “Are we clear?”
Jack slowly nodded, still holding his nose. “Yeah. We’re clear.” Truth be told, the guy looked a little relieved.
Chrissy started to roll over, and Heather dropped her casted foot onto her ass. “Stay still,” Heather said.
