The hallway stretches before me in a blur as I fight back tears.
It’s a miracle I don’t trip on the stairs from how badly my legs are shaking.
I just need to make it to the front door. If I can do that, I might be able to survive.
Footsteps pound the floor behind me, but I don’t stop running.
The front door is just ahead.
I’m so close?—
I grab the handle, yank it open, and slam straight into a chest.
For a moment, I imagine it’s Kieran. My mind can’t process reality, not after the endless blur of hours spent in a blind panic thinking that I’ll never see him again.
But when his arms are around me, crushing me against him, I look up.
“Kieran,” I choke as my knees give out.
His body is so warm and solid that I finally break. I sob into his chest, shaking so hard I can barely stay upright.
He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me over the threshold of the house and away from the doorway.
“I’ve got you.” His voice is rough with emotion. “You’re safe now.”
“H-he tried to—” The words catch in my throat as I fight back tears.
“I know.” Kieran brushes a kiss against my temple. “I know, but it’s over. I’ve got you.”
All I can do is cling to him, shaking, unable to breathe through the sobs.
Then the sound of footsteps pounding down the stairs comes closer.
Sean.
Behind Kieran, Ronan’s voice cuts through the chaos. “Fucker’s trying to get away. Let’s move!”
Men seem to materialize out of nowhere to surround the house.
“Oscar,” Kieran snaps over his shoulder. “Stay with her.”
It takes me a second to register who he’s talking to.
My brother is here?
Before I can even look, strong arms grab me from behind, pulling me away from Kieran.
“No!” I try to fight to free myself. “Kieran!”
“Riley,” Oscar grunts as he struggles to keep me back. “You need to stay back.”
“He’s going to get himself killed!” I sob.
Oscar yanks me back and turns us both around so that my back is to the house, and I can’t see whatever is happening inside.
“Everything is going to be fine, sis. You’re all right.”
But I’m not all right. I’m trembling so hard my teeth chatter.
