Yun groaned a little. “Check Seaton.”
Sam nodded. He didn’t need anyone to tell him that, but he appreciated Yun’s thought. He could tell by her expression that she was stunned.
Likely in shock.
Still, he moved his hands over her face, the back of her head, her shoulders and arms.
By the time he tugged at her clothes to make sure she hadn’t taken a bullet, Seaton was coming around.
The first thing she said was, “Yun!”
She turned her head and Sam steadied her.
“Are you okay?”
The diner’s owner smiled at her. “Just fine. I’ve had worse scrapes in the kitchen.”
She nodded but Sam wasn’t sure she actually heard the words.
She lifted her hands and grasped his arms. “Duval?”
Sam helped her to stand up and turned to look at the SWAT officer who’d disarmed the man who was sprawled over the tabletop. “I’m good,” he assured her. “I’m just fine.”
She shook her head as if she was trying to clear it.
“What happened?”
“Thanks for dropping all that shit on the ground. The rest was simple. I’m like Han fucking Solo.” Duval gave her a self-assured grin. “I shot first.”
Sam looked at Yun, who was up on his feet and grinning from ear to ear. “If someone comes looking for Seaton. I’m going to take her out back and talk.”
Yun nodded, gesturing toward the open door of the kitchen. “Go out here. There’s a half-wall out there for some privacy.”
Sam thanked him and he walked Seaton outside.
He had something to say to her, but before he could start to talk, she beat him to the punch.
A sucker punch.
“I can’t see you anymore, Sam.”
SEATON
"I... I couldn't bear it if Yun or Duval got hurt because of me!" She tried to push Sam away. "I don't want anyone to suffer because of me, Sam! Please! Just... just walk away."
She turned her head because she didn't want to see his face.
She didn't want to see him harden against her.
And if he was hurt, she really couldn't bear it.
It would kill her heart and soul to know that she was responsible for that, but it was the only way to make sure that Sam was out of the way when danger came after her again.
"Seaton?"
She tried to pull out of his grasp, but he was holding on too tight.
"Seaton, stop! Look at me."
