His grip on the P.I. loosens.
“All right,” the officer says. “Hands down.”
Meanwhile, two officers move toward Leon and Aubrey.
“Hands behind your back.”
Leon groans again as they haul his arms behind him.
“Jesus! Careful!”
He’s cuffed, and Aubrey right after him. She doesn’t make a sound as the officers pull both of them up to their feet.
Leon stumbles immediately.
“Watch it!” he snaps, glaring at the officer holding his arm.
“Walk,” the officer orders.
As they drag them toward the door, Aubrey’s head turns and her gaze locks on me. It’s cold, sharp, and full of venom. For a split second, I want to glare back. I want to throw every ounce of anger I have at her for what she’s done.
Then Jayce shifts, his jaw clenched against the pain, and Aubrey doesn’t matter anymore. He starts to push himself off me.
“Wait, don’t move!” I exclaim, grabbing at his shirt. He doesn’t stop, though, and makes his way to his feet. Grabbing my hand, he helps me stand as well, then lifts me up into his arms. I whimper when he winces and he presses his lips to my forehead.
“Look only at me,” he murmurs into my hair, his voice rough with pain but steady. “I’ve got you. Always.”
I cling to Jayce as the world feels like it’s tilting, adrenaline still flooding my veins. I’m trembling and don’t bother stopping myself as I raise my hand to my mouth and start biting my thumbnail. Jayce steps over the threshold of the penthouse and into the hallway.
For a moment I think everything is okay, but then his grip tightens around me, and his steps falter. My panic fades away as I focus entirely on him.
“Jayce,” I whisper, pulling back enough to look at him.
His jaw is clenched tight, sweat beading along his temple. His skin has gone a shade paler than usual.
“I’m fine,” he mutters, but his breathing is heavier now.
Officers line the hallway, clearing a path for us.
“Coming through,” one of them calls.
We reach the elevator and the doors slide open. Jayce steps inside, still holding me, but I feel the tremor in his arms now.
“Jayce,” I say again, more firmly. “Put me down. I can walk.”
“I said I’m fine,” he grits out, squeezing me tighter. The moment the elevator begins to descend, he sways slightly.
Panic seizes me.
“Put me down!”
“No.”
“You’re dizzy. You’re hurt!”
“I’m…”
The elevator dings and the doors slide open to the lobby. Jayce takes two steps forward, and then he stumbles.
