His head snaps up.
And just like that, he’s back.
He’s at my side in seconds, his hands moving over me, checking, searching, his breathing uneven, his eyes wild.
“Tinker, you okay?”
“I’m… okay…”
The word barely forms, but I force it out.
I look at him, willing him to understand.
He didn’t hurt me.
Please see that.
His hands tremble as they cup my face.
“Did he…” His voice breaks slightly. “Lexy, did he…?”
I try to shake my head.
Nothing.
So I just look at him.
Please.
His gaze searches mine, desperate, then something in him settles, just slightly.
“I can’t lose you,” he whispers, his voice rough as he lifts me carefully into his arms.
He presses a kiss to my forehead, and as his gaze runs over my body, his jaw clenches.
“I’m so sorry, Tinker.”
Why is he apologizing?
The sirens are closer now.
Louder.
Ethan steps in, pulling a blanket over me, checking my pupils.
“I think they drugged her.”
Dex’s arms tighten around me.
“Ethan.” One word, but the restraint and anger in it are feral. “I want to kill him.”
“He’s going to jail, and killing him would put you there too.” Ethan searches Dex’s eyes, but Dex is still staring at me, like he’strying to make sure I’m still here. “Lexy needs you. Let Cas take care of Russel, okay?”
Ethan looks at me, and I blink once.
I look back at Dex.
I’m okay. I’m here. I’m so sorry.
