My heart didn’t start beating again until I had her in my arms, her face pressed to my chest.
“God, girl,” I whispered, cradling the back of her head as carefully as I could.I didn’t know if she was hurt, or where, and I damn sure didn’t want to hurt her.
Unable to help myself, I pulled back, forcing her to look up at me momentarily.I scanned her face, noticing the soot smudged on one cheek.Other than that, I saw no signs of damage.Only when I was satisfied there were no injuries—none that were visible anyway—did I pull her back against me.
While I held her, I glanced around, cataloging all the faces.I knew it wouldn’t matter.The bastard who had done this wasn’t sitting around waiting for us to catch him.If I had to guess, he was probably halfway to Houston by now.
“Hey, Reagan,” Rhys said softly when he approached.
I met her brother’s eyes, ignoring the concerned look the man gave me.
When she didn’t pull back, I didn’t let go.
“They wanna take you to the hospital,” Rhys said, talking to his sister.“Said you probably have a concussion.You need to be looked at.”
She shook her head, but the movement was shielded by my body.
“No hospital,” she muttered.“I’m fine.”
I met Rhys’s hardened gaze and held it.“I’ll take care of her.”
That didn’t seem to be what he wanted to hear.
Sure, I got it.My reputation preceded me, and I understood why Reagan’s brother would be worried.That didn’t mean I gave two shits.I wasn’t leaving Reagan, and if she didn’t want to go to the hospital, no one could make her.
“Damn hardheaded women,” Rhys grumbled.
I glanced over to see Amy shaking her head, her eyes wide, her face as white as the bandage on her head.“I take it she ain’t goin’, either.”
“Nope.They said hers isn’t serious.Shallow wound on her scalp from a piece of glass, which bleeds like a bitch.”
They did.I knew that for a fact.
“But she was unconscious,” Reagan said, pulling back slightly to look at her brother.
“Not from a head wound.They think she passed out from the shock.”
Considering all the woman had been through, I could understand that.
Reagan seemed content with the answer because she pressed her face against my chest once again.
“I’ll take Reagan home with me,” I assured Rhys.
The man’s eyes narrowed.
“I’ve got two guest rooms, man.Not like I’m gonna throw her in my bed and never let her go.”Although I fucking liked that idea.Still, I wouldn’t do it.“You can stop by whenever you want and check on her.”
Rhys seemed to consider that for a moment before nodding.“Iwillstop by.”
I grinned.“I know.I’ll even leave the door unlocked.”
“You do that,” Rhys stated, then slapped me on the shoulder before walking over to the ambulance.
Leaning down, placing my mouth close to Reagan’s ear, I whispered, “You good with that?I’ll take you home if you want, but I ain’t leavin’ you alone, so don’t ask me to.”
Reagan’s arms tightened around me and that was all the answer I needed.
For a brief second tonight, I'd thought my entire world had been shattered.Again.
