I pivot sharply, shifting my body between her and the shot. The bullet obviously meant for my spine tears through my side instead. The impact hits like a hammer.
A violent, burning punch that knocks the air from my lungs.
I slam into Ellie as the force throws us both off balance.
We crash to the ground hard.
I twist mid-fall so my body takes the brunt of it, my arm wrapping around her instinctively as I shield her from the concrete.
Pain explodes through my side, hot and blinding.
But I barely register it.
“Get Ellie out!” I shout immediately.
My voice echoes through the warehouse as my men rush in.
“Secure the perimeter!”
“Find her!”
“Don’t let that woman—”
My words cut off abruptly.
Ellie’s hands grab my face.
Before I can process it, her lips press against mine.
The kiss is sudden.
Desperate.
Silencing.
“Mike,” she whispers against my mouth, her voice trembling with urgency. “Be quiet.”
I blink at her, stunned.
“You’re bleeding,” she continues, her fingers tightening against my jaw. “Stop shouting and focus on yourself for once.”
My brain struggles to catch up.
The pain in my side is real. Sharp. Hot.
But suddenly it feels distant.
Muted.
Because Ellie is here.
Alive.
Her face is inches from mine, her eyes wide and bright with fear and anger and relief all at once.
I stare at her for a moment, my chest rising and falling heavily.
Then I let out a slow breath.
