“Don’t leave.” The desperate cry came out wild and pleading—not because she wanted him to protect her, but because she didn’t want him to get hurt.
If something happened to Atlas—to any of them—she’d never forgive herself.
He brought his free hand to her cheek. His face was partially hidden by shadows, but the moonlight streaming through the trees showed the hard line of his brow and the determined position of his jaw.
“I need you to stay here for a few minutes. Viper disappeared chasing someone, and he might need backup. I think one of the men made it into the house. We’re going to get you back to the boat, but I need you to sit tight.”
Her sinuses burned and unshed tears filled her eyes. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his bristly cheek. “Be careful.”
He pulled away, then circled her wrist with his fingers and brought his nose inches from hers. “Stay here. Promise me.”
She nodded. “I promise.”
“Good girl.” He brushed his lips over her forehead and got to his feet. The swishing of branches was the only sign he’d even been there.
God, please protect him. Protect them all.
Atlas raced away from the grove of trees at the side of the property. According to Havoc, only a handful of men had gotten off the boat, but he didn’t want to chance anyone seeing what direction he’d come from and then searching for Molly.
He reached the dirt path snaking from the house to the beach steps. Havoc met him on the trail. Three bodies separated them.
He tucked his handgun into his waistband and lifted his rifle from where it was slung across his chest. “Did you get them all?”
Havoc shook his head sharply. “Two escaped. One ran toward the house while Viper chased another fucker around the perimeter. Where’s Molly? We can at least take her down to the dock. Rogue will be there any second.”
A muscle in Atlas’s jaw jumped. “No. We’re not leaving until we handle all of them.”
After the multiple attempts on Molly’s life and the kidnappings, he couldn’t leave any loose ends. Not even one.
“Copy that. Let’s sweep the house then.”
They turned, and as they made their way toward the dwelling, Atlas scanned the trees and bushes with every step. There was no sign of anyone. The eerie silence made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. “Viper, what’s your 20?”
“Caught our friend,” he said, sounding slightly out of breath. He’s got some intel. Coming around the house now.”
“Good.”
“Sounds like you got some much-needed cardio in,” Havoc said with a snicker.
“Eat shit.”
Atlas hid a smirk, and a minute later Viper came around the east side of the house shoving a man ahead of him
“I didn’t come here for trouble,” the guy said, his hands held up as if innocent.
“You shot at us,” Viper said dryly. He cupped the man’s shoulder then kicked the back of his leg, sending him to his knees.
“I didn’t know what the hell was going on! I’m just hired help. Fuck. Next thing you know people are shooting.”
Atlas narrowed his eyes and studied the guy’s face. Blood trickled from his temple. The corner of his mouth sported a gash and was as swollen as a plum.
“What’s your name?”
The man blinked. “Robby.”
He kept his rifle aimed at the ground not far from their prisoner’s knees. “Why are you here, Robby? You must know that, even if you’re just hired help.”
“I-I don’t know much. Honest. My boss, Vinny, said he needed to come here to pick up a package. It’s drugs, isn’t it? Dammit, I didn’t know. I don’t do drugs!”
