Page 66 of Fallen Flame

My eyes narrowed, and the side door flew open. A man jumped out, and I didn’t think; I moved. “Lark!”

She looked up, and our eyes met. Confusion crossed her face before she turned toward the van.

Ever happened to be closest to it, and without hesitating, Lark shoved Ever with both hands. “Ever!”

Ever stumbled sideways with a startled yelp, crashing to the ground.

The man reached out, and his hand wrapped around Lark’s upper arm. He jerked her so hard her coffee exploded across the pavement.

Lark screamed. “What the—”

He yanked her toward the open van, and I hit him two seconds later. My fist connected with the side of his face hard enough to snap his head sideways.

The bastard stumbled back, but he didn’t let go.

“Lark!”

She cried out as he dragged her another step.

Ever was on the pavement on her hands and knees. “Jude!” she screamed at the top of her lungs.

I grabbed the guy’s wrist with one hand and slammed another punch into his jaw.

He grunted but was still holding on to Lark.

The driver leaned out the front window. “Get in!”

The guy ignored him and tried pulling Lark again.

Rage exploded through me, and I drove my boot into his stomach. Air rushed out of him in one violent grunt, and his fingers finally released Lark’s arm. He doubled over before scrambling backward.

The driver screamed again. “Move!”

The guy dove into the side door just as the van lurched forward.

The door slammed shut and tires screamed against the pavement.

Rubber burned.

The black van shot out of the parking lot and disappeared into traffic before I could get close enough to read the damn plate.

For half a second...

Everything went silent.

Then the entire parking lot erupted.

The gas pump beeped behind me.

Someone inside the store shouted.

Ever was crying.

The front door burst open and Jude sprinted outside. “Ever!” He dropped beside her, helping her back to her feet. “You hit?”

She shook her head frantically. “I’m okay! Lark!”

I turned.