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Absolutely wild—his focus entirely on me.

“Talk to me, Rusty, please!”

“I-I'm okay,” I say quickly, wanting to reassure him, but still too stunned to know whether or not I’m lying.

“Fuck, you’re bleeding,” he growls and those hands still cupping my face move to tuck a lock of hair behind my ear.

I wince and he curses.

“Shit, I’m sorry. It’s small. A cut by your hairline,” he says, and curses some more.

“I'm okay, really,” I tell him.

His eyes close.

Just for a second.

And when they open again—I've never seen murder look so calm.

He starts to stand, carrying me with him.

Then I see it.

Behind him—lying in pieces across center stage—is a massive lighting fixture.

Exactly where I'd been standing.

Exactly where I almost died.

And suddenly I know one thing with absolute certainty.

This wasn't any accident.

Chapter 14

Less

I'm going to kill somebody.

Not literally.

Probably.

Well, not yet anyway.

At least not until I can confirm who is responsible.

But right now?

It's a close fucking thing.

Because Amanda almost died.

On my watch.

I don't remember screaming her name.

I don't remember crossing the stage.