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I’m spun around, and when my back hits Owen’s chest, his arm locks around my front, and I’m pinned to him with so much force it’s painful. His voice sounds brutal and devoid of all emotion as he orders right above my head, “Your truck keys, Miles.”

No.

I’m still unable to accept the fact that the man I’ve been crushing on just killed four people.

I grab hold of his forearms, my panic and fear intensifying.

Then it really sinks in, and it hits me like a devastating earthquake.

Owen just killed four men!!!

My eyes dart to the bodies, and a fresh wave of horror floods my veins, making my heart jackhammer incredibly fast against my ribs while more pins and needles spread through me.

Miles’ expression turns pleading, and even though he’s shaking his head, he removes his keys from his pocket and throws them. In a blur of movement, Owen catches the keys before holding me tightly again.

“You know what happens if you try to stop me,” Owen says, his tone filled with a deadly warning that makes chills rush over my entire body.

“Just walk out of here,” Miles tells Owen. “You don’t need to take her.”

Suddenly, Harlan begins to move, and as Owen’s arm swings toward him, Miles shouts, “No! Stay put, Harlan. Jesus fucking Christ, Owen, don’t kill him!”

I whimper, and it has Owen’s attention snapping back to me. My mind finally recovers from the initial shock and starts to race at the speed of light.

I have to get out of this volatile situation.

Sucking in a shaky breath, my voice trembles as I beg, “Please put down the gun.”

In response, Owen begins to move, and I’m dragged through the room. As we near the door, something flips inside me, and letting out a cry, I struggle and yank against his arm that’s keeping me imprisoned against his solid body.

“Let me go!” I shriek, but it only makes Owen adjust his arm and lift me off my feet. “Noooo!”

“Owen Casey,” Miles calls out loud.

Owen shakes his head, his voice mere thunder. “That name holds no power over me. Tell Laufer I will kill whoever comes near me.”

NoNoNo. Oh God. No. This isn’t happening. It’s a nightmare.

I use all my strength to try to get free from his hold, but it does nothing, because Owen easily carries me.

Shit. What do I do?

“Stop,” I sob. “Please stop.”

“For God’s sake, Rowan! Leave Annie out of this. She’s been nothing but kind to you,” Miles begs.

Rowan?

The name registers as I’m carried out of the bar like I’m nothing but a sack of feathers. We head to the corner where Miles’ truck is always parked.

Owen’s real name is Rowan.

Somehow, the information settles in my mind as he places me back on my feet. He still keeps his arm around me while he unlocks the driver’s door and yanks it open. “Get in.”

Terrified, I do as I’m told so he doesn’t hurt me, and climbing onto the seat, I scoot over to the passenger side. I’m shivering so hard, my breaths turn choppy.

“Please, don’t do this.” The words tremble from me, my voice hoarse as I look at him while he gets in behind the steering wheel.

He doesn’t even glance at me as he pushes the key into the ignition and starts the engine. When he presses his foot on the gas, he holds his hand out to me. “Phone.”