Because Shepherd had crossed a line tonight.
And everybody knew it.
The second the SUV stopped, Flick reached for the door handle.
I caught her wrist gently.
“Wait.”
She looked over at me immediately.
Concern flashed across her face when I shifted painfully beside her.
“You shouldn’t even be standing.”
“Probably not.”
“Hersh—”
“I need five seconds.”
Her expression softened instantly.
That look was becoming dangerous for me.
I kept hold of her hand while the others cleared the perimeter outside.
Didn’t let go.
Wouldn’t.
Not after tonight.
“You scared me,” she whispered finally.
The honesty in her voice cut deep.
I looked down at our joined hands.
At the mud still streaked across her skin.
The dried blood on her sleeve.
Mine.
“I know.”
“That man…” Her voice shook slightly. “The way he looks at me…”
Rage rolled through me so hard it turned my vision sharp.
I leaned closer carefully despite the pain in my ribs.
“Listen to me.”
Her eyes locked onto mine instantly.
“He does not own your fear.”
