For one split second, the world narrows to the three of us.
I cross the room in two strides and crouch down so I can wrap my arms around both of them.
Scout’s small fingers are twisted into Fiona’s shirt, and his breath comes in short, hitching sobs he’s trying and failing to hold back.
The sound guts me in a way no bullet ever could.
Fiona’s arms are locked around him, her entire body curved protectively to shield him from the danger.
She didn’t run.
She didn’t freeze.
Shestayed.
Something inside my chest fractures.
This is what Lorcan was trying so hard to poison, but there’s no arguing with what I see in front of me. The woman I love is holding my son like she would willingly die before ever letting him go.
I press my forehead to Scout’s hair and breathe him in because I don’t know if I’ll get another chance to do so. “You’re okay. I’ve got you.”
He doesn’t answer. He just tightens his hold on Fiona.
I look at Fiona then, and hope she can’t see the panic that is clawing its way out of my chest.
“I need you to stay here. Barricade yourself in if you have to. Don’t open the door for anyone but me.”
“Cormac—”
I reach out to cup her face. “I’ll be back. I swear to you.”
She studies my face for a beat, then nods. “I’m not moving.”
Good.
I rise, forcing myself not to linger. Not to kiss Scout’s head again or to touch Fiona’s face, because if I do I might not leave.
I arm myself on the way down the stairs, clocking my handgun, a spare magazine, and a blade.
The weight of the gun in my hand steadies me and sharpens everything into brutal focus.
By the time I burst outside, the estate is a war zone.
Gunfire cracks through the air.
I find Brennan behind the overturned SUV near the fountain, firing with controlled precision, his movements fast and lethal.
“Adrian?” I shout, sliding in beside him.
“Already retreating toward the tree line, but not before trying to make a point.”
I snarl and lean out, firing in controlled bursts.
Two men go down and a third dives for cover.
Brennan points. “Over there!”
That’s when I see him.
