Page 91 of Spock’s Snare

“Steven Blackwood,” I manage. “He kidnapped me.”

Marisol’s grip tightens protectively around my arm.

Keisha turns on the men. “And instead of asking if she needed help, you fools chased her?”

“She was looking at the money,” Mateo protests.

Every woman starts talking at once.

“Shut the hell up about your money.”

“She’s been beaten.”

“You’re lucky Nia didn’t run your dumb asses over.”

“You three are supposed to protect this neighborhood.”

The women form an angry wall between the men and me. Even DeShawn, who towers over all of them, takes a step back beneath the force of their fury.

Everyone goes silent when a deep rumble shakes the neighborhood.

The sound grows louder, multiplying until it becomes the unmistakable roar of several motorcycle engines.

My heart slams against my ribs as five motorcycles turn the corner and head in our direction.

The men pivot toward them. The women glance over while holding their ground.

The five motorcycles race toward us, their engines shaking the air and rattling the windows of the surrounding houses.

I already recognize who they are, even if I can’t make out their features. Not until I see him. Spock. The relief hits me so hard my knees nearly buckle. He came for me. Somehow, despite everything Steven did to lock me away, Spock found me.

The bikes slow as they approach the crowd gathered in the street. Spock’s gaze sweeps over the men and the wall of women standing in front of me. His expression is hard and dangerous beneath his helmet, but I would recognize him anywhere.

“Spock!” His name tears out of me on a broken sob.

His head snaps in my direction.

Even from several yards away, I see the instant he recognizes me. His entire body goes rigid. His gaze travels over my bruised face, torn clothing, and bleeding wrists and feet. The lethal fury that settles over his features should terrify me.

Instead, it makes me feel safe for the first time since Steven grabbed me.

I pull away from Marisol and move between Nia and Tasha.

“Chloe?” Spock shouts.

I stumble toward him.

A large hand clamps around my arm.

My terrified mind doesn’t register that DeShawn is probably trying to stop me from walking toward five unknown bikers. All I feel are fingers closing around the same arm Steven used to drag me through the house.

I cry out and try to jerk away. “Don’t touch me!”

Everything happens at once.

Boots strike pavement, and five guns appear as if the bikers had been holding them all along.

Spock swings off his bike with his weapon raised. Behind him, Rush, Hawk, Wildcard, and Dice spread out, each of them aiming at one of the three men. The women scatter sideways, leaving a clear path between the Demon Dawgs and me.