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Neil’s fist connects with my face, effectively interrupting me. I let out an involuntary cry as I hit the floor. I have to resist the urge to bring a hand up to my face. My cheek feels hot and red, perfect to go along with the boiling in my blood.
My eyes narrow, and I let my mouth curve into a smile.
Four against one isn’t fantastic odds, but there’s a reason I trained in martial arts for years. And let’s be honest, even if I lose, this time I won’t go down without a fight.
I begin to laugh, pulling myself upright.
“Big fucking men, huh?” I mock. “Hitting little girls?”
James’s eyes narrow and he takes another step toward me. Another. I see Neil frown as he takes in my stance. Close enough.
My leg darts out, swiping beneath James's feet. None of them are expecting it, and he crashes to the ground. He hits hard and I’m beside him before any of them have even moved. The blade from my side is in hand and at his neck.
“I hope it hurts, bitch,” I shout as I plunge the blade into his throat, rolling off him in one fluid motion. Shouts erupt around me. I’m on my feet and moving. A hand reaches out and grabs my hair. I scream as a chunk is torn from the roots. I turn to strike my assailant, but before I can, something hits my head. Hard.
I fall.
The last thing I see before it goes black is Neil above me, a grin on his face.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Hero
Killian
I drive through the night to get back, letting caffeine and the overwhelming urge to be back in Echo’s bed keep me going. I’ve about had it with this bullshit at the home Mom’s staying at. I need to get her out of there soon, but I’ve been so distracted lately.
Really, ever since Katrina died, I haven't spent as much time with Mom as I should. A lump of guilt sits in my throat and I resolve to make more effort. Hell, maybe I can bring Echo out to meet her. I don’t doubt Echo would be horrified, but Mom would love her.
My eyes dart to the clock, and I have to blink to see the time. I could have slept a few hours and still been back by noon, but I couldn’t sleep if I tried. Not without her beside me.
It’s crazy how much that woman has gotten under my skin in such a short time. We’ve known each other all of six weeks, and in that time, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her. Ever since that first night I saw her dance at Eternity….
My fists tighten around the wheel when I think about how that night ended. I didn’t see it, but I know what happened, and the thought of Echo and Neil fucking is seared into my mind. I know she’d never forgive me for my judgement but fuck if I don’t understand how she can even be near the fucker.
I breathe heavily, pushing the disgusting thought from my mind and replacing it with the more pleasant one of Echo dancing the other night. I feel myself harden and have to shift to adjust myself.
It may take her a while to get my particular brand of jealousy, but I’m a reasonable man. Now, anyway.
The thought of being able to show her off, have other men look at what’s mine in envy, well, that appeals to me. Even her dancing, at least now that she is mine, just fills me with pride more than anything.
But watching her flirt with other men? I see fucking fire behind my eyes just thinking about it, much less one of them touching her.
I force myself to loosen my grip on the wheel and take a deep breath.
Feeling calmed, I widen my eyes and blink a few times. The caffeine isn’t helping anymore, but just the thought that soon I’ll have her in my arms is enough to keep my foot down on the pedal.
By the time it’s 6 AM, my eyes feel like sandpaper from driving all night. A smile plays on my lips as I turn the corner and pull into Echo’s complex. I considered calling her first, but thought the surprise might be nicer. The sky is lightening, but the day isn’t fully here. My dick hardens at the thought of spending the morning in bed. Maybe not sleeping.
I yawn widely.
Maybesomesleeping.
Turning into the lot, I frown, noticing immediately her car isn’t here. A tendril of fear runs up my spine.
She should have been back hours ago.
My heart is pounding my chest as I park, taking the stairs three at a time until I get to her door. I don’t knock, pulling out the spare key and cursing as I fumble with the chain.
