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What was why he took her?
“I didn’t mean to,” Eric barked. “It just—it happened, and there was no going back. I didn’t—it wasn’t supposed to—I fucked up. I know I fucked up, but if Abe finds out—”
“As he fucking should.” Declan walked inward, shoulders broadening. “Die of starvation if you can’t control your—”
“At least I didn’t kill her!” Eric screamed at my ear. “And if you don’t get back, Brooke’s gonna be ne—”
“And I’ll kill you just before I go rip out your girlfriend’s heart—”
“Shut your fucking mou—”
“What’s your end game here, Eric?” Declan growled. “What good is holding Brooke hostage going to do you? I’m not leaving until I get her out of here. Shooting me didn’t do you any good either. Let her go, and—”
“And then you’ll run your mouth to Abe—”
“I won’t,” Declan said. “It’s not my business. But Brookeismy business. You’re going to have to kill everyone in this room if you hurt her, and I don’t think you’re fast enough for that.”
A long moment of silence crept in, and Eric’s hold around my waist only tightened.
Declan’s dominant gaze and posture remained. Ria’s eyes were wide and terrified, glued to mine, holding Misty close, letting her sob into the nape of her neck.
“You won’t tell Abe,” Eric finally said.
Declan shook his head. “All I want is Brooke to get home in one piece. I don’t give a shit about Abe.”
Eric’s hand began to tremble around my cheeks. “You promise me, boy. Promise me you won’t tell him.”
“As long as you don’t hurt Brooke, I promise I won’t tell him,” Declan said.
A few heartbeats of silence followed.
I wasn’t sure if I should be scared or relieved.
I wasn’t sure I felt anything, really. I was aware of what was going on around me, but when Eric grabbed me, numbness had settled through me, preparing for whatever came next.
He shoved me forward.
My face slammed against the doorframe, and pain radiated through my forehead throughout my brain. Stars shined behind my eyes. Warmth pooled down my cheek.
Declan dropped to a knee before me, helping me upright. He cupped my face in his hands, forcing my gaze to his. “Are you okay?”
I nodded.
He glanced at Ria as she collapsed before me and circled her arms around my shoulders. “You got her?”
Ria nodded, squeezing me tighter.
Declan hurried to his feet and darted past us.
My head may have been throbbing, my leg may have been cut open, but he was stupid if he thought I was going to let him handle this alone.
I struggled onto my feet and did the best I could to chase after him through the dimly lit room that led to another doorway. It was more of a waddle than a run, but Ria and Misty both kept hold of me, helping me move faster.
Before we’d cleared the distance to the next door, Eric’s scream bounced off the walls, pinging into my ears, masking the sound of my racing heart.
Just as we made it to the door, my hand lifted over my mouth.
I wasn’t sure if I was appalled or aroused.
