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His heart hammered in his chest. He swore it was going to jump right out of his body, it pounded so roughly.
Someone shot at Gabriella.
She could’ve died today.
He could’ve lost the woman—the woman he loved.
Jaxson turned his eyes back toward him. “She’s fine. So am I. Neither of us was hit, but it was intense.”
“And the guy?”
“Dead. We had to fire back.” Jaxson shrugged. “I can’t be sure who fired the shot that…” He blew out a deep breath. “Shit. I don’t even want to be alone tonight. This is our job, Dane. If you can’t handle it, you know where the door is. I’m not leaving. I’m always going to be here. She’s not only my partner but one of my best friends. If you can’t handle that, you know where the door is. She will be my best friend until the day I die. I would take a bullet for her. I would’ve today. If you can’t handle that—”
“I know where the door is. I get the message.” His jaw clenched.
Not because he wanted to spew nasty words at Jaxson.
Because he wanted to shout his rage at the fact he almost lost her today from a madman shooting at them.
He released a small breath and forced a smile out. “I don’t share well. You know my brother somewhat. He always took, took, took. I was always forced to give him whatever it was he wanted. Of course, I was told I was sharing, when really, he was just taking it. I don’t want to share Gabriella.” He sighed. “But she wasn’t mine first.”
Jaxson grinned. “She’s not mine either. We’re friends, Dane. We will always be just friends.”
“I want to believe that.”
“Then believe it.” He swore, then laughed. “You were right. I like Mia. You have nothing to worry about when it comes to Gabby.”
“You like me?”
Dane and Jaxson shifted their focus to the voice coming from the hallway. Mia stood with a shocked expression.
He glanced back at Jaxson, who looked like a deer caught in headlights. A small chuckle escaped. “I’ll go see if Gabriella needs my help. Nice chat, Jaxson. Glad we had it.”
He walked out, hoping things turned out in Jaxson’s favor.
He really, really hoped so.
Because then he wouldn’t have to worry so much he’d take Gabriella from him.
* * *
Warmth surroundedher as Dane’s strong arms wrapped around her. She leaned her head back and savored his gentle touch.
A kiss hit the side of her head. “Jaxson told me about tonight. Are you okay? How can I help?”
She shivered as the memory flooded her mind. The bullets tearing through the door. The loud echoes of the gunshots. The feeling of her weapon firing back, jerking her in her spot. The blood that coated the floor around the suspect. Two bullets hit him. Maybe from her. Maybe from Jaxson. Maybe from both of them.
But a man died tonight. That’s what mattered.
“Gabriella…” The way he whispered her name almost soothed the weariness coating her body.
His arms surrounding her did the trick better. She never wanted him to let her go. She could stay in his arms forever. What would he say if she blurted that out? That she wanted him in her life forever.
I love you.
The words floated out of her mind, willing him to hear her unspoken words of devotion.
His arms around her tightened, almost as if answering her silent plea of love.
