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However, part of her feared what would happen once they were alone. She’d let out a river of tears as soon as his arms had closed around her but had a feeling there were plenty more to come. Once the dust settled and she had time to process it, she assumed she’d fall apart in an epic burst of emotion. Knowing Lock would be there, that he loved her and didn’t seem afraid of her meltdown, helped ease some of that worry.
Even though she claimed to be all right and able to maneuver independently, his hands on her brought immeasurable comfort. She couldn’t wait to be alone in his house, in his bed, where he could hold her properly.
And, oh, how she longed to see Caleb and hear his gleeful laugh. The happy, blissfully unaware baby would be wonderful medicine.
But first, she had to see to Kelsie.
“Two more,” Lock said as he assisted her down the never-ending staircase.
The familiar dark hall threatened to unravel her thinly held composure. “This was much easier when I was hanging over the shoulder of the big brute who grabbed me outside,” she quipped as her ribs protested yet another step.
Lock didn’t laugh, but he did tense, and his breathing hitched.
“Sorry,” she whispered, stopping to face his narrowed gaze. “Bad joke.”
He kissed her quickly. God, how she wished they had time for more. “Until ten minutes ago, I didn’t know if you were alive or what these animals had done to you. Maybe give me a day before you start with the gallows humor, eh?”
She smiled. “I love you,” she said, feeling those words in the depths of her soul. “I love your son too.”
He pressed his forehead to hers. “Fuck, I don’t deserve you, but I love you, Brenna. To an insane degree.”
A frightened shriek had her straightening. “Kelsie!”
She darted down the final two steps and hurried through the dark hall as quickly as her tender body could.
“Brenna, dammit,” Lock muttered as he ran after her.
“I’m okay. I… oh my God.” She skidded to a stop as she came across Bolt’s body, lying prone on the dirty ground.
“He can’t hurt you,” Ty called from an open door on the left. “Spec made sure of that.”
The air she hadn’t been aware of holding whooshed out of her lungs. Lock’s hand landed on her back, making her jump. Then she realized she still wore the ridiculous dress that barely covered her. Her face burned, and she stared at the man at her feet.
“Here.”
She glanced up to find Ty readying his arm to toss something her way.
“I got it.” Lock grabbed the object out of the air.
A blanket. Tears sprung to her eyes. How these men could be brutal one second, then so kind to her would forever be a mystery, but one she’d always be grateful for.
“Thank you,” she whispered as Lock wrapped the long, soft fabric around her shoulders like a cloak.
“Thank Pulse. He had it in his med kit.”
Another terrified shriek ran out.
“I think we need some help in here.” Ty inclined his head toward the open door. He had a lethal expression she’d never seen on the often-aloof man. “Do you know her?”
“Yes. That’s Kelsie. She… suffered.”
A low rumble came from Ty’s throat.
With Lock holding her hand, she stepped over Bolt’s body. Her heart hammered in her ears, certain he’d wake and grab her, but he didn’t. The pool of blood she noticed beneath his torso verified Tracker’s words that he might never wake again.
Good.
“Stay out here,” she said to Lock and Ty as she reached the door.
