Page 105 of Pleasure Island
Helpless, I looked around for a weapon but save for the water and the sand, there wasn’t anything.
Liam feinted left, and the man twitched.
They came together again in a flurry of blows and kicks, their movements so fast, it was like they blurred together.
I saw the blow Liam took to the head – it staggered him and sent him to his knees. My heart leaped up into my throat as my assailant lifted the gun he’d managed to hold on to.
I barely had time to register what was happening as instinct took over. He pointed it at Liam, and I sprang forward, grabbing his arm and yanking.
There was a muffled pop, hardly loud enough for me to hear over the roaring in my ears and the crash of the water around us. I scrambled for control of the gun, although I had no idea what I’d do if I got it.
He threw me off, and the gun swung around my way.
Liam tackled him from behind, and the man went facedown into the water.
My eyes tracked the gun as it went flying, splashing into the wet sand a few feet away.
I rushed for it, closing my hand around the wet, sandy grip as I fell onto my ass and twisted, seeking them out in the darkness.
The gun in my hand was heavy, shockingly so. I lifted it, and it shook wildly in my hands.
But they were in the water still, wrestling and moving so fast, I couldn’t separate one from the other.
What if I shot Liam?
Indecision tore at me, and I lowered the weapon. Water dripped from it. I didn’t even know if the thing would work now – it had gotten wet. Were guns waterproof?
Liam staggered under a blow from a huge right hand, and I cried out.
His head whipped toward me, and in that second, the big guy lunged for Liam, taking him down into the water, his hands wrapped around his neck.
“No!” I screamed. Clutching the gun, I thrashed through the water to where they lay, driven by instinct and fear.
The man didn’t so much as look at me.
I stared at the gun, again scared I’d shoot Liam.
Liam’s head was under the water now. The tide was coming in – the water was up to my knees now. It hadn’t been so deep only moments ago. I couldn’t see any part of Liam now, but I saw the thrashing water.
He was fighting – fighting for me. I could damn well do more than just stand there.
I don’t even remember lifting the gun or bringing it down on the man’s head.
He went stiff.
I hit him again, using all my strength as I swung out this time.
I caught him on the temple.
He swayed, then toppled over.
Liam came up out of the water, choking and gasping, but still fighting.
He saw me standing over them, and his eyes widened. Staggering to his feet, he slid an arm around my waist, urging me out of the water. With his other hand, he took the gun from me.
“It got wet,” I said, my teeth chattering. “Will it work if it’s wet?”
“It’ll work,” he responded, voice chilly. He turned as we walked, and I glanced back, terror lighting inside me once more.
