It was no use.
Then all I could hear was sound. The crack of a bullet. And everything went still.
41
CADEN
The shot rangin my ears, but I didn’t waste a second. The moment the bullet hit the wall and distracted Gabe, I put all my strength into a punch to his temple. Gabe slumped to the floor in a heap.
I clambered for the gun, making sure the safety was on before sliding it into my waistband. My gaze instantly searched for Grae. She struggled to her knees, panic in her eyes, and I was already moving.
I hauled her into my arms. “Where are you hurt?”
The sight of her torn dress and the red marks on her throat had panic surging through me. “Did he…?” I couldn’t even finish that sentence.
Grae shook her head, then winced. “No,” she croaked.
I pulled her into me. “Where does it hurt?”
“Just my throat. My head.”
“Gigi…” It was all I could say. That one word held a million silent apologies.
Shouts sounded, and half a dozen people filed into the room: Nash, Holt, security, and Clint’s partner. But I kept hold of Grae. I couldn’t let her go. Not for a single second.
“What the hell happened?” Holt barked.
“Gabe,” I choked. “He attacked her.”
Nash and Holt were on Gabe in a flash. He started to come to as Nash pulled a set of handcuffs from his tux pocket. It took my brother a few moments to realize what was happening. He flailed and cursed, trying to deck Holt, but Nash got his hands behind his back and began reading him his rights.
Security and Officer Adams rushed over to Clint. Adams had her radio out and called for backup and an ambulance.
I still didn’t let go of Grae.
Her heart hammered against my torso. I tried to let each beat reassure me. She was alive, breathing. But all it did was tell me how terrified she’d been. And it was all my fault.
* * *
Doc closed her medical bag.“Lots of tea with honey. Maybe some ice cream. That will all help your throat.” She handed Grae a bottle of pills. “These are for if the pain gets too bad. Do you think you’ll need something to help you sleep?”
There was sympathy in Doc’s gaze, and I was grateful that she’d been willing to drop everything and make a house call when Grae had refused to go to the hospital.
“I’ll be okay,” Grae assured the doctor, her voice still a bit raspy.
I swallowed against the tightness in my throat, trying to clear it, but it was no use.
Doc studied Grae for a moment and then nodded. “I want to see you for a recheck the day after tomorrow, okay?”
I nodded. “I can bring her in.”
“I’ll have my office call you and let you know what time.”
I extended a hand to Doc. “Thank you. For everything.”
“I’m happy to help however I can.” She turned back to Grae and handed her a card. “This is a local therapist. She’s good. I think it would be smart to talk to her.”
Grae took the card but didn’t say a word.