Theo.
It was Theo.
She recognized the cut of his jaw, the set of his shoulders, the scar on his hand, as he wrestled the attacker to the ground with a fierce, focused determination she was deeply grateful for.
“Laurel, go!” Theo shouted, barely glancing her way as he fought to keep the man pinned.
But she didn’t run.
Her eyes had already locked on the gun.
It was close. Closer than her bag. Closer than the wrench. Her pulse roared in her ears. If he reached it first…
She didn’t finish the thought.
She lunged.
Her fingers scraped the floor as she dove for the gun just as a second crash split the air. The front door slammed open again, harder this time.
Boots pounded across the floor. Fast. Heavy.
“Laurel!” Bennett’s voice was rough, commanding.
Terrified.
She rose to her feet just as he and Matthew stormed inside, weapons already drawn, eyes scanning, locking on the two men struggling in the middle of the room.
“Release him!” Bennett barked, gun aimed.
Theo didn’t hesitate. He rolled clear just as Matthew descended, grabbing the attacker and hauling him off the ground like he weighed nothing.
The man fought, spewing curses, trying to twist free, but it was over before he got a second chance.
Matthew pinned the guy’s arms behind his back, subduing him. “It’s over, Hess.”
Laurel finally exhaled, the sound ragged and shaking as it left her.
Bennett turned to her, his gaze dark and wild with worry. “You okay?” he asked, holstering his weapon as he rushed closer.
But before he could reach her, Laurel’s legs gave out, and she sank to her knees, fingers still wrapped around the gun she hadn’t needed.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Bennett’s heart kicked hard against his ribs as he crossed the space in two strides.
“Laurel.”
She didn’t look up. Didn’t seem to hear him. Her gaze was fixed, distant, somewhere far from here. Her breath came in shallow bursts, and her knuckles were white around the grip.
Not good.
Slowly lowering to his knees, he reached out and covered her hands with his, careful not to startle her. Her skin was cold. So cold.
“Laurel,” he said again, softer this time.
Finally, her head turned. Her eyes met his, and damn near gutted him.
Terror. Shock. So much fight still tangled with fear.
