“You go to the front door. I’ll go to the back. Wait for me to make entry before you come in.”
A muscle ticked in my jaw. “All right.”
“Let’s go get your girl.”
Caden skirted the back of the cabin and disappeared. Taking a deep breath, I crept toward the front door. I tilted my head and peered in the window flanking the door.
The asshole was in her face, yelling, that knife too close to her cheek. It was the hardest thing I’d ever done, waiting for Caden when Tessa was in danger.
Then I heard the bang of the door being thrown open.
“Put the weapon down, Fairbanks, and get on your knees.”
I shoved through the front door. Caden stood there, gun trained on Rupert.
The man was facing Caden, Tessa beside him. He had one of her arms in a death grip.
I advanced. He didn’t see me coming, but Tessa did. Relief filled her face and her eyes widened.
Without pausing, I slammed a kick into Rupert’s back. He stumbled forward and let go of Tessa’s arm.
I yanked her behind me as he whirled around. Ignoring the knife, I slammed a punch right into the center of his face. I followed with two more hard jabs.
The knife fell and hit the floor.
I punched him again—a hook to his chest, then an uppercut to his soft stomach.
With a garbled sound, he fell to the floor.
“You touched her, you hurt her, you nearly killed her.” Fueled by my rage, I leaned over and punched him again. Blood spurted from his broken nose.
“Okay, Ro. He’s down.” Caden tucked his gun away and advanced. “See to Tessa.”
With one more glare at Rupert, I turned. Tessa was standing in the center of the cabin, staring at me.
I strode to her, then she was in my arms.
“God, Tessa, are you okay?” I breathed her in. That green-apple scent I loved.
“I am now.” Her voice was shaky.
I pulled back and untied her wrists. Then I cupped her cheeks.God. Emotions flooded me. A part of me had been worried I’d be too late.
That I’d never see her again.
“I knew you’d find me,” she murmured.
“He cut you.” My shaky hand touched the cut on her cheek. It wasn’t deep but it was bleeding. I rubbed the blood off her skin.
“I’m okay,” she whispered.
I kissed her. I pulled her close and devoured her. She clung to me and kissed me back.
Thank God. Thank God, she was all right. Thank God, she’d come into my life.
“I’m so glad you’re okay, baby.” I pressed my forehead to hers. “I’ve never been so scared.”
“Ro.” Her hands circled my wrists, her brown eyes on mine. “I wanted to tell you something. I should’ve told you before.” She licked her lips. “Being kidnapped and afraid for your life brings everything into perspective fast.” She pulled in a deep breath. “I love you.”
