Take (Fury Brothers #4)

“See you soon. I’ll get to your girl.”

“Thanks, Dante.”

I went back to the cellphone. “Frankie, Dante and I are on the way. Hold on.”

“Reath…” Fear leaked through her voice.

“Promise me you’ll hold on.”

“I promise.”

19

FRANKIE

“Come on.” Lincoln took my hand.

He was stumbling. He’d fought with both men and taken a hard blow to the head. I knew he was hurt badly.

We staggered behind a tree.

I tried to calm my breathing. Lincoln peered around the trunk.

“Do you see them?” I whispered.

He shook his head, then winced.

“Let me see.” I went up on my toes and touched his head. “You’re bleeding a lot.” There was a nasty gash on his scalp.

“Head wounds bleed. It’ll be fine.” His voice was gruff. “I’ve got to get you to safety.”

My belly churned. These people who were after my research were monsters. They didn’t care who they hurt. They hadn’t hesitated to attack Linc.

I heard rustling sounds, and my heart lodged in my throat.

“Frankie, listen.” Linc’s tone was urgent. He gripped my shoulders. “I’ll lead them away.”

I met his gaze. I’d thought he’d looked like a handsome, easygoing surfer when we’d first met. Now, I only saw a focused SEAL.

“You’re Reath’s,” Linc said, “and he asked me to protect you. I’d do anything for him.”

Those words. My chest locked. “I’m not his.”

Linc shot me a look. “I’m going to run in that direction.” He pointed toward the lake. “You stay here, and stay down. Once it’s quiet, run the opposite way. Reath is coming.”

God, I felt sick. “Be careful.”

There was a flash of a cocky grin. “I’ve survived worse than these bastards.” Then, with a nod, he turned and ran.

A moment later, I heard footsteps and the rustle of bushes. Then there were shouts.

I crouched down and pressed my hands to my chest, trying not to lose it.

“They went that way,” a deep voice called out.

“Go!” another ordered.

More thuds of boots.