hands shook so violently she fumbled with the handle of her Porsche,

button, and the engine purred to life. Shifting into d

enger seat, her pho

(8 MISS

(5 MISS

ss the console, trying to swipe the power toggle, but her wet finger

ed down to

the road for a

flooded intersection short-circui

reet, ignoring the caution lights. Its blinding high beams cut

and jerked the steering

rsche spun across two lanes, tires shrieking, before

th a concussive crack, punch

he frame, and the

ache, and the locked seatbelt pressed painfully against her

tench of leaking radiator fluid and gasoline fi

r, but the crushed metal was wedged tight against t

guttural roar of a heavy mot

hesitate. Moving with disciplined precision, he pulled a window punch from his poc

motor oil, and mint cut t

low, gravelly

nder tension, and drew a combat knife from his

beneath the

on t

age with steady, overwhelming strength. He pulled her against his chest and s

the man pivoted, shielding her

he steady, rhythmic beat of his hea

t and set her down gently, immediately stripping off

His voice was calm, clipped, and pr

rced her

through his left eyebrow, resting above quiet, dark eyes.

but only a strain

her, and gently wiped the blood from

grip on her cold hand solid and gro

e wail of sirens cu

s voice, Alayna let her head tilt