But I made a mistake. A fucking rookie mistake as he collapsed in front me, groaning. Instead of delivering a final knockout punch, I quickly continued to survey the room and leaned down, getting a glimpse of his face. "Who the fuck sent you? Was it Jameson?"
But the piece of shit's eyes just rolled back in his head. He didn't answer. I shook him. "I said, who the fuck–" The swift movement in the room behind me was a surprise. Then a hit to my kidney sent a spasm of pain racking through my entire body. It hurt so bad all I wanted to do was curl into the fetal position and lay there bleeding and pleading for my life. Another shot to my kidney. I was able to tuck and roll, deflecting some of the impact, but God, it hurt.
I rolled onto my back. Another assailant. This one heavier. Beefier. Bigger.
I kicked out, making a direct hit to his knee.
"Get the fuck out. Get the fuck out."
When he winced and groaned, I managed to roll myself over into a semi-seated position and slid my right leg under my raised left knee, planted both hands on the floor next to my right knee and pushed up. Once I was on my feet, I staggered and swayed. Jesus Christ, kidney shots hurt. I'd forgotten how much.
And then it was basic hand-to-hand, and all I could do for several moments was block his shots.
But he was whip fast, like a pit fighter. As big as he was, he should not have moved so quickly.
You have the advantage. This is your flat. You know where things are.
I groaned, blocking another side kick.
With both hands up in L-formations, covering my face, I bent my body slightly to block the kick, and then I delivered an elbow. I got him on the throat, which staggered him back. Then I made the dive. At the foot of my bed, taped under the frame, was a gun.
I reached for it quickly, raised it, and shot.
It dinged him, but he was moving quickly, dragging his friend, who had started to get up, behind him. And they were running.
I squeezed off another round. I didn't know if I hit anything besides drywall, but once again, I pushed to my feet, gun in hand, running after them.
I'd been taught from the beginning, if you can get up, stay up. If you can neutralize your target, do so. Only kill them if you must.
I ran. But they weren't there. The door was wide open, and I heaved and breathed a deep sigh.
I slammed the door shut and quickly went about clearing the east wing of the flat. Bedroom. Bathroom, inside closets. When I was done, I wheezed and went back to my security alarm to check. Sure enough, there had been several silent pings.
But they'd only been here a few minutes before I arrived. The cameras had caught them. But they’d had my goddamn code. How did they get my code?
I winced and wheezed, just wanting to crumple into a pit of pain. For some reason my goddamn face hurt too. Had one of the assholes gotten me in the face?
Jesus Christ. Before collapsing on my couch, I plugged my cell phone into the charger and sent a text to the lads. "We have problems." And then I sent them the link to the security feed.
Bridge: On my way.
Ben: Motherfucker. Stay put.
Before I could collapse back into the cushions, the phone on the side table rang. I answered with a groan. "Hale."
"Uh, sorry to disturb you at this hour, Mr. Hale, but there is a Miss Kincade down here to see you, and she said that you'd want to see her."
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
If Nyla saw me like this, it would only serve as fuel to the fire that we were up to something. But she was already here and there would be no stopping her, because she would hang out in that lobby until she saw something she didn’t needed to see, which would be Ben and Bridge coming for me.
"Send her up."
My worlds were about to collide. But it was already happening, and I was too goddamned tired to stop it.
Nyla
Honestly, I'd come to get lucky. Don't judge me.
My pussy replied. I’m totally judging you. But also, I need him…
I’d tried to get some rest after East had brought be home. He’d been the perfect gentleman. He hadn’t followed me in, even though I’d wanted him to. I’d wanted him to chase the shadows away. But he’d given me the sweetest goodnight kiss and left.
I’d done the whole bedtime routine. Brushed my teeth, braided up my hair. Slathered on much too expensive cream on my face. But I’d been restless. Unsettled. I’d spent a good thirty minutes trying to sleep before I gave up and got dressed. I knew what I wanted. I wanted East.
I arrived at the hotel and they allowed me up after confirming it was okay with East. When I arrived at his penthouse, I stopped short when I saw a smudge of blood on the door, and East swung it open before I could knock.
"Come on in."
I could see the traces of blood and broken glass everywhere. What the hell?
I reached into my purse and palmed my baton, because honestly, it was the only weapon I had. I’d left my damn knife at home. But I was ready.
I pushed in, ready to do battle with someone. But East just flopped onto the couch, bleeding and seemingly unable to move. "Oh my God. What the hell happened?"
"Somebody broke in here. That happened."
"How could the penthouse in this hotel have someone break-in?"
"You know what? That is an excellent question for later. For now, if you don't mind, I’m just going to go back to dying. What are you doing here?"
I held up the bottle of rosé and shrugged. "I came to ply you with alcohol so
