Chapter 7 - Steel and Fire
A matte-black military-grade SUV barreled through the splintered debris, tires smoking as it slid sideways across the concrete floor, cutting off Ryan and Victoria’s exit.
The vehicle’s doors flew open before it had even stopped moving.
Asher Cole leaped out.
He didn't look like a CEO. His tie was gone, his dress shirt was torn at the shoulder, and his face was twisted in a savage, primal fury that made Ryan physically stumble backward in terror. Behind Asher, four heavily armed tactical security contractors swarmed into the warehouse with assault rifles raised.
“Drop the lighter!” one of the operatives bellowed, laser sights painting Ryan’s chest in crimson dots.
Victoria shrieked, dropping the kerosene can and throwing her hands up in the air, falling to her knees in surrender.
Ryan, completely unhinged, raised the lighter toward the fuel-soaked pallets. “Stay back, Cole! One step and I drop it! We all burn together!”
Asher didn't hesitate. He didn't plead. He didn't stop.
Moving with the explosive speed of a man possessed, Asher crossed the fifteen feet between them before Ryan could even flick his wrist. Asher’s fist connected with Ryan’s jaw with the force of a hydraulic press.
Bone crunched.
Ryan was lifted off his feet, crashing violently against an iron support beam before collapsing into an unconscious heap on the concrete, the unlit lighter rolling harmlessly away.
Asher didn't spare him a second glance. He fell to his knees in front of Nora, his hands trembling violently as he pulled out a pocket knife to slice through her ropes.
“Nora! Nora, look at me!” His voice cracked, tears streaming down his face as he severed the last binding and gathered her into his chest. “Did they hurt you? Did he strike you? Tell me!”
“I’m okay... the baby’s kicking... I protected him,” Nora sobbed, collapsing into his arms, burying her face into his chest, inhaling the familiar scent of cedar and rain that meant survival.
Asher held her so tightly she could feel the thunderous, desperate hammering of his heart against her cheek. He kissed her forehead, her hair, her tear-stained cheeks, murmuring prayers against her skin like a broken man given his soul back.
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“It’s over,” Asher whispered fiercely, lifting her effortlessly into his arms and carrying her toward the waiting SUV. “I have you. I will never let you out of my sight again. Never.”
Behind them, tactical officers pinned Victoria to the ground and zip-tied the bleeding Ryan Bennett. This time, there would be no bail. Federal kidnapping, attempted murder, and arson charges would ensure neither of them ever saw the light of day again.
