Page 110 of Perfect Sin

“Wasn’t asking,” he says, and grabs my arm.

The lights go out, plunging the entire warehouse momentarily into darkness before the emergency lights switch on. They cast a weak yellow glow on the room and serve only to guide people to the exits.

Shane comes running out from the office and sees Jesse’s hand on my arm. “Let her go, asshole.”

“Not going to happen.” Jesse tries to drag me away, and Shane throws a punch.

He’s always treated like the gentle one. I wouldn’t say weak, because he’s a big guy. His frame is usually hidden under flannel shirts, but tonight his plain black t-shirt and jeans displays all of his six feet of rippling muscles.

“Time to move to the safe room,” he urges, and starts to lead me back to the office. Jesse is down, but not for long.

“Not so fast,” Jesse says, jumping up and getting in our way. “We came for Raven, and we aren’t leaving without her.”

The men posing as caterers begin to move toward us, but before they make it an explosion rocks the building. I’m knocked off my feet as people surge in earnest toward the exit. Shane pulls me up, and I try to steady myself.

My ears ring, making me feel like the ground is undulating underneath me. It takes seconds I don’t have for my vision to clear. The building appears to be intact, minus the front door, but the agents have taken the bait and run toward the explosion.

Shane is pulled from me as people bump into us from multiple directions. While he fights his way toward us, I take charge.

“Tessa, get Jen and Amber and go to the safe room,” I demand.

“I won’t leave you out here alone. Come with us,” she urges.

“I need to find Sin. He should be down here,” I say, temporarily pulling out of her hold.

“Raven, your husband is one of the scariest men I’ve ever met. He’s fine. He won’t be, though, if you aren’t safe.” She grabs hold of me, surprisingly strong for a skinny chick. She surprises me and this gives her enough time to drag me across the gym.

Tessa shoves me inside the safe room. “Lock the door, Jen.”

Shane makes it there ahead of us and grabs hold of me as I try and exit. “What are you doing?”

“I’m doing the right thing for once.” She points at Shane. “Lock it.”

She starts to leave and comes back to me and pulls the pins from my hair. “Thanks, a weapon might come in handy.”

She disappears back into the chaos, and Shane locks the door.

“We can’t leave her alone out there,” I insist.

“Ford is out there with her. He’ll keep her safe. He always has,” Shane insists.

“I can help. We can’t just leave her out there.”

The sound of something popping echoes on the other side of the door. I start to shake, but this time it isn’t caused by an explosion.

“Jen!” I hear Shane shout.

My vision floods with floating spots, and I sway on my feet.

“Get her on the cot,” Jen orders. “I think she’s having a panic attack.”

“Raven, honey, can you hear me?” she asks me.

It’s all too much. I can’t find Sin. Tessa is out there alone. I could be pregnant. I need Sin. I can’t do this without him. Everything keeps piling on, and the weight is too heavy. I slip into the darkness, finally finding a moment of peace in the chaos.

32

The Real Monster