Page 62 of Ramshackle
“Raegan!”
My eyes snap open at Aiden’s voice.
He breaks into a run when he looks from the dead guys on the ground to me. I hurry to push myself upright before he makes it here.
Aiden kneels in front of me. I open my mouth to tell him I’m fine, but he wraps me in his arms and pulls me into his chest. His heart thunders in my ear at a frightening pace as he works to catch his breath.
I don’t move.
This is the first time Aiden’s held me like this.
Like someone important to him.
I’m afraid to bring any attention to myself that’ll snap him out of whatever headspace he’s in that caused him to give me this uncharacteristic sign of affection, so I freeze like a rabbit pretending to be invisible.
His hand slides up my back into my hair, clutching me closer to him as the rapid beat of his heart finally eases.
He eventually releases me to inspect my face. “Are you hurt?” His dark gaze slides to my hand on my knee, and I quickly move it away. The pain there is reduced to a resounding ache, but it’s manageable now.
“I’m fine,” I answer softly. I’m still not fully recovered from his reaction to seeing me, so there’s no strength in my voice. He scoops me into his arms anyway, and I gasp, clutching at his suit. “What are you doing? I can walk!”
“You were holding your knee.” He walks us a few steps in the opposite direction of the firehouse before I realize he’s not taking us back.
“Wait, where are we going? Where’s Jackson?”
“He’s finishing the last of them.”
I flail in his grip, fighting to get free of him even if it means falling to the ground.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m not leaving without Jack. Without either one of you.” Why didn’t Jack come back with him? They were both supposed to escape. Did Jackson really think I would leave without him?
“I’m not giving Gordon the opportunity to grab you if we’re all fighting. I’m getting you out of here, and I’ll go back for Jackson if he doesn’t meet up with us before then.”
My chaotic thrashing finally does the trick, and rather than let me fall, he sighs and helps me back to my feet. It’s only after I’m standing that I notice the trail of blood running down the side of his face. The vibrant red splattered over his suit like a wild paint night.
“Are you—”
“Don’t leave my side,” Aiden interrupts. He takes my hand in his, tugging me close before he lifts his sword arm in front of us. “If you’re going to walk, then stay with me.”
I try to jerk my hand from his, but he doesn’t let go. “I’m not some damsel in distress for you to rescue,” I snap angrily. “Gordon didn’t kidnap me last time, and he didn’t this time either. Give me some credit and let me fight with you. You’re giving Gordon what he wants by splitting us up. He’s going after all of you now because you broke the deal. I need to getyouto safety.”
His expression darkens. “Your safety is the only one that—”
Twigs snap, and we both swing around to search for the source. Jackson’s strolling toward us, his hands tucked in his hoodie pocket and his hood down. He’s smirking at us, obviously listening in on our argument that’s over him, no less.
“You could have said something, Jack,” Aiden remarks, annoyance coloring his tone.
I unfortunately agree with him, but I keep that to myself.
“Did they give you any trouble?” Aiden continues.
“No. We’re clear.”
Aiden nods. “Good. Let’s get back to the car and leave before they realize that and send more.”
Jackson walks right up to us, stopping in front of me. His eyes flick to Aiden behind me for a beat and then he cups the side of my face and kisses me.
