Page 99 of Shadow of Doubt
Colin whipped his shirt over his head, revealing a white undershirt. He turned his knit shirt inside out, balled it up, and pressed it on the wound. It was soon saturated with blood, but then the bleeding seemed to stop.
“Looks like the tourniquet is holding,” she said. “Is there anything I can do?”
Colin glanced up at her and searched her face, concern etched in every inch of his expression. “Just tell me you’re okay.”
“Shook up, but fine.” She didn’t bother to tell him about the ribs from Luka’s earlier mistreatment.
“So who are these two thugs?” he asked.
“Matteo Albertelli’s brother, Luka, and his associate Rocco.” She glared at Luka. “He and Kane were so sure they were goingto kill me that they were very free with admitting their crimes. With the info they gave me, they’ll all be serving many years.”
Colin nodded at Kane. “If this guy lives.”
She took a look at his tortured face, pale and clammy. “Looks like he’s passed out from the pain.”
“He’s still losing some blood, so not surprising.”
Nick raced across the lot, towels in hand.
“Reid’s going to the road to signal the ambulance so they don’t miss the drive.” He tossed a towel to Colin, and he swapped it for his shirt. “You mind trading places with me?”
Nick dropped to his knees and took over pressing the fabric on the gaping wound.
Colin wiped his hands on another towel and stood. He moved to Brooklyn, placed his blood-stained hands on her shoulders, and ran his gaze over her. “You’re really okay? They didn’t hurt you?”
As much as she didn’t want to worry him, she couldn’t lie. “Luka might’ve broken a few of my ribs.”
“He what?” Colin spun to glare at Luka.
“It’s okay. Everything will be fine now that Kane will be arrested for trying to kill me, and of course, these guys for their crimes too.”
“We’ll get you to the ER right after the police and ambulance arrive.” He brushed a hand over her hair and straightened out a few strands. “And you should know Sierra found flash drives taped in a false bottom in the black box you located.”
She raised her chin and stared at Luka. “Guess the police are going to get your client list after all. How many of them will roll over on you? You’ll never get out of prison.” She resisted gloating and explained to Colin.
He gently ran his hands down her arms and took her hands. “I’d like to hug you, but not until those ribs are checked out.”
“Just be careful, and I’m good.” She didn’t wait for him to agree, but released her hands and slid them around his neck. Pain stabbed into her side. So what? It might’ve hurt to lift her arms, especially after waving them at Sumo earlier, but it would hurt more to miss this hug.
He still looked uncertain.
“It might be better if we kissed instead of hugging,” she said. “They didn’t hurt my lips.” She giggled.
He crushed his mouth to hers, silencing her.
His lips were warm and insistent. Everything she remembered from the first kiss and more. He deepened the kiss, and it went on and on and on until she was breathless and had to break free to gulp in air.
“You’re right,” he said and grinned. “Your lips were most certainly not damaged in any way.”
“Gagging here,” Nick said drolly.
She looked at her good friend. “You always said you wanted me to find a guy.”
“Yeah, but not on my watch.” Nick laughed.
She would’ve kissed Colin again, if for no other reason than to keep annoying Nick, but sirens sounded in the distance.
“I’m with Nick on this,” Dev said from where he stood still holding his rifle over Luka. “I’m glad you two finally are admitting how you feel, but no need for me to see or hear it.”
