Page 110 of Striker
Her shoulders shook and her teeth chattered. Relief raw at the corners of her mind. She still couldn’t believe her eyes. Was this some kind of trick? Had Willy drugged her? Was she living in an alternate reality?
Atlas didn’t answer. Just worked silently. He jerked the ropes from her feet then sheathed the knife and cupped her cheeks in his hands. “Are you okay? Where are you hurt?”
She blinked.
His thumb traced her cheek and his face twisted with anger and worry. “God, they hurt you bad.”
She sniffed.
He pulled her against his chest. His warmth enveloped her body. She folded every inch of herself possible into his embrace. Gratitude exploded from her heart.
Tears stung her eyes as the words she’d been wanting to say finally left her mouth. “Thank you.”
His bristly jaw scraped her cheek as he kissed her there. “Baby, don’t thank me. I should’ve got here sooner. No, I never should’ve left you alone.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I’m sorry they hurt you. No one’s going to touch you again. I fucking promise you.” His gravelly voice thundered against her heart.
“Dude, we need to leave.”
Molly glanced up over Atlas’s shoulder to see Rogue, Havoc, and Viper standing at the doorway. Rogue’s expression was grim.
Atlas gathered her against his chest. “Hang on to me.”
She looped her arm around his neck, and he followed his team through the house. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end as they weaved around a dark corner and into the living room.
Willy had made it clear there were several men on the property. Unless Atlas and his team had killed everyone, they wouldn’t leave without trouble.
He brought her to the front entrance. The sight of the door hanging off its hinges sent a thrill racing through her. Atlas had come for her. In her heart she’d known he’d search. That he wouldn’t stop.
She just couldn’t fathom how he’d done it.
The man was nothing short of a superhero.
He stepped outside, and the cool air hit her once again. Her nipples tightened and goosebumps sprang up on her arms.
“Lead the way down,” he instructed Viper.
Atlas followed the rest of the guys, positioning his body at an angle so he wouldn’t fall as he carried her down the sharp slope. Insects buzzed around them as they moved through the foliage surrounding the property.
He made it down the hill without breaking a sweat. Still, he’d carried her far enough.
“I can walk,” she protested halfheartedly. Hopefully he wouldn’t pick up on how reluctant she was to do so. Her head still swam and her feet throbbed, but after they’d gone to so much trouble to rescue her, the least she could do was carry her own weight.
“Why would you wanna do that?” he asked absently, his gaze swiveling around.
The sound of waves reached her ears.
“Because you might need to access your gun,” she said pointedly.
“Nah, I think we took care of everyone on this fucked-up island. Besides, I’ve got three shooters ahead of me.” He grinned down at her.
She let her fingers roam from his neck into the strap of his vest. Before she could support her case further, he spoke to the guys.
“One of you swim ahead and bring the boat in.”
“Copy. I’ll go.” Rogue walked briskly ahead down the wet path.
