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“Barry!” Releasing my sister’s and niece’s hands, I threw myself at him.
His strong arms closed around me. His strength, our combined strength, flowed into me.
Feeling steadier, I eased back to scan him. “I was worried about you. I heard Missy say you were with her.”
“Were you planning on going in there alone?” he asked, and even though I could tell he was angry, I risked giving him the truth.
“Not alone.” I tugged on the back of his T-shirt that I’d fisted in my hands and released one to point at my sister and niece. “With Rachel and Claire.”
“That’s significant back-up, but not good enough, Addy.” He gave me a censuring look. “Did we not agree that we’re a team?”
“We did.” I dropped my chin.
“We don’t just stand together, you and me.” He wedged a finger under my chin and lifted it. His brown eyes caught and held my greenish-blue ones. “We fight together. Got it?”
“Yes.” I got it, and Martin was going to get it from all of us.
“This is me acknowledging your strength, darlin’, before we go in.” His dark brows formed a serious vee. “I want you to tell me you realize that I have faith in you.”
My lips curved despite everything. “Right. I’m with Barry the Beast, and you’re telling me I’m strong.”
“You are, Addy. Fucking brilliantly strong. You endured his shit, and you survived it. Strength isn’t always about what you do, but what you choose to do, and why you make that choice. Do you understand?”
“We’re going in there for Kyle.” I started for the building, but Barry grabbed the belt loop on my jeans and pulled me back.
“We’re all going in there together for Kyle.” He ran his gaze over everyone. “Together, we’re a wall he can’t break, and a battering ram. Addy is taking lead. She knows him best, and I believe in her.” He returned his gaze to mine. “You got all that, babe?”
“I got it.” I gave him a blinding smile.
“Good. Let’s go, already.” He tucked me into his side. “It’s time to kick Martin Skellin’s worthless fucking ass.”
Addy
We were a wall, but we were one that got detained in the guardhouse by armed men. This didn’t surprise me.
“Where is he?” Claire yelled at the two guys on security detail, and I noted the cameras trained in our direction. No doubt, Martin was watching. “Where’s Kyle?”
I was done with this. I had a plan, and I was ready to implement it.
“Take us to your leader,” I told the taller guy of the two. Both were outfitted in blue blazers and nice slacks. Martin liked things to look nice and neat, even if they were rotten underneath.
A phone next to their display monitors beeped, and the tall guy glanced down. “Looks like you get your wish, beautiful.” He grabbed my arm. “You’re with me.”
Two other guys appeared, one that I recognized. Steve Ricci.
“Mad Dog,” I said, my gaze narrowing.
“Addy.” He lifted his chin.
“Boss wants us to escort the group up,” the man with Mad Dog said in a gruff voice.
“What’s your name?” I asked him.
“Not your business.” Mr. Gruff reached into his blazer, withdrawing his firearm.
The tension level that was already high went nuclear. The hand Barry had on my hip tightened.
“Don’t make any moves, any of you,” Mr. Gruff said, gesturing around with his Glock, “or she gets it. Right, Mad Dog?”
