Page 98 of Devil’s Promise

His mouth drops open. “You didn’t.”

“My uncle’s debts are forgiven, of course. And you might need to put in some collateral to make this all happen.”

Vincent sets the gun on his desktop, sits in his chair, and pulls out a cigar. “I’d like to hear the specifics.”

“Not now.” Even if I wasn’t about to pass out from blood loss and pain, Promise needs to get the fuck out of here.

I look back at Gunner. “Wrap Promise. Can you carry her?”

“Yup,” he answers, tucking the blanket under her before he lifts her into his arms. Then he stands.

I look back at Vincent. “I’ll reach out with meeting times after I’ve gotten some sleep.”

Vincent takes a puff of his cigar. “I’m sure we’re going to enjoy doing business together.”

“My wife is looking forward to your wedding present,” I add and then start for the door. Gunner falls in step behind me, Knox bringing up the rear.

In front of me, Killian and Rock lead the way.

We move back through the main hall of the whorehouse, men strewn through the hall. Looks like Killian and Rock had fun.

I step out into the night, open the door to Knox’s SUV and climb inside. Just sitting hurts like a bitch.

Gunner gets in next to me, Promise still in his arms. Any other time, I’d be jealous as hell, but I am honestly glad he was over her the entire time in there. It made it easier for me to do what I needed to do.

Promise pulls her arms from the blanket, and that’s when I realize they’re bare. “Where the fuck is your shirt?”

She glares at me, sitting in Gunner’s lap.

Shit.

I’m going to need to grovel.

“Promise,” I say as Knox climbs into the driver’s seat and starts the car. “Come here.”

“No,” she whispers, shaking her head.

I lean my head back on the seat, closing my eyes. “I’m sorry, my love.” I look over at her, rolling my shoulder, the pain throbbing.

“You’re sorry?”

I swallow, the pain in her eyes worse than the ache in my shoulder. “I wanted to say that, at least, just in case I bleed out.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Promise

His words hit me like a blow as my gaze scans down him, and that’s when I see it. The right side of his dark jacket is wet…soaked in blood.

I cry out, vaulting off Gunner’s lap as I reach for Angel. “You’re hurt,” I cry, my hands tugging at the coat.

“That fucker Vinnie shot me,” he says, sounding tired. “Hurts like a bitch.”

“Fuck,” Knox growls.

“Why didn’t you say something?” I start as I tug at the buttons of his shirt.

“Because…” He opens his eyes again, looking at me. “I was playing a role in there, trying to get us all out safe.”