Page 142

Blake glanced down at the hand he’d subconsciously pressed against his wound.

“It’s nothing.”

“You were shot.” Lucas stepped closer. “It’s not nothing. And if you keep pretending otherwise, I’m going to suggest Emmett order you to sit this one out.”

Rather than get into their faces or dare them to try to keep him out of the loop, Blake sighed. “You two rehearse this little routine?”

Neither man smiled.

It was then that Blake realized how truly worried they both were. Not only about Devon, but also about him.

Without a word, he reluctantly lowered himself into a chair, biting back a curse when the movement pulled at his stitches.

Lucas immediately crouched beside him. “Any bleeding?”

“No.”

“Dizziness?”

“Only when you and Shaw nag.”

Lucas’ blue gaze became slightly narrowed. “I’m serious.”

Blake exhaled. “No dizziness. It just hurts.”

The team’s medic studied him for another moment before straightening. “You’re due for another dose of medication.”

“I’m not taking anything that’ll make me groggy.”

“Fine. We’ll manage your pain without compromising your ability to think clearly. But you need something in your system now, because you need to stay ahead of the game.”

Blake looked away as Lucas left in search of something to ease the pain. Across the room, Gwen stood beside Lincoln, studying an enlarged photograph of the property’s rear entrance.

Draven was on the phone, speaking quietly with someone from Echo’s security contracts, while Jethro examined a map spread across the table.

Everyone was working. They were all doing everything possible to find Devon. And Blake was sitting in a damn chair.

He closed his eyes. For one terrible moment, he could hear her screaming for him again.

Blake!

He’d heard Devon’s voice after the bullet struck him. Heard the fear and desperation as she’d called out his name.

Blake had tried to reach her. God knew he’d tried to open his eyes and tell her he was okay. But his body hadn’t cooperated.

Now she was somewhere with the same men who’d already murdered at least two people. And every second that passed gave them another opportunity to hurt her.

“Savage.”

He opened his eyes to find Draven standing beside him.

“What?”

“Walk with me.”

Blake glanced toward Emmett, since he was the one who’d ordered him to sit. His boss shared a look with Draven before dipping his head in a nod.

“Five minutes,” Emmett muttered. “Then we’re briefing.”