Protecting The Billionaire (23 page)

Suddenly, Hunter got the upper hand and smashed Rock’s head into the wall. Somehow she needed to help. She passed the light across the floor in search of Hunter’s knife. Once again, the light bounced off the lethal-looking blade. Should she try for it? All Hunter had to do was move a little and he’d be able to pick it up again and stabbed Rock. Maybe she could get to it first.

Near the wall, one of the men grunted before a deafening bang exploded in the room. Her ears rang with pain, but she didn’t stop to consider why. Instead, she dove for the knife. A heavy foot came down on her hand just as her fingers touched handle. Allison cried out as Hunter grabbed her around the waist and pulled her against him.

“You’re mine. You moved here to be closer to me.” Hunter’s arm tightened around her waist, making it hard to breathe. “It’s your fault, Allison. He has to die tonight because of you. How could you let that piece of trash touch you?” He jabbed something hard into her side. “Only I have the right to touch you.”

Muted light suddenly filled the room as electricity flowed through the lamp she’d tried switching on earlier. She wished the power had stayed out.

Rock faced them. He had his pistol drawn and pointed at Hunter. Already his right eye had turned an ugly purple and blood trickled down his face. It was nothing compared to the blood soaking his undershirt.

She gaged at the sight and her head swam.
Keep it together
. She couldn’t pass out now.

“Drop the gun.” Hunter pressed the pistol further into her side, and she bit down on her tongue rather than cry out.

How was this possible? She’d always thought Hunter a little odd, but not batshit crazy. Whatever hold the man had on reality had completely left him. He planned on killing Rock and it was her fault.

“If you don’t, it’ll be your fault when the princess starts suffering.” Hunter kissed her temple. “Don’t worry. We’ll still have our fun together, Allison. Nothing will get in the way of what I have planned.”

The wine she’d drank rushed up into her mouth and she swallowed it back down.

Slowly, Rock lowered his gun.

“I said drop it.”

Rock’s eyes never strayed from Hunter’s face when he spoke. “Move yours away from her.” His voice remained calm and authoritative. She couldn’t detect a hint of fear. Nice to know at least one of them wasn’t ready to pee their pants before passing out.

“You’re not in control here.” Despite his reply, he pulled the gun away a little. “I am.”

“Kill me. Leave her alone. I forced her. She wanted to be with you. I wouldn’t let her.” Rock took a step forward as he spoke. “She begged me to let her find you. Get rid of me and you can have her.”

“I knew it.” He kissed her temple again, the slight touch making her skin crawl. “But she still needs to pay too.” The arm around her waist loosened enough for her to breathe. “Stop moving,” Hunter shouted when Rock took another step forward. “Put the gun on the floor and kick it away or she starts paying right now while you watch.”

It looked like his mouth had stopped bleeding, but the spot on Rock’s shirt continued to get bigger. He was going to die and it was because of her. There had to be something she could do. “Hunter please—”

“Shut up.” He squeezed her again. “This is between him and me. I’ll take care of
you
later.”

No.
She watched in stunned horror as Rock followed Hunter’s orders and put the pistol on the floor.

“Last chance. Kick it over here.”

Don’t do it. Don’t do it.

He gave the weapon a nudge with his toe and it skidded toward them, leaving Rock defenseless.

Everything after that happened in a blur. One minute Hunter had his gun pressed into her side and the next he’d raised it. On instinct, she pushed Hunter’s arm so the gun no longer pointed straight at Rock’s chest. Another deafening shot split the silence in the room and then suddenly Hunter pitched backward, his arm around her loosening enough so she could roll away.

Both men struggled on the floor. A third shot rang out and bits of plaster from the ceiling rained down. She raced for Rock’s gun. They’d never made it out to the range, but she could do this. She had to do this. Rock’s life depended on it.

Shaking hands and damp palms were not a good combination when trying to get a proper grip. She mouthed a little prayer and tried to remember everything Rock had told her about aiming. She only wanted to hit Hunter. She’d never forgive herself if she shot Rock instead.

It looked like something out of a movie. One minute the men were grappling on the floor, and the next, Rock plunged a knife into Hunter’s neck. Blood spurted from the wound and Allison dropped to her knees, her eyes closed. Her head swam as if she’d spent an entire afternoon on a spinning ride at an amusement park.

“Ally.” Rock sounded in pain.

She opened her eyes. Both Rock and Hunter lay on the floor. Blood covered Hunter’s neck and puddled under him. His eyes remained open, but she couldn’t tell if he was alive or not. She didn’t care either.

Allison stepped around Hunter and kneeled down. “I need to call for help.” Although Rock remained breathing, he looked in rough shape. His white undershirt looked like someone had tried tie-dying it red, and she could see the bullet hole in it. His left thigh was also drenched in blood. Her phone should be near the bed. “I’ll be right back.” She kissed his forehead.

Rock took her hand before she stood. “You okay?” He grunted. She couldn’t even imagine the pain he was in.

“I’m fine.” Physically anyway. She’d deal with the mental ramifications later. Right now, getting him help was all that mattered. “You need help. I’m just going to grab my phone.” Despite his injuries, Rock gripped her hand as if he never intended on letting go. “I’ll be right back. Promise.” She pulled away and he grimaced.

“Love ya.” The deep sexy voice she’d enjoyed listening too contained only pain when he spoke, which was something she never wanted to hear in his voice again.

“I love you too.” Hot tears burned her eyes, blurring her vision.
Cry later
. She sprinted for her smartphone. She dialed 911 and walked back to Rock’s side and took his hand. He’d closed his eyes, but his chest rose and fell.
He’s going to be okay.

“911 what’s your location?” the dispatcher asked.

“45 Cameron Street, Alexandria. I need the police and two ambulances. My boyfriend was shot and someone else stabbed.” If Hunter was alive, he’d need help too.

“Are the victims responsive?” the dispatcher asked, her voice calm and cool considering the information she collected.

She gave Rock’s hand a squeeze. For a moment, he opened his eyes and looked at her. “One is.” At least for now, she thought but didn’t repeat. “I’m not sure about the other.”

“The police and paramedics are on their way. I’m going to stay on the line with you until they arrive.”

Please get here fast.
Until they did, she needed to do something. Try to help in someway because every second that ticked by, more blood flowed from his wounds. She’d gotten her first aid certification. She could help him.

“Are you willing to administer first aid until they get there?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, here is what I need you to do. Grab some towels or shirts,” the dispatcher said before she rattled off more instructions.

Allison listened as she grabbed T-shirts from her drawers so she could apply pressure.
I can do this
. Rock had saved her life. Now she had to help save his

The door opened but she didn’t turn around. What if it was the doctor coming in to tell her Rock hadn’t made it? When the paramedics took him out of the house, he’d matched the sheet on the stretcher. Not to mention all the blood. The bedroom floor had been covered with it. She kept reminding herself it hadn’t all been Rock’s. Some belonged to Hunter.

Hunter
. He was her stalker. She still couldn’t process the truth. He’d seemed normal, like any other college-aged man. In many ways, he’d been like his older brother, Charles. How had he gone off the deep end like that? She rubbed her temple and pushed away the image of him lying there, his eyes staring at the ceiling and his shirt soaked. When the two sets of paramedics arrived, one descended on Rock and got to work. She overheard the second team say Hunter was gone before a police officer managed to escort her from the room. She didn’t see what the paramedics did after she went downstairs.

The same police officer later drove her to the hospital where she’d been shown to a private waiting area with hospital security officers posted in the hall so nosy reporters left her alone. That had been a while ago.

“Allison?” The door clicked closed and her cousin called out to her.

Turning around, she rushed toward Jake and flung her arms around him. When the hospital suggested she call someone to stay with her, she’d immediately contacted him. When he didn’t answer, she’d left a message sharing bits and pieces of what happened and hoped he checked it soon. He’d called a short time later and promised to be right there.

For a few minutes, neither spoke as the tears she’d held back so far exploded. Jake rubbed her back as she sobbed, her entire body shaking. Even when the tears subsided, she clung to him, her anchor in the crazy night.

“Are you sure you’re okay? He didn’t hurt you?” Jake asked, unable to hide the worry in his voice.

She sniffed several times as she nodded her forehead, rubbing against his shirt. “I’m...I’m okay. But Rock...” Her voice failed as she pictured him on the floor again, blood soaking his clothes. “There was so much blood, Jake. What if the paramedics didn’t get to him in time? If he dies, it’s my fault.”

“He’s where he needs to be. The doctors here are excellent.”

Using her palm, she wiped the tears from her cheek. “I know, but I’m scared.” Reluctantly, she moved out of Jake’s embrace and went for the tissue box. “What’s taking so long?” She wiped her nose and eyes before noticing her cousin’s shirt. She’d drenched a large section of it. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to give you a bath.”

In true Jake fashion, he gave her a nonchalant shrug. “Don’t worry about it. Garret does worse after each feeding. Have you heard anything?”

“Nope. Shouldn’t they have some kind of update?”

Grabbing the tissue box and her hand, he led her over to the cheap sofa. “Sit. When they have an update, they’ll tell us.” He plucked out several clean tissues and shoved them in her hand. “Did you call his family?”

“I tried his parents. They didn’t answer.” She’d been more than a little relieved when the call went to voicemail. She’d rather talk to them when she could tell them Rock was okay. Or even better, let Rock call and tell them himself. Unfortunately, she recognized the possibility that she might have to tell them the exact opposite. “Addie went into labor tonight. Actually, I guess it was last night.” She’d lost track of time but knew it was now sometime early Saturday morning. “Rock’s parents went to the hospital to be with her and Trent. Since they didn’t answer, I guess they’re still with them.”

“I didn’t know Addie went into labor. Trent didn’t call me. What about his brothers? Did you try any of them?”

“No. I don’t have their numbers. I only have Marta’s because I helped her plan Addie’s bridal shower.” What a lifetime ago the event seemed. “And I can’t call Addie and ask her for them.”

“It’s possible the police have informed them already anyway. They must have procedures for handling situations like this.”

Stupid, stupid.
She should’ve realized the police would inform his parents. When the police officers questioned her, they asked about Rock’s family. Why else would they ask if they didn’t plan on contacting them? “I gave them his parents’ names and address. But if they’re still with Addie, the police might not have reached them yet either.” She didn’t know which would be worse, getting news your son had been shot from a police officer or from someone who loved him.

Again, the waiting room door opened. A tall, lanky man perhaps in his early fifties with wire-rimmed glasses and dressed in hospital scrubs entered. His expression remained neutral.

Please tell me good news
, Allison prayed, wringing her hands together.

Jake stood and shook the doctor’s hand. “Bradley,” he greeted. “Allison, this is Dr. Bradley Ford,” Jake explained before speaking to the doctor again. “How’s he doing?”

Okay, Jake knew the doctor. Fabulous, now get on with it.

“Jake, Miss Sherbrooke.” The doctor extended his hand in her direction before he sat. “Rocco’s out of surgery and in stable condition. He’s lucky. Neither bullet struck any vital organs. The bullet to his thigh passed straight through muscle and missed the femur. Both injuries could have been much worse.”

Stable condition. She heard what she considered the most important part of the sentence and couldn’t control the sound that escaped. It wasn’t one of gut-wrenching sobs like earlier but more of a strangled gasp.

“Is something wrong, Miss Sherbrooke?” Dr. Ford paused in his explanation of Rock’s injuries.

“Allison.” Jake put his arm around her shoulder and gave them a squeeze. “It’s good news.”

“He’s going to be okay?” She knew stable condition didn’t always equal a successful recovery. Complications could creep up and cause unexpected outcomes.

The doctor’s neutral expression faded and a more compassionate one replaced it. “Some risk comes with any surgery. However, he’s healthy and young. I expect him to make a full recovery.”

“Can I see him?”

“Once he’s moved and settled into a room, you can visit. In the meantime, try to relax. Maybe go downstairs for a tea or a snack, it might be a while before you can go up.”

Relax? The doctor’s surgical cap must be too tight or something, if he thought she could relax. Maybe after she saw Rock, she’d relax but not until then. “Thank you but I’ll wait here.”

Doctor Ford looked at Jake who still held her hand. “Don’t worry, Bradley. I’ll stay with her and make sure she gets whatever she needs.”

“Excellent. I’ll have someone inform you both when he’s settled and ready for visitors.”