Eddie’s hold around Sherri’s neck eased mercifully.

But she still struggled to pull in a full breath as her gaze clung to Cole. His soft gray eyes that had once sparkled with mischievous teasing now brimmed with a tangle of regret and despair.

“I wasn’t going to hurt nobody,” Eddie muttered.

“I know.” That telltale muscle twitch in Cole’s cheek gave Sherri an odd pang of reassurance. “But I can’t help you if you don’t drop the knife.”

“You don’t wanna help me!” Eddie shoved Sherri into Cole’s line of fire and ran toward the rear door.

Thrown off balance, she tumbled right into Cole’s arms. They closed protectively around her. And for a few blissful seconds she felt fifteen again.

“Thank you for getting me out in one piece.”

He cradled her jaw in his palm. “You were amazing back there.”

She stiffened, not wanting to acknowledge how something inside her came alive at his touch, at the admiration in his gaze.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, and she had the uncomfortable feeling he was apologizing for a lot more than his out-of-control brother.