45

 

She was feistier than he imagined. The Knight would give Beth that. Juanita had not struggled as much when he’d kidnapped her from her new boyfriend’s apartment. With Mark slumped on the floor inside the building, Beth should accept her fate as well.

If only she had the opportunity to get to know him better, get to know the real him, then she’d feel differently. She was smart. He’d handpicked her, so he ought to know—so smart that she had to eventually see things from his perspective. And if not…if not, then he’d have to opt for Plan B. He glanced at the Sig Sauer on his holster belt. Still there, still loaded, ready to be used if necessary. Outside the building, the Knight reached into his pocket to remove his key fob. He held Beth against him, one arm wrapped around her.

At the same time, Beth kicked against the side of the building, apparently in an attempt to break free. He dropped his keys. “Oh no, you don’t.” He grabbed her left arm, leaned over into her ear, and whispered. “The rules to this game are very important, Beth.” Using his right hand, he grabbed his Sig and pressed against the small of her back. “Those who don’t play by them”—he tightened his grip on her—”get hurt. I help you, and in return, you accept my help. And if you can’t accept my help, then I’ll protect you in other ways, whatever the cost. But at least Mark won’t be able to hurt you anymore.” With the gun focused on her, he reached down and grabbed his keys with his free hand and unlocked his car.

“God, please help me,” she said.

Beth believed in a deity? So much for smart. “Go ahead and pray to your Creator. It won’t make a difference.” He’d prayed when his stepdad beat him, and nothing happened.

Beth screamed and struggled some more. “Mark! Help!”

The Knight dragged her next to the passenger side of his car and opened the door. “You don’t need him, Beth. You’ve got me. I’m your knight. I’ll keep you safe. I’m here to protect you. I won’t let him harm you anymore. I know you didn’t like it when he called you ‘little,’ but I think there’s nothing wrong with your height. And any guy who’d allow your brother to get shot by his own troops and not tell you isn’t the one for you.”

He grinned. He’d rescued Beth, and he’d done it all without those stupid pills the doctor had prescribed. His heart raced. He sucked in a deep breath, more alive than ever before.