He stilled himself for one deep breath, but in the end that was all he needed.
His took in the screen SWAT had set up, his gaze never leaving the moving forms visible as heat signatures.
He watched as those two figures rounded the stairwell, just about to head down to the lobby.
Watched when one pushed the other.
And watched as a body fell down the stairs, the other one taking off at a run.
“Could you slow down? I am pregnant.”
David kept a tight grip on her with one hand, the gun never wavering in the other. “You barely look any different.”
“Yeah, well, I’ve been sitting for a few hours, and my ankles are swollen.”
As lies went, it tripped off the tongue, and she gave mental thanks for the What to Expect book she’d been reading each night for the inspiration.
But she did feel him slow, whatever lingering chivalry the man possessed coming to the fore. It was what she’d banked on, and it gave her the slight advantage in position she needed.
Slow step. Down.
Slow step. Down.
Slow step...
Sera took a deep breath and pushed David as hard as she could.
Whether it was the years of trust they had built between them or his sheer underestimation of her, she didn’t know, nor did she care. All she did know was she had the small space to get out.
Away.
And if she could get out, she’d find Gavin. She knew it.
Ignoring the shouts behind her, she ran as hard as she could down the rest of the stairs, zigzagging her way toward the front exit as soon as she hit the main level. She briefly debated the back alley and parking lot, but the front would give her access to the street and, if the cops were there, ready and waiting protection.
David continued to shout behind her, firing off a shot just as she got the heavy front doors open. They led into the main lobby and screening area, and she pushed through there, desperate for fresh air.
For the street.
For Gavin.
Shouts went up as she slammed through the main entrance door, lights so bright she thought it was daytime.
And still, she ran.
Away from the building.
Away from the oncoming threat.
And straight into Gavin’s arms.
“Sera!”
He wrapped her up, turning so that his back was to the building and the threats that lay beyond.
“You’re here.” She clung to him, the shouts behind her fading away at the protection and warmth and safety that enveloped her.
“I’m here.”
They stayed like that for long minutes, arms wrapped tight around each other, whatever tableau playing out behind them someone else’s worry.
Someone else’s problem.
“I can’t believe it was David all along.”
“I’m so sorry.” He kept her tight against his chest, his words a thick murmur in her ear. “One more betrayal you don’t deserve.”
His concern was so caring—so deeply felt—and it caught her in the moment that she hadn’t given that aspect of David’s actions a single thought.
His betrayal of the people and the office he held? Absolutely?
But of her?
Not once.
She lifted her head from his chest, gazing deep into his eyes and willing him to understanad. “You came for me and our baby, Gavin. You. That’s all I need.”
The old part of her would have wanted to be in the thick of it all. Part of the action and excitement to hide all she was missing in the rest of her life.
