Gunner (Ride Second Generation #4) - Megan O'Brien Page 0,3

tell them everything I knew. From when the masked man appeared in Layla and Cash’s home right as I was about to leave, to the following struggle resulting in my injuries and Layla being drugged, and lastly, the horrid little shed we’d been kept in until we’d escaped.

“You didn’t see a woman?” Gunner asked as he carefully swept a damp cloth over my face to clear the dirt away.

He was being so tender with me, his typical aloofness replaced with a concern I desperately wished wasn’t brought about by such tragic events.

“No. Just Marty and the guy who helped him. Layla got him pretty good on the head. But I don’t think she killed him.”

“You two ready?” Cash demanded of Thorn, his father, and Max, who’d been hanging back. It was clear Cash was done talking and ready to take action.

“Cash, brother.” Gunner gave Cash his full attention, his tone full of turmoil I didn’t understand.

But obviously, Cash did. The two had a conversation without words as only men as bonded as they were could.

“I’m straight, Gun. See to your girl,” Cash replied to Gunner’s unspoken dilemma.

His girl?

“Let’s get you seen to,” Gunner directed, turning his full attention to me as the others focused on getting to Layla.

“I just need some ibuprofen, ice, and a shower,” I murmured, feeling like I could sleep for a week.

He stooped down, his dark eyes peering into my face with a focus I’d always wanted from him and now wasn’t prepared to manage. “You’re sure? I’d feel better if we took you to the hospital.”

I shook my head. “I’m just banged up. Nothing they can do for me. I just need rest.” I wrapped my arms around myself protectively. The thought of being under those bright hospital lights, all that noise and chaos, felt like a new kind of nightmare.

As though he could read my mind, he relented. “All right, I’ll take you home. But if you feel worse, you have to tell me,” he directed firmly.

I nodded tiredly, allowing him to guide me toward his truck. He opened the passenger door and then shocked the hell out of me by sweeping me up in his arms and depositing me carefully inside, even going as far as to put my seat belt on.

I laid my head back and shut my eyes, unable to process his bizarre behavior.

“We’re here, Em.” His voice roused me what felt like seconds later.

I barely had a moment to open my eyes before my seat belt was off and I was once again in his arms.

I was too exhausted, too raw to fight him. Instead I gave in to what my body craved and snuggled closer, relishing the feeling of his strong arms holding me.

He got us into my house and headed straight for my room, laying me so carefully on my bed, it was as though he worried I’d shatter into a million pieces.

“What can I do?” His eyes were dark with torment as he stared down at me.

Surprised he wasn’t leaving right away, I told him, “You could get an ice pack, though it’s probably too late.” I gestured to the mess that was my face. “And some water and ibuprofen.”

He nodded and left the room, leaving me to stare up at the ceiling. The silence of the house immediately closed in, and I shuddered at the thought of a long night alone. Grace was likely taking care of Layla’s daughter, Riley, which was exactly what she should be doing.

I wondered if I shouldn’t pack a bag and stay at my parents’ house for the night. Before I could decide, Gunner was back with the items I’d requested.

He helped me sit up, and I swallowed the painkillers and placed the ice pack on my face.

“Being punched sucks.” I winced.

He sat on the edge of my bed, next to me, staring down at his hands clasped between his thighs. “It does,” he agreed. “Wish like hell you’d never known what it feels like.”

“What, no standard Gunner quip? Not gonna throw me shit about how ridiculous I look?” I goaded lightly. He’d certainly never held back before.

He looked over at me, his eyes blazing. “There’s nothing fucking funny about this, Emmie. Christ. You were fucking kidnapped! And I find people. It’s what I do. You know this. But it took way too fucking long….” He broke off, his tone anguished.

“I’m okay,” I assured him quietly. “You did find me. And Cash will find Layla,” I stated firmly. There just wasn’t