Jake braced himself as Palarae’s finger tightened on the trigger once more, the jeweler’s eyes bright, his mouth slightly open in anticipation of the t*****e to come.
A sudden thud came from above, then the faint sounds of struggle.
Palarae frowned, and the head of the crossbow dipped a little as he tilted his head to listen.
Morgan. It must be.
But she wouldn’t know what weapon Palarae held and Jake couldn’t bear the thought of that bolt striking home in her flesh. He would take the pain himself before letting Morgan be hurt. He had to give her time to reach him — and he needed Palarae to loose that bolt.
Jake rattled his chains, pushing out his broad chest against the bonds to present a target.
“I’m ready for another.”
Palarae raised the crossbow again. “Quiet!”
But Jake didn’t s
