Jude.
Ender kicked his bike’s stand down before it even fully stopped and jumped off, crossing the distance between us in two strides.His arms closed around me, hard and solid and real, and something broke loose inside my chest.
I wailed.
The sound tore out of me, raw and uncontrollable, as I clung to him like he was the only thing keeping me upright.
“I got out,” I sobbed.“They were chasing me.They’re coming!”
Ender’s hands cradled my head, pressing me into his chest.“Shh,” he murmured, his voice low and steady.“You’re okay.I’ve got you.”
“They’re coming,” I gasped again.
Jude was already looking toward the woods, his body coiled and alert.“Who?”
“Three guys,” I panted.“I got out and they started chasing me.”
“Which direction?”Jude asked.
I lifted one shaking hand and pointed toward the trees I’d just come from.
Jude’s gun was in his hand in an instant.“We need to go after them.”
“No!”I screamed, panic flaring fresh and hot.“Don’t leave me!”
Ender tightened his arms around me.“I’m never gonna leave you, doll,” he said firmly.
Jude glanced between us, then nodded.“You stay with her.”
Ender nodded once.
Jude turned and disappeared into the woods.
Ender lowered his head, pressing his forehead to mine.“You’re safe,” he whispered.“I’ve got you.Breathe with me.”
I tried.
I really did.
But my body wouldn’t stop shaking.Sobs ripped through me as relief and terror tangled together.I clutched his jacket, and my fingers dug in like I was afraid he might vanish if I let go.
Two gunshots cracked through the air.
I screamed and buried my face in Ender’s chest.
“Shh,” he whispered again, rocking me gently.“It’s okay.It’s okay.”
A minute later, Jude emerged from the trees, his expression grim.
“You get them?”Ender asked.
Jude shook his head.“No.Didn’t even see them.”
“Then what the hell did you shoot at?”Ender demanded.
“Just trying to scare them,” Jude said.He looked at me.“She okay?”
I nodded weakly, still pressed against Ender.“I’m fine now,” I whispered.