She would love to see Derek’s perfect, “never has to go to the gym because no one ever tried to kill her” sub do that. She would probably be crying prettily and waiting for her man to save her.
Derek was going to have to get used to something different.
“Leslie, where the hell are you? I thought you were right behind me and now you’re not answering your phone.”
As quietly as she could, she brought one foot up and then the other.
That was when she saw the lights. Red and blue and coming ever closer. He didn’t have the sirens on, but he had to run the lights at the speed he was moving.
Derek was almost here.
“What the fuck?” Terry turned to the window.
Karina took her shot. She couldn’t take the chance that he would off her before he ran. She brought her head forward and full-on head-butted the fucker. She practically saw stars but managed to stay on her feet.
Terry groaned and his hand went to his head. Karina saw those lights stop in front. She had to make it to the door. She couldn’t run, but she was determined. She shuffled as fast as she could.
She felt a hand on her shoulder. “No, you don’t, bitch.”
Without a thought, she brought her head back. He’d left her with one weapon and she could use it until her skull broke. She made contact and his hand fell away.
“Fuck!”
“Derek! Derek!” He might not know what room she was in. The house seemed small but she wanted him to know exactly where to find her.
She was tackled from behind and went down hard.
“Not on your life. I’m getting out of here. Maybe they’ll be too busy trying to save you to come after me.” He pulled a knife out.
Karina twisted again, turning and knocking into a floor lamp that rattled and fell. She pushed back, her heels moving her along the hardwood floor.
Terry snarled and was just about to the bring the knife down when a gorgeous little red dot appeared in the middle of his chest.
The SWAT guys were going to get a show from her.
“I wouldn’t move. They really like to shoot people.”
The door burst open and she heard the dulcet sounds of her lover screaming for Terry to stand down.
“Drop the knife or give me one good excuse, asshole.” She couldn’t see him, but she heard his feet moving across the floor.
Now that her Dom was here, she was more than willing to let him handle things. His gorgeous face came into view. She heard the knife thud against the floor.
“Are you all right?” She heard other officers rushing in and then Derek knelt down beside her. His hands went to her forehead. She winced as he touched a spot on her head. “We’re going to need a bus.”
That was the last thing she wanted to do. She didn’t want an ambulance. She wanted him to take her home, not get put through a slew of invasive medical tests she didn’t need. “I don’t need to go to the hospital.”
His mouth firmed stubbornly as he started undoing the ropes. “You’re going.”
“Hey, this was all consensual, officer.” Terry had put his hands up. “My girl here is into some heavy bondage. We just came to a friend’s house to play a little.”
The detective who had followed Derek in was already pulling Terry’s hands behind his back and slipping the cuffs on him.
Derek’s eyes narrowed. “You should be very happy I don’t shoot your balls off here and now.”
The arresting officer had Terry firmly in hand. Fisher, if she recalled. He was a young detective under Derek’s command. They had moved fast. “If you want, I can always turn my back. You know the SWAT guys love a good castration.” He started to pull Terry along. “I don’t think anyone’s buying what you’re selling, buddy. Do you want to make this official, Lieutenant?”
Derek shook his head. “I want to take care of her. You handle the trash, Fisher.”
“I would take care of her, too.” Fisher winked her way. “You’re looking good, Mills. What the fuck was this idiot thinking coming after you? No one takes Karina out. Moron.”
“Eyes to yourself, man. She’s the victim, damn it. Get me something for her to wear. And you read him his Miranda rights.” Derek started untangling the ropes, but he wasn’t looking at her. He was studying the pattern, figuring out the fastest way to get her out, looking anywhere but her eyes.
“Derek?”
“I’ll have you out in a minute and you are going to the hospital. Take a deep breath. When the feeling starts to come back, this is going to hurt.” His words were tight as though he was forcing himself to speak.
“I’ve brought some clothes for our lovely piece of bait.” Liam smiled down at her, dropping a bag on the floor. “One of the female officers had her gym clothes in her squad car. I knew you’d make it, darlin’. Damn. What did you do to your head? Did you head butt the fucker? Nice move.”