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His co door For the next ten strides he would be out in the open Exposed His back a target But he had to get her inside The level of fighting didn't show signs of easing anytime soon, and he kneithout question that seconds would count in saving her

A whistle sounded overhead Damn Damn Damn it all

Boom

A colu chunks and shards of stone He rahty door creaked open to a corridor packed with guards darting for position, civilians seeking cover

Quade booted the door closed behind him The cacophony outside was muffled

"Guards," he shouted, even as security personnel poured around the corner "Alert a medic or doctor Now"

He ignored offers to pass Sara over and pounded down the winding hall toward the small on-site clinic

She clutched his wrist, her hold a fading echo of her usual strength that only yesterday had left scratches down his back "We have to keep Toe brother instead of herself "He is too young, not a man yet in spite of what he thinks Promise me you'll take care of him"

Her brother had no fao Without her, To, but old enough for "recruits, even some with terrorist ties

Now Lucas understood the reason for her surprise proposal She wasn't delirious after all As Lucas's brother-in-law, Tomas could leave the country

He should have known she would only marry him if desperate He'd asked her to be his wife more than once over the pasther worries so she could focus on surviving

Or dying in peace

"Yes I'll marry you" He knew she only asked to secure Tomas's safety and somehow that made Lucas respect her evenany price to protect others "But you have to stay alive Got it?"

"Si" Her eyes slid closed

"Sara!" His arms convulsed around her while he checked that—yes—she still breathed, shallow but steady