Duncan (The Protectors #3)(64)

Taking a quick glance at the door, she finished the message to Jared.

AT TESSA’S NEED HELP NOW KENNY JEFF HERE.

Jill hit send, hoping it made sense, and then cringed when she heard heavy footsteps.

“What the hell was that light?” Jeff walked in spotting Jill trying to get up. “Are you f*cking serious?” He walked over grabbing her by her shirt, dragging her into the kitchen.

“I thought you killed her?” Kenny shook his head. “Damn, can’t you do anything right?”

“She texted someone.” Jeff looked up at Kenny. “You better get out of here. I’ll finish her off and then be there.”

Kenny tossed a paper with writing on the kitchen table before grabbing Tessa who tried to fight. He smacked her, almost knocking her out. “Don’t tempt me, bitch. I don’t need you alive that badly.”

As soon as Kenny was gone, Jeff pulled out his gun again, his grin spreading.

“What the hell are you doing with Kenny Lawrence, Jeff?” Jill had managed to get to her feet. “The Warriors were trying to help you, and you turn on them. Why?”

“Because he wants to bring the Warriors down and so do I. I never fit in there,” Jeff hissed, pointing the gun at her. “They all walk around like they’re perfect, even that f*ck Adam. I’m sick of them looking at me like I’m a piece of shit. They even picked you over me. A f*cking weak-ass girl.”

“Kenny just wants Pam and the baby. He doesn’t care about you.” Jill shook her head. “And he’s too much of a coward to face the Warriors, just like you. Kenny is using you, dumbass.”

“Shut up.” Jeff screamed shaking with rage.

“What? Are you going to shoot me again?” Jill knew she couldn’t take another bullet, especially at this close range, but her mouth wouldn’t stop; she was so mad and she needed to get him a little closer. “You afraid of me? You have to use a gun on a weak-ass girl?” She tossed his words back at him.

He reached out and backhanded her across the face. “I always hated you,” he spat.

Jill tried to block the pain. “Why? Because I beat you in arm wrestling? Grow up, you *.” She actually felt her face swell making it hard for her to talk. Remembering the lessons on gun defense, as quick as lightning, she used both hands in a slapping motion toward each other knocking the gun out of his hand. Then she punched his surprised face.

“Guess you missed that lesson, *.” Jill swung again, but he blocked hitting her in the stomach.

“I didn’t miss that one though, did I?” He went for the gun again.

As if one of the Warriors were standing right in front of her giving lessons, she saw her opportunity. Calm and determination spread through her body. Falling to one knee, she spun in a complete circle swinging her other leg out, hitting Jeff in the kneecap. A sickening crunch echoed in the room as both Jeff and Jill fell to the ground. As he screamed in pain, Jill tried to crawl her way out of the room, but her own pain made her slow.

Jeff caught her foot pulling her back. “You broke my f*cking leg.”

Kicking out with her other foot, she heard another crunch and scream, the hold on her foot gone. As fast as she could, she crawled, trying to scramble to her feet. The click of a gun stopped her cold. This was it, and the only thing she could think of was she had never gotten to kiss Slade - how sad and messed up was that! Not going down like a coward, Jill stood and turned to face her fate.

“You can kill me, but your problems will double. The Warriors will hunt you down for killing one of their own.” Jill’s voice was strong and true.

“You’re not a Warrior.” Jeff aimed the gun straight at her heart. “You’re just a half-breed bitch nobody will remember.”

“I’m more of a Warrior than you could have ever been.” Jill stood straight, her chin tilted proudly. If she was going to die, she was going to die on her terms. “Pull the trigger, *.”

The room erupted in total chaos as Warriors came through every opening. Jill was knocked off her feet as the sound of gunshots echoed throughout the house.

“Don’t kill him!” Jared shouted.

“Jill!” Slade was leaning over her. “Talk to me.”

Jill’s eyes slit open. “I got shot.” She frowned. “And my face hurts.”

“Goddammit!” Slade ripped her shirt to find the bullet wound; it was already closing. Carefully, he lifted her up to see if there was an exit wound. There wasn’t.

“I have to talk to Jared,” Jill’s voice cracked as Slade laid her back down. “Jared!” she called out.

Jared was there kneeling beside her. “Is she going to be okay?”

“I have to get that bullet out.” Slade frowned looking around, his eyes narrowing as they fell on Jeff.

“Kenny has Tessa.” Jill grabbed the bottom of Jared’s jeans. He reached down and grabbed her hand. “I’m so sorry. I tried to stop him.”

“I know you did, honey.” Jared squeezed her hand. “Do you know where he took her or why?”

“No, but he threw that paper on the table.” As Jill’s eyes slid past Jared, her eyes met Jeff’s. “He knows.”

Jared hurried to the table; Sid knelt in his place. “You are right. You are more of a Warrior than he will ever be.” Sid nodded toward Jeff. “And who in the hell taught you to say, ‘pull the trigger, *’?”