Into the Fray (Daring Escapes #3) - Margaret Daley Page 0,4

surged into her lungs.

Thin Man was yanked back and slammed into the wall nearby her. Holding him by the shirt front, Guerrero pounded his fist into the man's face.

She continued to drag deep breaths into her and watched Guerrero as though almost detached from the scene. She was safe and started to relax even though Jose still held her.

Guerrero turned toward her and Jose. But before Guerrero could move, Thin Man rushed at him. The other goon attacked Guerrero, pounding his fists into his back, demanding his attention on him rather than Jose.

When the two hundred fifty pound guy released Tory and started toward Guerrero, who was still tangled with the other assailant, Tory jumped on Jose's back and pommeled him about the shoulders and head. When she raked her fingernails across his face, he let out a howl of rage. He tossed her off his back and onto the ground as easily as if he were flicking a piece of lint from his grubby, smelly clothes. Her head spun from the hard impact, the air swooshing from her.

Stunned, she lay in the dirt, trying to stop the world from revolving. Jose whirled about and started for her. Even though the dazed fog was evaporating, Tory couldn't scramble to her feet fast enough. The man grabbed her hand and yanked her up flat against his firm stomach. Bile rose and lodged in her throat.

He began to drag her away.

Tory cried out, her voice a hoarse whisper. Guerrero glanced over his shoulder, assessed the situation, and released the other assailant. Thin Man slid down the wall, his face battered, his eyes closed.

Guerrero turned on Jose. Guerrero's face showed no emotion, his eyes like two pieces of the blackest part of the night. For a brief moment, he flicked his gaze over Tory. Then he returned his full attention to his opponent. "Let her go."

The deadly tone of his voice sent a shiver down Tory's spine.

Jose tightened his hold about her wrist and pulled her even closer to his body. Even though it was hot and humid, she shook with a coldness embedded deep inside of her.

Jose started to bring her in front of him.

Guerrero leaped into the air and landed a kick to the man's face. He staggered backward, taking Tory with him, nearly yanking her arm out of its socket. Guerrero attacked again using his feet to smash the man's face and upper body. Over and over, Guerrero came at Jose until he released Tory's wrist, and she clambered away. Hugging her arms to herself to still the trembling, she tried to draw air into her lungs. But she couldn't seem to get a decent breath.

"Get out of here."

She didn't move.

"Now!" Guerrero demanded.

Tory forced her rubbery legs to carry her from the alley. When she emerged, she scanned the street for someone to help Guerrero. Empty. Sucking in shallow breaths, she leaned against a building, trying to calm her racing heartbeat and her rapid breathing. The hot, humid air felt like a heavy weight, pushing her down. Her legs still shook, her hands quivering so much she clasped them together to still their movement. If Guerrero hadn't come along—she couldn't think beyond that. Her mind needed to reject what almost happened to her. God answered her prayer.

After scanning the empty street, she latched onto the thought that she had to help Guerrero. Even though her body still quaked, she headed back into the alley. She didn't take more than two steps when Guerrero seized her by the arm and pulled her into the street.

"What do you think you're doing?" Guerrero asked.

"Rescuing you."

"Don't you think, lady, it's the other way around?"

Tory ignored the taunt and looked around Guerrero at the two men lying in the dirt in the alley. "Are they—"

"Dead? No. But when they finally come to, they may wish they were." He handed Tory her purse.

"Shouldn’t we do something?" Tory asked.

Guerrero grinned, a positively sexy look that sent her heart beating a shade faster. After the violence of a few minutes before, his smile took her by surprise.

"Like what?" he asked.

"Tie them up. Call the police. I don't know. What do people usually do in Puerto Sierra when they’re mugged?"

"Learn from their mistake."

"Their mistake? So, you think this is all my fault. Do you see a sign on me that says come and get me? I'm an easy target?"

"Lady, you might as well be carrying that sign."

Tory tried counting to ten to calm herself. It didn't work. She was