Within another few seconds, Riggs thrashed on the ground, Dallas’s bullet in his shin.
“You motherfucker! We had a deal.”
Dallas ignored the cursing and went to Annie, who had fallen with Riggs. Her battered cheek lay against the hard dirt. He lifted her in his arms, carried her to his pickup, and laid her on the wide backseat. “Go on, boy,” he said to Jet, “let me see to her.”
He pushed her hair out of her eyes and covered her face with kisses. “Oh, Annie. Baby. My love. I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry.” He kissed her lips gently and pulled her to his chest, cradling her. “I’m so sorry,” he said into her hair. “No one will ever hurt you again. I swear it. Not as long as I live, my love.”
“D-Dallas?”
“Annie!” Dallas stopped himself from jumping, not wanting to disturb her weak body. His heart hammered against his sternum. “Thank God you’re all right.”
“Where am I?”
“You’re in my truck. Riggs is… He’s… Well, he’s been shot.”
“Who shot him?”
“I did.”
“What? You, Cowboy?”
“I’m a crack shot, remember?” He gazed into her violet eyes. They looked tired. Worn.
“How did you find me?”
“I’ll always find you. I’ll never let you go again. I’m so sorry, Annie. I love you. I love you so much.”
“You…love me?”
“With all my heart.”
>
“But what about—”
“I was an idiot. A moron. A complete fool. Forgive me? Please?”
“But—”
“Annie, please. I don’t know what I’ll do if you don’t.”
“But you—”
A knock on the car window jolted them both. Riggs stood there, a pistol pointing at them.
“Oh God, Dallas.”
“Don’t worry, Doc. I’ll take care of this.”
“But he’s got a gun.”
“Yeah. But he’s injured. He can barely stand, and I’d be willing to bet I’m a better shot.”
“But—”
“I’ll never fail you again, Annie. I promise.”
He kissed her head and opened the car door with a yank, knocking Riggs to the ground. Dallas leaped upon him, tossing his gun aside and pummeling him with his fists.