Quinn grinned. “Doesn’t it?” she asked innocently.
“Quinn, it was pretty obviously wrong.”
“Why?” She poked him. “I’m no biblical scholar, but I’m pretty sure a lot of prophets did it. I bet the Mormons have some arguments on the topic.”
“First of all, they don’t like to be called that anymore. Second…” His mind raced. “I need to check.”
“No, no, no,” Quinn held up a finger. “We both know that you are fully aware of every rule listed in the Bible. Where does it say you can’t have more than one wife?”
Jared rubbed his eyes. “Father Martin will never agree to that, even if we could find anyone interested.”
Quinn tilted her head. “I bet we can find some priest who will take a bribe. Or better yet, they don’t even have to know you already have a wife.”
“What you’re proposing is illegal.”
“Me getting married without my parents’ signatures was illegal. We’re way past that.”
Jared thought for a moment, searching for any more opposition. “I’m not going to bribe someone to be another wife.”
Quinn sighed. “I hope not. But really? If it came down to it?”
Jared shook his head. “I just hope that never happens.”
“So… You’ll do it?”
He scowled. “A few conditions.”
“Didn’t you say you were going to man up and stop being a dope?”
“Number one,” he ignored her. “You have to be okay with it — like, genuinely okay. Nothing fake, alright?”
Quinn hesitated before nodding. “Sure.”
“Second, they have to be perfectly willing to do this — no tricks, no bribes, nothing.”
“I agree.”
“Lastly…” He took a deep breath. “I have to get to know them before any funny business happens. If we can help it, I’m still going to try to be a gentleman about this.” His shoulders fell. “At least, as much of a gentleman as I can be.”
Quinn nuzzled into the crook of his neck. “I would expect nothing less. I think we can make that work.”
Jared took her into his arms. “We’re going to be okay, right?”
Quinn sighed. “Yeah. And if we aren’t, at least we have right now.”
He shifted. “That’s not enough for me.”
“Oh?”
He squeezed her tighter against him. “Not even the rest of our lives will be enough. I want you forever, Quinn.”
She closed her eyes. “I’d like that, too.”
They were silent for several seconds, simply enjoying the feel of the other’s presence.
Jared opened his eyes. “Was that a gunshot?”
Quinn tilted her head. “What?”
“Listen.”
Sure enough, a few seconds later, as second gunshot could be heard. Memories of the school shooting that started this whole process rushed through his head. He quickly climbed to his feet and made for the door, but Quinn grabbed his arm.
“Where are you going?”
He looked to the door. “Something’s wrong. I need to-”
Senguine appeared at the door. “No, you don’t.”
“Miss Senguine!” Quinn folded her arms. “What’s going on?”
She shook her head. “I don’t know, but I can harbor a guess.” She glanced to the windows and snapped. “So long as you remain here you’ll be safe.”
“But I-”
“You are the target. You can’t go anywhere.”
He was about to argue, but Ria came panting up the stairs. “They have a sniper!” She slid through the door just as it closed.
Quinn winced. “A sniper? Like from the movies?”
Jared reached forward and grabbed her arms. “Where’s everyone else? Annika and Kiara — where are they?”
Ria hesitated. “Annika hasn’t left the basement, I think.” She glanced away. “Last I saw Kiara…”
“She was outside,” Quinn whispered.
Jared moved for the door again, but Senguine got in his way. “You cannot leave, I told you. You and Quinn are the targets of this attack.”
“I’ve survived worse.”
“No, you’ve survived those who do not know who you are.” She narrowed her eyes. “Every risk you take could be your last. Why would you chance your death without reason?”
“It’s not without reason. I can’t believe I’m hearing this,” he grumbled. “Get out of the way.”
She didn’t budge. After a moment, she sighed. “I cannot stop you if you are determined. Nevertheless, let it be known that I was against this.” She flicked her wrist, and the door opened.
He turned to Quinn. “I’ll be back. I promise.”
She bit her lip. “Then I’m okay. Be careful.” She managed a small smile. “Well, more careful.”
With that, he raced out and down the stairs. He hadn’t heard any shots since the second one earlier.
After taking a deep breath, he opened the door. It took only a second to locate where Kiara was. She was collapsed on the ground, her body sprawled out awkwardly near the barn. A spotlight was being shined on her, making it easy to see the blood seeping into the ground.
Where was the sniper? Was it in the same direction as the spotlight, or was that just a distraction? He cursed and pulled back into the house. Hopefully they didn’t have a view of the doorway. He needed a plan, but he didn’t have time.
She might be dead already. He shook away the thought. I have to try.
He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths, like Ria taught him. His mind refused to clear, but he was hoping it would help with a quick run.
He needed to get her inside the house, preferably up to the study. He didn’t know much about how snipers worked, but he was hoping that quick movement would throw them off a bit. Maybe the darkness offered by the setting sun would help him out.
He dashed out the door, sprinting to Kiara’s body. His senses were on high alert as adrenaline coursed through his body.
He slid next to her and heaved her over his shoulders, muttering an apology as he doubled back and ran for the house. Maybe it was just a hit and run.
But his luck didn’t last. The loud crack of a rifle gave a split second warning.
It was like a sledgehammer to the knee. He stumbled but kept moving, limping quickly. Just a few more yards.
A second shot rang out, this one taking him in the small of his back. He sank to his knees, nearly dropping the young woman. With a roar, he raised himself to his feet and leapt through the door.
The moment he was inside, his endurance faded. He gritted his teeth, straining to stay conscious as he lifted her back into his arms.
He panted heavily as he strained up the stairs. He didn’t even have the energy to call for help. His wounds burned like lava — he could hardly feel the blood dripping from himself. It blurred with her blood, emerging from a wound in her neck.
“Jared?” Quinn raced out of the room to come help. “Jared!”
Miss Senguine and Ria quickly followed. Miss Senguine eyed him worriedly.
“Told… you.” He smiled as he handed off Kiara to them.
Right before passing out.
************
Jared awoke to soft lips against his, a familiar heat flowing down his body. Faintly, he returned the kiss. I’m okay, he wanted so say. Don’t worry, Quinn.
He woke up steadily, relishing in the feel of his head on her lap. Something seemed a bit strange, but he didn’t want to think about it, enjoying the moment. In moments like these, being alive never seemed like such a good idea.
He pulled back for a moment. “Is this my reward for staying alive?” he murmured.
“You could say that.” Quinn sounded amused.
Yeah something was odd. Her voice sounded so distant above him. He opened his eyes to find Ria leaning over him as he laid on Quinn’s lap.