Jeffrey thundered toward the northeastern fence, his pulse hammering in his ears. Then he heard…
A gunshot.
His heart plummeted.
An invisible force seemed to grip his chest, crushing it, and a sharp, unrelenting pain stabbed through his lower back and abdomen. It was so intense, he thought he might black out. But he couldn't afford to.
Clutching at his racing heart, he gritted his teeth and urged the horse forward, pushing through the agony.
What if she was hurt?
What if it was him… What if it was that bastard from the bar?
The thought sent a fresh wave of panic coursing through his veins.
If that man had laid a hand on Joanne… if she was hurt because of him—because of his mistake—he would never be able to forgive himself.
He forced his body to move faster. No hesitation. No second-guessing.
Not now.
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