Ruin: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (Conquer the Dark Series, Book 2) T. L. Payne by T. L. Payne B0D5BNDL9V instant download after payment.

Memories flooded in of him grabbing her from behind, back at the cabin’s garage. She’d stumbled backward, powerless to stop him, unable to get her bandaged hands into her pocket to retrieve the pistol. The events refused to stop circling her mind. Even with the gun, she’d been unable to defend herself. She’d been a helpless rag doll in his hands. Pausing in the barn’s doorway, Mia allowed herself a moment to close her eyes, trying to quell the storm of panic and memories threatening to overwhelm her. She swallowed hard. Her heart thundered against her sore ribs, a relentless drumbeat that seemed to echo the possibility of Kane’s imminent presence. Reid’s voice cut through the din of her spiraling thoughts. “Are you okay?” Reid’s hand rested lightly on her shoulder. “I’m fine,” Mia lied, her voice barely above a whisper. Reid’s brows knit together. “You don’t look fine.” Mia made a halfhearted attempt to smooth her tangled hair, which had been whipped into disarray by the relentless wind and stubbornly stuck to the blood on her face. “I know. I look a mess,” she admitted, her eyes not meeting his. “You’re beautiful, as always,” Reid said softly, his gaze sincere. “I meant you looked concerned. Don’t be. We’re going to make it. We’ll change out your bandages and be on our way in a flash.” A smile tugged at the corners of Mia’s chapped lips, a flicker of warmth piercing the cold dread that had settled in her heart. Gratitude welled up inside her, mixed with a profound sense of relief. She knew she wouldn’t have made it this far without him. He was risking his life to help her. His kindness was such a contrast to Kane’s cruelty. It was hard to fathom.

---