Fuck, fuck, fuck… were Patrick and the others even looking at the security cameras? Or were they too busy trying to talk quickly before she and Lexie came in?

Was she seriously going to die in a sexy Mrs. Claus outfit? It was a stupid thought, a stupid concern, and yet once it popped up in her head she couldn’t get it out. Olivia didn’t want to die in a sexy Mrs. Claus outfit. She didn’t want to die at all, but especially not wearing this. Except maybe the boots. Because Luke liked the boots.

“You should run now,” Lexie said, her voice high and tight. “You’re going to get your ass kicked.” If Olivia could turn around, if she could have turned her back on Roland, she would have fixed Lexie with a searing look. She realized the younger woman was frightened and trying to fight it, but prodding the strung-out asshole was not going to help.

“Run?” Roland snorted. “You dumb bitch, I’m the one with the gun! And you two… you fucking kicked me out of class and ruined me… and you…” His focus on Olivia wavered for just a moment as he looked behind her. “You’re with that other dumb fuck who ruined me…”

“Put the gun away and leave, Roland,” Olivia said, her voice surprisingly steady as she continued to use herself as a human shield for Lexie. The only thing she could think of which would be worse than dying right here and now, would be having to watch Lexie die first. If she could just keep Roland talking, if she could just keep Lexie safe, surely someone had to look at the security camera and call the cops. “There are cameras up all over this parking lot and this area is clearly visible on them.”

“That’s what the mask is for, you stupid cunt!”

“Hey Roland, there’s audio too Roland,” Lexie shouted loudly. “So even if you shoot us, everyone will still know it was you, Roland.”

“Shut up! Shut up, shut up!”

For a second Olivia thought Lexie had just pushed him into shooting them immediately, but what she’d said seemed to have gotten through to him. Even if it was a flat-out lie, it looked like it might save their lives.

Then, suddenly, the door to Stronghold burst open and shouting filled the air, and it was like suddenly everything was happening in horrific slow motion.

Luke was first out the door, bare-chested and bare-footed, with Patrick practically riding his back, Michael and Will—tonight’s inner door guard—right behind them. Roland began to spin towards them, the gun pointing right at Luke, and Olivia screamed as she launched herself forward without thinking.

She hit Roland’s body with the entire weight of hers, and she felt the recoil of the gun as it went off.

Heard the masculine scream of pain.