She heard it hit something with a clatter. She swung again.

Hugo roared and grabbed at her.

They spun, the life vest trapped between them. Then they lost balance and fell.

Hugo fell first and Harlow crashed on top of him. She heard him grunt.

“You asshole.” She slapped at his head.

“You bitch.” He tried to buck her off, but she squeezed her thighs harder. He reared up and grabbed a handful of her hair, his face contorted.

Behind him, she saw ropes fly out of the side of the helicopter.

But Easton didn’t wait for a rope. He leaped out.

She sucked in a sharp breath, watching him fall.

He landed beside them on the deck and rammed the barrel of his gun against Hugo’s temple.

“Let her go.”

Easton’s furious words made Hugo freeze.

Vander stepped into view. “Do what he said, asshole.”

Vander’s icy tone sent shivers through Harlow. Damn, the man was scary.

Terror rippled across Hugo’s face and his hand in her hair loosened. Suddenly, she was yanked off him, and into Easton’s arms.

“Face down, Durant,” Vander barked.

She heard grunts, but all she could see was Easton. His face was dark, his jaw tight.

“You got my note,” she said.

“Fuck.” He pulled her face against his chest, his arms tight around her.

She gripped his vest awkwardly with her bound hands. “I knew you’d come.”

He pulled back, his hands either side of her head. “You’re not moving out.”

“Easton—”

“No. No fucked-up shit about time and space. You sleep in my bed, and you stay with me.”

“Okay.”

He paused. “Okay?”

“Yes, Easton. I’ll stay. I love you.”

He yanked her close. His kiss was hard and punishing.

When they came up for air, she saw the helicopter still hovering above. Maggie grinned and waved, then the aircraft whirled away.

“Fuck!” Rhys yelled.

Harlow looked over and saw Hugo break free of Rhys’ hold. From near the boat controls, Vander cursed.

Hugo charged right at Harlow, face twisted with rage.

Easton spun fast. He landed a vicious punch to Hugo’s face.

The man’s head snapped back.

“How’s that feel, asshole?” Easton punched him again. Hugo almost tipped sideways. “That’s how you hit her out in front of my place. You’re a coward, terrorizing women and people weaker than you.”

Oh, her man was a badass. She saw the Ranger front and center right now.

Hugo snarled. “Bitches and whores. They deserve what they get!”

Harlow grimaced. What a waste of space.

Easton hit him again and Hugo staggered back.

Vander stepped forward and landed a hard front kick to Hugo’s gut.

He hit the edge of the boat, flipped, and then crashed into the water.

“That should cool him off,” Vander said.

Hugo thrashed around in the water, spewing a stream of angry-sounding French.