The man just grinned. “But I wanted to meet the illusive Hayden.” His gaze skimmed over my body, making me shudder. “Even more beautiful in person. She’ll be quite the prize.” “Over my dead body,” Easton growled. “That can be arranged.” Hal’s mouth opened, and it was as if everything happened in slow motion. Gold fire shot out, hurtling toward Easton. I didn’t think. I simply moved. I threw myself at Easton, knocking him out of the way. But I wasn’t quite quick enough. Fire collided with my chest in a brutal blow. The agony was instant, taking me to my knees.
