Sophia Sullivan moved.
Her boot crushed the corpse's wrist.
"Weren't you desperate to find me earlier?"
Moonlight glinted off the silver pistol in her hand.
She'd taken it from the red-haired man's body.
With a sharp kick, she sent the corpse tumbling into the icy sea.
The entire sequence took under two minutes.
She raised the gun without expression.
"Why so scared now?"
The men froze, stunned by the display.
The woman moved with the speed and precision of a professional assassin.
One man's hand crept toward his waist.
Sophia's gaze snapped up.
"I wouldn't do that."
"Wrong move means you're next."
Her calm tone sent chills down their spines.
The freckled man snorted.
"Don't let her bluff you."
"That gun's got one bullet left."
He licked his lips, eyes raking over Sophia's face.
"Poor weapon choice, sweetheart."
"Even if you don't miss, you'll only take down one."
"You'll die here tonight."
The others regained their courage.
"Nick's right!"
"Single bullet!"
"Just a woman!"
"Stalling for time!"
Sophia weighed the gun in her palm.
One round remained.
"Pretty girls shouldn't play with guns."
Nick's smirk turned predatory.
"Surrender. I'll be gentle."
"My word—I won't kill you."
Barely-contained excitement twisted his features.
Numbers guaranteed victory.
He'd collect the bounty and enjoy the spoils.
Sophia hesitated.
She bit her lip, feigning frustration.
"You promise?"
Nick loomed over her.
"Cross my heart."
He ached to break this wildcat.
"Drop the gun."
Slowly, Sophia bent to place the weapon down.
Hands raised, she stepped toward Nick.
Her shirt rode up, exposing a sliver of waist.
Nick's gaze turned ravenous.
"Come here." His gun aimed at her head.
Sophia obeyed, offering an innocent smile.
"I'm unarmed."
"Care to tie me up yourself?"
Nick's pupils dilated.
"I'll take you home."
Still cautious, he barked orders.
"Watch her!"
"One wrong move—kill her!"
The threat hung thick in the air.
Nick reached for her.
In that instant, Sophia struck.
Lightning-fast.
Her fingers locked on his shoulder.
CRACK.
Her knee drove into his ribs.
Bone shattered.
A lung punctured.
Blood sprayed.
Nick's eyes bulged as his grip faltered.
Sophia twisted, seizing his gun.
She pivoted behind him.
The others scrambled for their weapons.
"Shoot! Kill her!"