Chapter ThirtyBurning, searing pain shot up Cora’s leg. Van’s face swam in front of her eyes as she fought for consciousness. Not a life-threatening injury, but one unlike anything she’d ever experienced. She gritted her teeth against the desire to cry out. Men with more serious wounds should be allowed to wail and groan, but not her. She would make Van proud of her bravery. Traitorous, hot tears poured from her eyes.
“Medic! Over here.” On his knees, Van gripped her hand and brushed her hair away from her face, his hands warm and soft against her skin. Should she allow the darkness to take her? If she was unconscious, she wouldn’t feel the agony.
“Stay with me, Cora. You’re going to be fine.” He leaned close to her ear. “My strong, spunky girl. Bullets can’t stop you.”
She tried to lau
