"All you have to do is say stop and I'll start beating him instead of you."
Those words kept ringing in their ears.
Booth felt a strange mixture of relief and despair.
Relief because he knew that Luke meant every word of it.
Despair because he knew that she would never admitt defeat.
Damn it!
Don't push your body to far, Bones.
We both know I can take a vicious beating much better than you.
Besides, I can't see you taking one...
Especially not if you take it to protect me.
Brennan felt confused.
I can't simply let Luke beat up Booth!
But...
If I want to get us out of here, than I need to be as strong as possible.
She closed her eyes in an effort to collect her thoughts.
She never saw it coming.
Booth however did.
"Temperance!"
His voice was laced with anger, concern and helplessness as he warned her.
But it was too late.
His beltbuckle hit her stomach, hitting the wounds on her abdomen.
The pain coursed through her as she doubled over and let out a cry of pain.
Booths broken heart ached for her.
Damn it, Bones!
Just say stop, just let me take it!
To his surprise, that was exactly what he heard.
For a moment he thought that he'd just imagined it.
"Please, stop!" she was begging.
"I..., Booth, I'm sorry."
Luke turned to Booth.
"That was quick. I guess this means that it is your turn, Special Agent Seeley Booth."
Booth was stunned.
That WAS quick.
There is something seriously wrong.
It is not like her to give up so quickly.
Maybe she's hurting to much.
No, that can't be it.
She is the strongest woman I've ever known.
She has to be okay.
He choked his tears back.
I can't lose her.
Not like this.
Not now.
Not ever.
Booth saw Luke turning towards him, but he kept his gaze focused on her.
His eyes never left her body, not even when Luke started beating him with his belt buckle.
This isn't nearly as fun or satisfying as beating Bones up.
She isn't even looking at him and he won't make a sound.
Brennan was lying on the floor, face down, eyes closed.
She hadn't moved a muscle.
But her mind hadn't stopped.
Okay, Temperance.
This is the moment.
Luke is preoccupied with Booth and Booth needs his strength to fend off the attacks.
I need to do something, anything.
And I need to do it now.
She opened her eyes, ready to do what needed to be done.
Booth was so worried that he didn't even take notice of the beating he was given.
He could feel the pain, but it was nothing compared to the worry in his heart.
Worry for his partner.
Why isn't she moving?
Did she faint?
Is she even still alive?
The last thought was too much for him.
He squeezed his eyes shut.
She saw him do it.
It's time.
She got up as quickly and quietly as she could.
She approached Luke from behind.
If there is a God up there, than I'm begging you to give me the strength I need to get us out of here.
But Booth opened his eyes and involuntarily gasped as he finally connected the dots.
Luke turned around...