What Armand expected was for her to try to grab Bridget back, and he let go so as not to hurt the boy. He'd be able to--oh God!

Armand fell over backwards, gasping for air, as the knee punched all of it from his lungs. He gagged as his sore stomach muscles tightened in rebellion, rolling to his knees just in case, so he wouldn't choke. He wasn't going to be able to get back to his feet for several moments. He'd not been able to help his friend at all.