Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 72617 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72617 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
I was about to rush over to him when his head reared back, and his lifeless body collapsed to the ground. And just like that, Cody was dead. I was absolutely stunned. All I could do was stand there and watch as the blood pooled around his body. I looked around, praying for someone to be there to help—possibly a car driving by or someone walking down the street, but there was no one.
And as far as I knew, no one was coming.
The men had used silencers, so no one had heard them kill Cody, and no one would hear them kill me. Like it or not, I was alone.
I could hear the two men talking around the bend. I couldn’t make out what they were saying, but I could tell they were close. Too close. It was only a matter of time before they figured out where I was, and that was a thought that had the hairs on the back of my neck prickling against my skin.
I had to get out of there, but I had nowhere to go.
They had me cornered. My only choice was to run to the parking lot, but there was no way for me to get there without them seeing me. I was trying to figure out another option when I spotted Riley near the main road. He was motioning for me to come to him. Out of pure fear, I hesitated, and in that brief second of hesitation, gunshots rang out again, this time aimed at Riley. He took a hit to the shoulder, but that didn’t stop him from firing back.
Several rounds were exchanged, and at first, it looked like Riley was holding his own. But things quickly took a turn when Riley was shot a second time. He inched back, shielding himself behind one of the adjoining buildings while I was left in the open.
I had no choice but to stand there and fearfully await my fate.
I could see one of the men charging in my direction. He was coming for me, and there was nothing anyone could do to stop him. I’d lost all hope when I saw Wrath’s SUV whip around the corner. It came to a screeching halt, and seconds later, the doors flew open.
Then, as if emerging from a dream, he appeared. His eyes, usually so calm and gentle, now blazed with a fiery resolve and were fixed on me with an intensity that made my breath catch in my throat. Time seemed to stand still as he aimed his weapon at the man and fired, killing him instantly.
His shots were not silenced.
There was no doubt that someone had heard it.
But Wrath seemed unaffected by the thought as he continued towards me. With every step, his presence grew stronger, his strength and determination radiating off him. At that moment, I knew everything was going to be okay. He’d come for me. Without a word, he wrapped his strong arms around me, pulling me into an embrace that chased away my fears. I buried my face in his chest, breathing in the scent that was uniquely his, and cried, “Cody... They killed Cody.”
“Gotta get you outta here, babe.”
“But Cody... and Riley... Riley’s hurt, too.”
“I know, but you first.” He released me from our embrace, then turned around and stood with his back to me, shielding me with his body. “Stay behind me.”
I did as he said and followed him towards his SUV. We hadn’t gotten far when more shots rang out, but Torch was there to cover us until we made it over to the SUV. Once I was safely inside, Wrath turned to me and ordered, “Stay here.”
“Where are you going?”
“We gotta see about Riley and Cody.” He gave my hand a squeeze. “It’ll be okay. Just lock the doors, get low, and hold tight.”
As much as I didn’t want him to go, I knew he had to, so I nodded and watched as he closed the door. As they walked away, I heard Torch tell him, “We gotta hurry, brother. Only a matter of time before the cops show.”
“Yeah, I know. Let’s get this done.”
I watched as they made their way over to Riley. Wrath bent down and spoke to him. Torch stayed with him while Wrath rushed over to where Cody had been shot. Seconds later, he rounded the corner, and I could no longer see him. I tried not to panic, but several minutes passed and there was still no sign of him.
I was becoming worried when I finally spotted Wrath walking in my direction. He had Cody slung over his shoulder, and he had one of the men who’d shot at us walking next to him. His hands were bound, and Wrath had his gun at his back. As soon as they reached the truck, Wrath ordered, “Unlock the doors and get up front. I need you to drive.”