“You were behind the second attack?” I ask.
“Yes, I was,” Mandy replies. “You managed to fight your way out, though. The almighty Drago. But it all ends today. We all get what we want. Cross gets to become an international drug manufacturer and distributor. I get richer and might even take your place as the king of the streets. You and dear Abby get to love yourselves in hell. I won’t have you for myself, but that’s okay. I have everything else.”
“Do whatever you want with me, but let Abby go,” I say to Mandy. I tighten my fists and hunch my shoulders as I drop down to my knees. “Please...Let her go.”
“What?” Mandy says with a disbelieving scoff. “Drago? You would kneel for this bitch? That’s it. It all ends now.”
I watch her forefinger curl around the trigger. I read the intention in her eyes in a split second. She’s aiming to kill. I brace myself for the impact just in time to see Abby running toward me. My eyes widen, and everything seems to happen in slow motion, yet it’s over within the blink of an eye.
“No!” I scream, but it’s too late. I heard the gunshot just as Abby’s arms came around my neck. My heart jolts in shock and completely stops working. I catch Abby in my arms and hold her close to my chest. Her blood soaks my hands, sticky and warm. I roar, unable to bear the mounting pressure in my chest.
I don’t notice the tears rapidly rolling down my face. Or the activity that follows as the cops arrive at the scene.
I’m not aware of anything...just the unmoving body of the woman I love in my arms.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
THREE DAYS LATER
Abby
I open my eyes slowly, groaning at the dull ache in my shoulder. I turn my head, and the most refreshing sight greets me. A beautiful man is sitting in the chair by my bed, his handsome features softened by sleep.
My man.
Tears slide down my cheeks as the memories of what happened at the warehouse flood my mind. Carlos came for me... He fell to his knees to plead for my life.
It must have been the hardest thing for a man like Carlos, who values his pride and honor. Even if Carlos never says that he loves me in a million years, I will never again doubt his affections and intentions for me. I’ll love him unconditionally and tell him every day. It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t say it back.
Thinking back I realize I almost didn’t get the chance to tell Carlos that I love him. That would have hurt more than being rejected or ridiculed. My fears now seem so inconsequential.
He almost died…We could have both died. I couldn’t let anything happen to Carlos so I did the only thing I could think of. Cross thought just his word and his gun would keep me in check and that was his first mistake, his second was looking away giving me the chance to kick his leg out and wrap myself around the man I love.
Carlos jerks awake and blinks at me in surprise. He rushes to my side and takes my hands in his. “Abby? You’re awake. Can you...Can you hear me?”
I smile through my tears, unimaginably grateful for this moment. “I love you, Carlos,” I whisper through the dryness in my throat. “I love you so very much.”
Carlos groans and drops his head on our joined hands. It takes me a while to realize he’s crying. His shoulders shake with the intensity of his sobs. I just quietly lay there and allow him to let it all out. It’s a while before he raises his eyes back to mine, and when he does, his eyes hold an indescribable amount of joy... and love.
“I’m sorry,” Carlos says with a slight chuckle. “I’m sorry, baby. I’m just so happy that you’re awake. I love you too, honey. Since the first moment I laid my eyes on you, I've loved you.”
“I’m sorry I doubted you,” I say. “I should have known you wouldn’t do that to me. I guess my insecurities got the best of me. But never again.”
“You don’t need to apologize, my love,” Carlos says, shaking his head. “I shouldn’t have entertained Diane. It’s all in the past now.”
“Yes,” I reply with a small smile. “Yes, it is. But what about Mandy and Cross?”
“They’ve been arrested,” Carlos says. “Everything tying me to my past has been settled. I don’t have to go back to that life anymore. But as much as I can, I’ll help kids get off the streets and give them a chance at a better life.”
I press my lips together to stop the sob that’s stuck in my throat. A single tear slides down my cheek, followed by another.
Carlos frowns down at me with worry. “Are you feeling unwell? Should I get the doctor?”