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That cold, sadistic voice.
My gaze lands on my father. I see him limping toward us. A completely deranged look on his face. “I warned you, Son. I warned you if you betrayed me—”
“Don’t you dare,” Riley threatens, choking on the words.
I need to protect her.
He chuckles darkly. “You don’t have it in you to shoot me, little girl.”
I try to move, to reach for Riley, but my limbs are numb. My whole body feels paralyzed. Fear ricochets through me, sheer terror coursing through my icy veins. My helplessness chokes me.
Time slows down.
It happens in almost slow motion.
Harrison takes another step toward us.
And I watch as Riley pulls the trigger.
I don’t hear the gunshot, except for the distant buzzing in my ears. Harrison roars, slumping to his knees, and she shoots him again.
Two bullets.
And my father falls to the ground. He lies there listlessly.
My chest rattles with a harsh exhale. After a long minute, when Harrison doesn’t get up again, Riley drops the gun and kneels by my side.
I’m seeing two of her.
“I need you to work with me,” she begs. “We’re going to be okay.”
I can’t keep my eyes open any longer.
“Grayson! Don’t pass out on me again. Goddamn it, Grayson! Stay with me,” Riley cries out, her desperation breaking my heart.
I see her. Blonde hair, soft gray eyes, tearstained cheeks.
I miss her.
“Hey,” I rasp, my voice barely even recognizable to my own ears. “I’m here.”
She grabs my hand, lacing our fingers together. A choked sob erupts from her throat. “You left me, Grayson.”
I grip her hand tighter, tugging her toward me. Riley buries her face into my chest, sniffling. “Leaving you is my deepest regret.”
I think I said those words.
I don’t know.
Maybe I’m dreaming.
“Promise you won’t ever leave me again.”
I smile, even through the pain. “Never again.”
Riley lets out a choked sob as she presses her hand against the stab wound in my abdomen. I try not to wince because she’s already scared enough.
“Grayson, please.” The tremors in her voice break me. “Don’t you dare die on me.”
