I was sure that was it.
That we would go home and bunker down for a few days.
Then the call.
I’d never forget the sound of Liam’s voice as long as I lived.
It was a mix of scared, commanding, and determined all at once.
Then the sound of the gun racking.
That shit sent a chill down my spine.
I alternated between trying to call him and getting through to Brio.
By the time the cab pulled up by their house, they were already outside and ready to take her. I saw the conflict on Brio’s face, knowing he wanted to come with me, wanted to save Alara.And Liam. But he knew I needed him to keep Charlotte safe. And that he was the one I trusted with the job the most.
Everything was a blur after that until I ran into that apartment and my nephew aimed a gun at me, a steady, cool look in his eye. Like if it hadn’t been me, he would have done what he needed to do.
I didn’t know where to look then, my gaze flicking between my nephew and Alara so fast, I almost felt dizzy.
They were both hurt.
The bruises blooming across Alara’s throat made my chest constrict, knowing how hard she had to be choked to leave them there.
But it was Liam who looked the worst.
He was bruised, bloody, his body hinged to the side like his ribs were bruised or busted.
Alive, though.
That was what mattered.
Everything else could be fixed.
And that was what we were doing at Salvatore’s again.
“Go with Liam,” Alara demanded when Salvatore and Venezio each stood next to open exam room doors.
She disappeared into the room with Venezio. And it was only then that I realized she was dragging her foot behind her.
Fuck.
“You should be with Alara,” Liam said as Salvatore grabbed his chin and moved it side to side, then pulled down his lip to check his teeth.
“I’m right where I need to be,” I assured him. Even if a part of me was in that room with Alara too.
“Teeth seem fine,” Salvatore said, trying to rock them with his finger. “But you tore the fuck out of your inner lip. That’s gonna suck for a while.”
I reached out, grabbing Liam’s shoulder and giving it a squeeze. He was playing it tough, but I knew he had to be hurting.
Salvatore took his time checking Liam’s vitals, his pupil response, poking around the bones in his face to make sure nothing was broken. Then he asked Liam to stand and pulled up his shirt.
“Christ,” I hissed, seeing the red and blue smattering the skin already.
“Looks worse than it feels,” Liam said, wincing as Salvatore pressed his ribs.
“Bullshit,” I said. “But I appreciate your trying to lie.”
