Page 250 of Only Be Mine

The gun pressed harder. “Careful,” he murmured.

The car began to vibrate against uneven pavement near a construction zone lining the perimeter fencing.

Concrete barriers replaced guardrails.

No shoulder.

No forgiveness.

“You still love me,” he said suddenly.

It wasn’t a question, and that was the worst part.

My throat tightened.

I thought of the version of him who held me when I couldn’t breathe.

The version who chose my meals and tucked blankets around my shoulders.

The version who murdered John.

“Yes,” I whispered.

His eyes flicked toward me.

Hope.

Just a crack.

The gun lowered a fraction.

“I can’t lose you too,” he said, and this time his voice trembled - just slightly.

A tear slipped down his cheek.

Not dramatic.

Not theatrical.

Just there.

“We don’t have to end like this,” I said carefully.

The perimeter fence rushed toward us.

The hangar lights glowed brighter.

The jet engine’s low hum vibrated in my chest.

He was mere feet away from escape.

“They’re not taking me,” he said.

Calm.

Absolute.

“If they corner us…”