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CHAPTERSIXTEEN
VANESSA
When I finally got myself together, we fixed our clothes, but I was mortified that I looked like hell.
"I'm a mess, aren't I?" I asked Ethan, annoyed.
"Yes, but so am I.We'll exit via the back door. My uncle can make a donation on our behalf."
This made me feel relieved. He assisted me in styling my hair before adjusting my dress in the back. "Is that good enough?" I asked, hoping that we would appear normal.
"You look wonderful," he said softly.
I returned his smile and took his hand in mine. "Are you certain it's okayto leave?"
Ethan gave a nod. "It is. Let's go."
After he unlocked the door, we exited the room together andleft the building discreetly through the back door.
Sex with Ethan was fantastic. I'd never expected to enjoy sex in public, but it was easy to be daring with a man like him who was unafraid of anyone or anything.
I stole glances at Ethan in the backseat of his car, and he was always looking at me. I recognized the look in his eyes quite well. He probably wanted me right there in the backseat, but he restrained himself for the time being.
I sat on the opposite side, away from him. As the city of Chicago passed in front of me, I looked out the window. It was easy to see why Ethan adored his hometown. It was more beautiful and populated than Buffalo.
The chauffeur muttered something to Tristan and pointed to a bakery. He, in turn, addressed Ethan, who was wearing a solemn expression on his face.
He said somethingabout territories.
That continued as we drove. I had no idea what they were talking about, but I was beginning to realize the extent of Ethan's power in his city. His face was serene as he sank into his seat and gazed out the window.
He appeared to be too young for such a powerful position, but he carried it well. He is still a criminal, I attempted to remind myself. It was easy to be sucked in by Ethan's charms and the allure of his world, but I had to remember what it was costing me and what it would have cost others.
I sighed, causing the window to blur. Every time I thought about anything, I felt a weight on my conscience.
With a frown on his face, Ethan leaned forward in his seat. His body was suddenly alert, and his right hand reached behind him to pull out the pistol that had been tucked in his back the entire time.
What's going on? I followed Ethan's gaze to the road ahead. A car was parked across the street with its hood open. I found it strange, but quickly assumed that the car had simply broken down.
None of the men in the car, however, felt the same way. The road was deserted, which was an unusual sight, and I could feel everyone stiffen.
"There's a car coming up behind us," I said as headlights flashed in front of our escorting vehicle.
"Ram them," Ethan said to the chauffeur, and the tires screeched like the devil's horn.
"Seatbelt," Ethan said just before the night was shattered by a barrage of gunshots.
Seatbelt, seatbelt. I tried to work as quickly as possible, but it was difficult. The roars of the gunshots that ripped through the vehicle's windscreen paralyzed my muscles.
Despite the assault, the car continued down the road, getting faster and roaring even louder as I avoided hitting my head against the sides.
The seatbelt, I reminded myself, reaching for it. I was about to lock it when I heard a thumping sound ahead of me.
"Take the wheel!" Ethan yelled at Tristan, and I noticed the chauffeur's head hanging off the side of the car. The realization that he was no longer alive hit me hard.
The car suddenly leaped into the air and flipped on its side. As I was thrown through the air, I felt a painful grip on my wrist. It wasEthan. As the world around us spun endlessly, he drew me to himself and wrapped his hand around mine.
When I opened my eyes, it was dark. I was still alive. I'd survived the gunshots as well as the car accident. But I could tell we weren't out of the woods yet. Whoever shot at us and killed the chauffeur was still out there, and they were probably on their way to finish what they started.
