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“Marina, are you all right?” Julian comes to my side, crouching down so that we’re at eye level and placing his hand protectively on my back.
I put my hand up, not wanting to freak him out any more before we’re even inside. I can do this.
“I’ll be fine,” I say with as much oomph as I can muster.
“I’ll be right beside you, Marina,” Maggie promises, but I can’t look at her. If I look into her eyes, she’ll likely see my fear, and this isn’t the time for that. I have to be strong. Those women inside need me. They are why I’m here.
“I’ll be fine,” I repeat. “It just brought back unwanted memories.”
Julian rubs my back soothingly, and as much as I appreciate his comfort, we have work to do. “We need to get in there and stop what’s about to happen. The longer we sit out here, the more time Marcellus has to escape.” My words come out harsh, and Julian steps away from me, hurt evident in the way his face contorts.
This isn’t how I wanted it to go down. Anything can happen when we get inside, and I don’t want the last thing I say to him being something harsh. He needs to know I love him, but I miss my chance.
“All right,” Law prompts. “Let’s run down the plan.”
“We have all the exits surrounded,” Julian begins. “We’re going in through the front doors. We need to try to go unseen as long as possible. Katina, Marina, and Maggie, you’ll go straight to the stage to help funnel the girls to the back exit.
“Where is Vzar?” I question, not seeing him here. Julian had promised he’d watch Katina’s back.
“He was needed to help secure the back. I’ll be just fine,” Katina answers for Julian. I don’t argue. There’s no use where Katina’s concerned. I’ll never win.
“You, my pet, need to worry about yourself.” She purses her lips and gives me a stern stare down.
I chuckle. “Will do.”
“Law, you and I will stay close to the back and stake out the area until we locate Marcellus,” Julian continues the rundown.
Law bobs his head. “Let’s do this.”
Law turns to Maggie, pulling her off to the side. They’re still close enough for me to hear what’s said.
“Are you sure you’ll be all right? You don’t have to go in there, Maggie. You can stay out here where you’ll be safe. Shante will look out for you,” Law says, looking deeply into her eyes. She looks up into his face, running a hand down his cheek. He leans in, closing his eyes at her touch.
Boy’s got it bad.
“Please be safe.” Maggie nods her head and Law clears his throat, standing tall.
“Ready?” Law directs to Julian.
The boys begin to walk toward the door, and I grab Julian’s hand, pulling him back.
“I’m sorry about how I’m acting. It’s just this place—”
He squeezes my hand. “I know.” He smiles reassuringly. “You went through hell, and this place was at the epicenter of it. I knew this would be hard on you. It’s one of the reasons I wanted you to stay in there.” He points back toward the car. “Where you’d feel safe.”
Pulling at my dress, I look everywhere but at the looming building ahead.
“I didn’t think it would affect me this way,” I admit. “Your care for me is overwhelming, Julian. I can’t lose you.”
“You’ll never lose me, Marina. I’m yours. For eternity if the fates allow.”
“I love you, Julian,” I say, reaching out and interlacing our fingers. “I need you to know that.”
He spins me around, pulling me toward him and scooping me into his arms. His lips sear me with a kiss that rivals the last one. When I’m completely sated, he lowers me to my feet.
“Be careful in there, Marina. If you need me, yell out.”
“I will,” I whisper, half dazed. “You be safe too.”
