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“No!” I cry, rocking her in my arms as I’m blinded by my tears. “Please, no. Wake up, Babydoll. Please.”
But she doesn’t wake.
With Babydoll in my arms, I look at the carnage around me, promising to avenge each life Sean took.
“Come back to me, Cami. Please don’t leave me. All I wanted was to protect ya, but all I’ve done is get ya hurt.”
I kiss her temple, her brow. I promise if she wakes, I’ll never allow her to be hurt again.
Brushing the matted hair from her cheeks, I kiss her lips. “I love…you. So much.”
A guttural sob fills the air, and I realize it’s come from me.
If I could trade my life for hers, I would, and when her chest shudders, it seems my wish has been granted. But both our lives have been spared—for now.
“Punky,” she wheezes, trying to open her eyes. “I can’t feel my…b-body.”
And just like that, I feel like I can breathe again.
“Shh,” I assure her gently, kissing her cheeks frantically. “It’ll be all right. I’ve got ya, and I’ll never let ya go again.”
I wrap her arms around my neck and come to a stand with her securely against my chest. I cradle her close as I leave the carnage behind. I want to help, but I need to get Babydoll somewhere safe.
As I walk down the alley with my eyes downcast, not wanting to draw attention, I see a blood-splattered Brody sitting in his car with his phone pressed to his ear. Erin’s bloody body lays twisted in a heap, feet away. Brody locks eyes with me, and with a simple nod, I know that he’s in.
I need Brody to regain what is mine, and he needs me to kill Sean. We can work out the details later, but this attack is personal and has allowed Brody to see that it’s only a matter of time before Sean finishes the job.
This was a warning. Next time, we won’t be so lucky.
Brody’s allies are no more. Sean is the new king, and he has no qualms about spilling innocent blood.
With Babydoll pressed to my chest, I run toward my truck. Ambulances, police, and fire engines line the street, but I can’t be here because they’ll ask questions I can’t answer.
A tender caress against my face has me peering down to see Babydoll touching my cheek. “You’re bleeding,” she deliriously slurs. “I liked your piercings. Will you put them back in?”
“Aye, whatever ya want, Baby.”
She smiles, her hand slipping from my cheek as she doesn’t have the strength to hold it up. But that’s all right—I’ll be the strength she needs.
She’s passed out by the time I gently place her into the truck and speed away.
I can’t help but glance at her every few seconds to ensure she’s breathing. She is.
She needs to go to the hospital as I don’t know the extent of her injuries. Everything looks to be attached, but it’s the unseen which worries me.
“It’s going to be all right. A’ll take ya to the hospital.”
“No,” she groans, attempting to shake her floppy head. “No hospital. Too many questions. I’m okay now. I can feel my legs. I think.”
She’s right about the questions, but I won’t risk her life.
“Take me back to Belfast,” she breathlessly pleads.
My heart hurts because, of course, she’d want to be with Rory. As much as it pains me, I dial his number, but Babydoll reaches out and winces as she disconnects the call.
“Ya don’t want Rory?” I ask, confused.
And what she says next confirms what a bastard I truly am, because these are the words I’ve wanted to hear for ten long years.
