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“That was only so you would drop the act.”
“How do I know you won’t hand me over to your mobster husband?”
“I’d never do that. I brought you into this mess and I’ll get you out. I promise.”
“I don’t believe you…” Her lips quiver. “Everyone here wants me dead.”
“That’s not true, Winter. I mean you no harm.”
“Is that why you sent me, knowing that your husband would recognize me right away and try to shoot me?”
“I didn’t know that…though, I should’ve. I was so desperate that I wanted to believe he would be fooled, even if that was logically impossible. I’m so sorry.”
“He’ll kill me.” Her hands shake on the needle.
“I won’t let him. You have my word. In fact, I’ll let you walk out of the door right now.”
“You…will?”
I nod. “So please drop the syringe.”
She stares at me as if she wants to believe me, but at the same time, she doesn’t trust me.
I remain still, coaxing her with my gaze, hoping she’ll let go. Winter isn’t a bad person, but she’s homeless, so she doesn’t trust easily and she has every right not to, considering how life kicked her while she was already down.
It takes her long moments before she pulls the needle away from my neck and slowly stands up. I do the same so that we’re facing one another.
“Thank you,” I say.
“Get me out of here.”
I open my mouth to agree when the door opens.
My lips part when none other than Adrian comes inside.
He pulls out his gun and Winter jumps back. I run in front of her as the shot goes off.
27
Lia
Idon’t think twice as I jump in front of Winter. Because I have no doubt that Adrian won’t hesitate to kill her if he sees that she’s posing a danger to me.
When the shot echoes in the air, I close my eyes, ready for the sting of pain.
Nothing comes.
My frantic gaze goes to Winter as I face her. Aside from the shaking and her pale skin, it doesn’t look as if she’s been hit either.
Strong arms hug me from behind, whirling me around, and I stare up at Adrian. His brow is furrowed and there’s dried blood on his lips. He’s rugged, hurt, and not his usual composed self, but he’s alive.
He’s back.
Oh, God. He’s back and he’s alive.
“Do you have a fucking death wish, Lia?” He shakes me, threat and what seems like pain creases his brows. “Why did you get in the way of the bullet? If I hadn’t changed the direction at the last second, you would’ve been shot.”
“I…I couldn’t let you harm Winter.”
