Slowly, she peeks through her lids at me. Her cheeks are swollen on both sides, a massive cut on her lip. If I hadn’t already killed the two men who did this to her, I’d torture them until they begged me to end their lives. Now, it’s Franklin who has to pay for what he’s done to Claire.
“Johnny.” Claire lifts her gaze to meet mine. A tear rolls down her cheek. “Are you really here?”
I quickly get to work untying the binds that hold her in place. “I’m here. I’m here. You’re safe now. I’m here.” I help her from the chair and bring her to my chest.
“Johnny? I thought your name was Theo?” Luciano whips his head toward me.
“I…” I really don’t care what he thinks. The only thing on my mind is that Claire is safe. That I found her. That she’s in my arms.
I hold her tightly against my chest, not wanting to ever let her go.
Claire grips me with an equal intensity. Her bloodied face pressed into me. “I’m sorry,” she mumbles.
“Shh.” I kiss the top of her head. “It’s my fault. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Claire.”
Rage, unlike anything I’ve ever known threatens to completely unhinge me. Franklin will pay, if it’s the last thing I do. It’s one thing to fuck with me, but to hurt Claire? He has no idea the beast he’s unleashed.
My gaze flits to the bodies lying on the floor, dead at my hand. Not a bit of remorse or regret. Just cold fury.
“Get out of here.” Luciano takes the gun near my feet. “Use my car. I’ll handle all of this.” He pulls his phone out of his pocket and pushes a button. He presses it to his ear, “Five-oh-four. Mmhm. IDB.” Luciano disconnects the call and hands me his keys. “Seriously, go.”
And for the second time tonight, I put my faith in this complete stranger and hope like hell he doesn’t prove me wrong in trusting him.