“Run inside!” Hero yelled, drawing his gun.
I hesitated, confused by what was going on. It was just a minivan.
The side door flung open. Three men wearing masks jumped out. Hero charged toward them. One grabbed me from behind and I screamed. He shoved a rag into my mouth. I shook my head, struggling to break free as I searched for Emilee and Tara. Did they run inside?
“Stupid bitch, you’re coming with us,” the man hissed in my ear. “Get the others!”
Everything felt like a dream… A painfully slow nightmare. The masked men were dressed in black. As I watched from the sideline, I only heard the whooshing sound of my pulse. Nails dug into my arm, dragging me back. I couldn’t get any traction wearing flip flops. If I’d had my boots on, I could kick and stomp on his foot. Instead, my sorry excuse for shoes came off as I tried to pull away.
AJ ran toward me, drawing his gun.Yes! He’ll save me.
An arm went around my neck, putting me in a chokehold. My attacker let loose of one of my arms. I couldn’t tell what he was doing. Needing to get away, I kicked at the dude’s shins while gagging and clawing at his arm.
Mere feet from me, panic flashed in AJ’s eyes just as gunfire ensured. My ears rang, knocking me off balance. AJ dropped to the ground, eyes wide. Blood poured from his chest, soaking his shirt. Bullets flew. I wasn’t sure where they were coming from. I stared at AJ, tears streaming down my face.
No! God, no! AJ!I tried to scream but only choked on the rag in my mouth, unable to break away. He was bleeding too much. I needed to stop it. He needed me.God, help him. Please…
I searched for the others. A masked man hit Hero over the head with a lead pipe. He went down hard. My heart seized. Both of our bodyguards were injured.
Emilee ran toward the entrance door. She was tackled to the ground.
Tears flooded my eyes as I fought the man holding me. How could I suggest lunch? A stupid manicure?
Storm… I needed him desperately.
Dragged halfway inside the van, Tara leapt onto the back of the man. She hit him over and over. I couldn’t hear her yelling through the ringing in my ears. Hero was unconscious on the ground, getting kicked in the gut.
It happened so fast. What was a fun afternoon with my friends turned into a nightmare.
I couldn’t scream. Couldn’t breathe. Tara was elbowed in the stomach and fell to the ground. Emilee was tossed into the van with me, Hero next. Tara fought until she was knocked out by the butt end of the gun.
I felt so helpless, sobbing like a baby. Why wasn’t anyone helping us?
“You stupid bitch. You’re more trouble than you’re worth,” the man gritted out, slamming the door closed.
Everything faded as my Storm’s handsome face flashed in my head.
I’m so sorry…