My Heart
We finally make our way to the back of the house. The warm sun hits my face. He turns in every direction while still shielding my body.
All of a sudden I hear the cock of a gun and I jump to the sound. Beefcake swings his body around, pulling me safely behind him.
Luca is aiming his shotgun at us. He could kill Beefcake in one shot, and I can’t have that.
“Just stop!” I shout. “Please don’t shoot him!” I emerge and he shoves me behind him again.
“No! I can’t have any more of you die because of me!” I sob. He’s still looking at Luca, aiming his gun at him while speaking.
“What are you talking about, any more of us? Stay the fuck back, Erica!” he orders, but I don’t listen. That’s until I hear a voice from the heavens.
“Put your mother fucking gun down now or I’ll blow your brains out!” Jared’s voice fills the air and my mouth gapes at the sight of him.
His gun is pointed at Luca’s head, and Luca starts to lower his weapon to the ground.
“You will die for this, Mr. Knox. She is mine and I will come back for her,” Luca threatens.
“Over my dead body, fucker,” Jared snarls, and pulls out a knife.
“I want you to look at that woman over there and apologize for hurting her.”
“Fuck her!” he grunts, and Jared puts a knife to Luca’s throat. My eyes widen.
“Last chance, fucker.” Jared smirks like he’s enjoying this.
“Okay, okay! I’m sorry!” Luca looks at me and my eyes widen when Jared takes his knife and slowly slits Luca’s throat. He is gurgling and gasping for air. We all watch slowly as he takes his last breath. Jared is satisfied when he wipes his knife on Luca’s suit jacket and walks over to me like he just went to the store and is done shopping.
His face turns soft when he reaches me.
“You’re alive?” I sob, covering my mouth with my hand. I fall to my knees and cry, and I must look crazy but I don’t care. Beefcake is trying to hold me upright and Jared’s hands are holding my face. He makes me look at him.
“Did he tell you I was dead?” he growls, anger radiating off his body.
All I can do is nod. I can’t speak as my breaths quicken and hyperventilation kicks in.
“Breathe, baby; I’m here. I’m alive and you’re safe,” he assures me, and I jump into his arms. He grunts then wraps his arms around me as I cling to him for dear life.
“He he t-t-told m-m-ee…” I can’t even finish my sentence as sobs wrack my body.
“Shh, baby,” he murmurs. Then I feel him pick me up bridal-style and carry me over to the car.
“Get someone over here to take care of the bodies and be on high alert for Antonio. He will be looking for his son,” Jared orders, and I feel his body shaking as well.
He places me gently in the back seat. He scoots in and picks me up again placing me on his lap.
“Are you hurt anywhere?” he asks in a concerned tone, rubbing my back. I whisper ‘no’, holding him tighter.
“Grady, call the doc. Have him meet us at the bar.”
“On it,” Grady replies, and the rest of the car ride is silent.
I must have fallen asleep from the lack of food and adrenaline. I can hear them talking but I choose to keep my eyes closed.
“Is she going to be okay?” Jared is speaking.
“It looks like she hasn’t eaten since she was taken a couple of days ago. She is very dehydrated and has bruises around her throat and between her legs.” That must be the doc.