“Lilly . . .” I can hear the anguish in his voice.
She brushes my bloody hair aside with the barrel of the gun so she can look me in the eyes.
Even though it’s only the cold metal touching me, I recoil in disgust. That seems to piss her off, because she slaps me again.
“You’re not going anywhere, slut. We’re leaving together. We’d already be gone if that idiot helper of mine hadn’t been late.”
“You really think you’ll get away with this?” Amos asks. “You’re wanted everywhere.”
“I’m sure I will. I’ve been off the radar for years and would’ve stayed that way if it weren’t for your interference. I should’ve killed you when I had the chance. But no, I listened to that bastard Jonathan. He thought you had potential. Weak, yes, but I can’t deny you were always a good-looking kid. I think he had plans for you. He always had a thing for tanned skin.”
Her insinuation turns my stomach, and I can see Amos’s eyes darken. I know him too well. He’s barely holding himself together—for my sake.
“Drop the gun,” I hear her command. “On the floor. Now. Or she dies.”
My instinct tells me to close my eyes and pretend I’ve passed out again.
“You don’t have to do this. I’ll go with you,” I hear him offer.
“You think I’m stupid? You’d escape easily. Now do as I said, push the fucking gun over here.”
Through my barely open eyes, I can see the hesitation on his face. I want to tell him not to do it, that she’ll hurt him next, but I can’t let her know I’m still conscious.
After another glance at me, he finally obeys. She laughs.
It’s not joy—it’s the confident laugh of someone who thinks she’s won.
She turns toward me, and I force myself to stay still, barely breathing. After seeming to hesitate for a moment, she drops her own weapon on the couch and bends to grab his from the floor.
Deep down, I still hoped she just wanted to take me as a hostage, but when she points the gun at Amos, I know she intends to kill him.
The thought of seeing him hurt is terrifying, and my body floods with adrenaline.
“You’re really stupid. Always have been,” she hisses. “Can’t you see that generous heart of yours only brings trouble? Did you think you’d just walk away from this?”
“I don’t care about me. Just let Lilly go.”
I would never leave without him. I won’t let this monster hurt him. I won’t let Amos sacrifice himself for me.
Just the thought of that wretched woman trying to steal our future makes me hate her in a way I never thought I could hate anyone. I stop paying attention to what they’re sayingbecause I need to focus on what must be done. I have to act, or it will be the end for both of us.
Slowly, I try to remember those times Ethan took me to the shooting range.
I focus on staying silent as I crawl toward the gun.
Just a little more . . . I just need to reach a little farther…
Finally, my fingers brush it. Even without knowing whether I can do it, I stand and point the gun at her back.
I know Amos can see me, but he doesn’t let a flicker of expression show.
My body wavers, and I bump the coffee table.
Maria spins toward me. “What do you think you’re doing, bitch?” Her fury shifts back to me, but she’s still pointing the gun at Amos.
From the corner of my eye, I see him move too, but I can’t afford to look at him now.
“Drop the gun,” I say, praying my voice doesn’t reveal how groggy I still feel.
