As I did my eyes landed on Xander.
He was there.
I’d barely registered that this was real, and it really was him, before Frankie gunned the engine and took off at lightning speed out of the parking lot in true mobster style.
“Xander,” I gasped when Xander reached forward and touched my face.
His hands were shaking, but it was him. His face was a bloodied mess. Dark, dark circles were under his eyes and he was completely messed up.
“Baby,” he replied and rested his head back on the seat.
I slipped my arm around him and held him. He felt so weak in my arms.
Yes, Pa was right about him being close to death. He looked like he was on the verge of death.
Only God knew how my man must have suffered.
“Baby…” he whispered on the edge of a breath.
“I’m here.” I assured him and looked to Frankie who was looking at me through the rearview mirror.
He did this. Frankie saved Xander and they came for me. They saved me.
“Frankie thank you so much,” I told him. A tear spilled down my cheek. “Thank you so much Frankie.
“Jia, girl we’re in for one rough ride. I’m just letting you know princess. Just letting you know. Your father will not take this lightly.”
I nodded. “I know.”
