Launching myself at him, I bury the letter opener in the side of his neck, shoving it to the hilt. It goes in a lot easier than I imagined. Blood sprays from the wound, hitting me in the face, and I know I have hit an artery.
His eyes pop wide as he staggers back, his legs going out from under him. He collapses flat on his back on the carpeted floor, making a strange gurgling sound. Blood leaks from his neck and spills from his mouth as I stand frozen in place, my entire body trembling as I hold a shaky hand over my lips. I see the moment the light dies in his eyes, and his body stops twitching.
Oh my God. I killed him. I just killed a man.
It seems like barely any time has passed, but time has lost all meaning as I stand rooted to the spot, numb with shock. I stare at the dead man with my letter opener stuck in his neck, shaking uncontrollably until I push through the fog in my brain and spring into action.
Rowan!
What if they have gone after him too? I know this is no random attack. Ben was worried this week for a reason, and it’s obvious this is connected. The dead guy must be Russian, and whatever beef he had with them still exists. I curse myself for not demanding Ben tell me more, and I make a silent promise to get answers from him.
But it can wait. Right now, I need to make sure our son is safe.
Racing out to the hall, I drop to my knees beside Alesso. I’m panting heavily as I press a finger to the pulse in his neck, emitting a cry of relief when I feel the steady vibration under his skin. I look up, grateful Wednesdays are usually quiet at the center and that it’s the manager’s day off.
Dragging Alesso into my room by his feet, I lock the door, praying to every deity known to mankind that he wakes up soon. I need him. Flinging papers off my desk, I find my cell and dial Frank’s number with shaky hands. He answers immediately and I almost cry in relief. “Where’s Rowan?” I shout. “Is he safe? Do you have eyes on him right now?”
“He’s in class.” I hear the confusion and concern in his tone. “He’s safe. I’m looking at him right now. What’s going on, Sierra? Where’s Alessandro?”
“I don’t have time to explain. I just need you to take Rowan out of class right now and drive him to my parents’ house.” I’m not risking going home. If they know where I work, they know where I live. Dad has a security firm on speed dial, and the house is like Fort Knox. It’s the safest place I can think of. “I was attacked, but I’m okay. They drugged Alesso, but he has a pulse. I’m going to call Ben now, but I need you to keep our son safe. Please, Frank. Don’t let anything happen to him.”
“I will protect your son with my life, Sierra. I promise you that. Ian is here, and we won’t let anyone harm him. Call Ben and hold tight until he sends reinforcements. Call me back if you need me.”
I hang up without a goodbye, instantly pressing Ben’s number. I have never called him before, and I don’t know how easy he is to get a hold of. All our arrangements are usually done by text or prearranged the previous week. My heart is racing like a Formula 1 car as the phone rings and rings. Eventually, just before it disconnects, he picks up.
“Sierra. Is everything okay?” he asks before I have said a word.
Brief relief rushes through me when I hear his voice. In a garbled tone, I tell him what has happened.
“Are you hurt?”
“I’m fine.” It’s not really a lie even if my wrist is hurting, my cheek stings, and my throat feels scraped raw.
“It’s going to be okay. I promise,” he says in a calm voice that offers much-needed reassurance. “Do you have your gun on you?”
I nod until I remember he can’t see me. “Yes. I have it.”
“Get it. Keep the door locked and your gun pointed at it. Fire at anyone who enters unannounced. I am going to send men to you, and I’ll contact Frank.”
“If they get to Rowan, I—”
“No one is touching our son,” he growls, and I hear movement in the background. His breath sounds uneven, like he might be running. Muffled conversation filters down the line as he talks to someone I can’t hear. “Leo is talking to Frank,” he confirms. “They are in the car en route to your parents’ house. No one appears to be following them.”
Air whooshes out of my mouth in grateful relief. “If anything happens to him, Ben, I will die,” I sob, as tears spill out of my eyes and down my cheeks.
“Sierra. Listen to me. Rowan is safe. No one is getting past Frank and Ian. I need you to stay calm, sweetheart, until I can get help to you. Can you do that for me, Firefly?”
I nod again. “What about the dead guy?” I whisper.
“I’ll handle it. Just focus on protecting yourself until Alessandro wakes or my men arrive.”
A sob rips from my mouth, and I feel so cold. I think it’s delayed shock. “Okay,” I whisper, wishing he was here and not miles away in New York.
“Sierra,” he says in a gentle tone. “You did good. You did real good, sweetheart, and you are going to be fine. So is Rowan.” I don’t know if he believes it or he’s just saying it to stop me from losing my shit. “I am coming to take care of you. I will be there as soon as I can, and I will keep you both safe. I promise.”
“Hurry,” I whisper before hanging up.
31
