Officers storm into the room yelling orders for everyone to put their hands up.
While the officers try to figure out what had happened, my brother wakes up in a daze. Paramedics arrive a moment later and help him out. My eyes scan the crowded room. A female police officer is talking to Abi, and two other officers are escorting Charlie out in handcuffs.
Victor stays by my side while another older officer asks us questions. My brain is clear and I’m thankful it’s working so I can recall the events in detail. Victor brushes his arm against mine, sending jolts through my body. It’s his way of showing support without getting us arrested for indecent behavior in public.
As soon as the interview is done, Victor and I rush to Alek’s side. Abi is already there, hugging him and crying.
“I’m okay, babe. The medic said I don’t even have a concussion. I was knocked out, but I will be okay.”
“What if he had stabbed you?” Abi says between sobs.
“Sorry man, but you were about to be deli meat if not for Tia,” Victor says, and Abi sobs louder. Alek gives me a horrified look.
I sigh. “Charlie was going to stab you after he knocked you out, but I distracted him.”
Victor flinches—eyebrows furrowing, nose scrunching up. But then he leans in and kisses me on top of my head.Whoa. In front of Alek?
Alek smiles and the corners of his eyes lift up. “Get your hands off of her… so I can hug her properly.”
For a brief second I experience one of those moments when you think hell will open and suck you in alive, but the moment passes instantly as I realize something has shifted between Victor and Alek. Abi disentangles herself from Alek. He hugs me tight.
“Thank you, Twinkle, for saving me.”
“I’ll save your butt anytime, brother. Just like you’ve always done for me.” I pull away from him and say, “I love you, Alek.”
“I love you, Twinkle. And please don’t scare me anymore.”
With the corner of my eye, I detect Victor’s lips turning up in a small smile.
“How did you guys find me?”
“Abi and I didn’t know you were gone until Victor stormed into the apartment, asking for you. He confessed how much he loves you, blah blah blah.” Alek laughs and Abi punches his shoulder. “Fine. So I only punched him once in the shoulder for lying to me and for falling in love with my sister. And I was nice enough to punch him in the shoulder and not where the other injuries are.” Alek rolls his eyes and smiles again. “Victor noticed Abi’s car was missing and we tracked it on her phone. It has GPS. I was in my car first and rushed in.”
The tears that have been building finally release. Victor pulls me into his hard chest.
“I love you,” I whisper.
Victor pushes me away, but only few inches so he can examine my face.
“What was that?”
“I said I love you.”
“Huh? Come again?” he teases.
“I love you. I love you. I love you,” I shout, laughing.
He crushes me against his body.
“I love you too.”
And I stay there snuggled to his body until I melt. His love has brought me back to life.
His love has awakened the fighter in me.
Chapter Thirty
“Aren’t you supposed to be stressed out? Those are the last exams you’ll ever take.”
