My entire body shakes so violently I’m worried I’ll drop the gun. “What, like a contract killer? You and Gable?” Oh God, I’m going to be sick.
He nods, and I can’t hold back my whimper.
“I wasn’t going to tell you. And I wasn’t going to let thishappen, but I fell for you. And … I’m sorry, I’m so fucking sorry, but now you’re in danger, and I can’t let anything happen to you.”
I flex my hands around the gun. “Me? Why me?”
“I don’t know, but you were a job, too,” he says, and my heart sinks. “At first!”
My back meets the wall. “You came here to kill me.”
“Yes, but I knew something didn’t add up, so I didn’t. And I was right: there’s no reason for you to have a bounty, but you do. It might be your connection to me, it might be your dad, but they know about you,” he says, stepping forward. “I won’t let them hurt you.”
“You stay the fuck away from me.”
Where’s your phone, Ella?
I glance at the kitchen counter where my purse is. Right next to Asher. If I want out of this, there’s only one thing I can do.
Shoot him, Ella.
“Please let me protect you,” he says. “I love y?—”
“No!” I scream. “You’re tricking me. This was all a fucking trick. You don’t love me.”
My words break him, I see it happen, but I’m humiliated. I bragged about this guy, fell for him, and now I feel like an idiot. He isn’t the person I thought he was. Not even close.
Tears fill my eyes. “You’ve done nothing but lie to me.”
“I haven’t, Ella, I promise,” he says. “Just this side of my life, and Icouldn’ttell you. Everything else was true. My life, my mom, Gable, how I feel about you—it’s all fucking true.” He swallows and takes a deep breath. “But we have to go.”
“We?” I actually laugh. “You think I’m going anywhere with you?”
“Ella, there are people who are going to kill you,” he says. “They won’t stop until they’ve succeeded. You cannot stay here. You have to come with us.”
Fuck. You. Buddy.
“Not a fucking chance.”
The door opens, and I almost stumble backward. Gable appears, Motor at his feet, bag in his hand.
He looks at me. “She took it well, then?”
“Not now, Gable,” Asher snaps. “Ella, look at me.” I do. “I’m still the same guy. And I love you. I can’t leave here knowing you could be dead next week. I’m sorry, but even if I have to force you to leave with me, I will.”
“Fucking try,” I snarl, squaring my shoulders.
“Leave her,” Gable says. “I’m not dying because she’s stubborn as fuck.”
“Keep talking, Gable,” I whisper through gritted teeth. “I might hesitate killing Asher, but I’d have pointed a gun at you today for no reason at all.”
Gable rolls his eyes. “I’ll meet you downstairs. Five minutes. My advice? Ditch her.” He whistles high and quick and Motor follows him out.
I don’t move, don’t falter, don’t let myself tremble anymore despite the overwhelming urge to do so. Asher stares at me and then notices my purse. He opens it and takes out my phone, holding up a hand as he crouches and slides the device across the floor to me.
“If you won’t let me protect you, then call your dad.”
I glance between the phone and him.
