“I know. If you don’t return—”
“Then look after Allegra.”
“Promise,” Rain swore.
There was a noise, and they turned.
Allegra stood staring with wide, watery eyes.
“Come here,” Shotgun ordered.
“You can’t go.”
“Baby, get over here,” he repeated.
“Shotgun, you can’t go.” Allegra shook her head.
“Allegra, I’ve got to. This is what I do. Protect people.” Shotgun didn’t need the fight now. He needed support.
“I’m pregnant. You can’t leave,” Allegra said.
Allegra
That was my last card to play. Shotgun couldn’t go out into a war, which might kill him. I selfishly didn’t care about the faceless others out there. I cared about Shotgun. Disappointment crossed Shotgun’s face, and Rain hissed.
“That’s low,” Shotgun murmured, holding my eyes.
“It’s the truth. You knocked me up.”
“No, you’re not. You’re saying that to force me to stay,” Shotgun fired back. There was anger in his eyes.
“Yeah, I am. I’m telling you I’m expecting and need you. You have to stay.”
“Honey,” Rain said, and I held up a hand and cut him off.
“No. Rain, don’t patronise and shush me. I’m fuckin’ pregnant. Make a choice: those faceless and nameless harmless people or your baby. Choose carefully, Shotgun.”
“We’ll speak when we get back,” Shotgun said, and my heart tore in two. He was still going. Putting strangers before me.
“You lied, you said you loved me.”
“I do, babe, but I’m not playing this bullshit game. If I don’t go, innocents will die. My brothers might die, so I’m leaving. Now come here and kiss me,” he ordered.
“No. Go.”
In agony, I turned and walked away.
“Allegra. Don’t make Shotgun leave without a kiss goodbye!” Rain called, appalled.
“Why not? Shotgun thinks he’s invincible; he can kiss me when he returns,” I retorted and headed to the bedroom. I grabbed the handles of the suitcases I had waiting.
“You’ve packed,” Shotgun said.
“I’m going on vacation for two weeks,” I replied. I walked past Shotgun, and he reached out and caught my arm. Shotgun’s eyes warmed as he stared into mine.
“You’re angry right now, baby. I understand. But I fuckin’ love you with everything I have.”
“No. You. Don’t,” I bit out. “Stay safe.”
