What if she’s hurt?
“I don’t see anyone,” Kurt says. He sounds pissed.
“Nico?” Sofia whispers. “Did someoneshootat us?”
“Yes.” Though I’m loath to release her, I know I need to get her someplace safer—either the SUV or back inside.
I quickly lift my head, glancing in both directions. The car is closer. And the door is already open. But the building is more protected. I have more backup in there.
“We need to move,” I tell her. “I’ll carry you inside. Everything’s going to be alright.”
She shudders against me. Her voice is achingly small as she replies, “Okay.”
“Kurt, open the door,” I order. “We’re going back inside.Now.”
“On it.” He rushes to the building and unlocks the door. Then he props the door open with his foot and shifts back into high ready stance. “You’re good to move.”
I turn Sofia in my arms so she’s facing me. “When I get up, wrap your legs around me. Keep your head against my chest.”
She nods. Sniffles. “Okay, Nico.”
On a silent prayer, I tighten my hold on her and get ready to move. Fear surges.
Not for me. For Sofia.
I can’t let her get hurt. Not again.
“Hold on,” I murmur. “Right—” My muscles tense.“Now.”
Leaping up, I clutch Sofia to my body and sprint to the door. She does what I asked, wrapping her legs around my waist and burying her face into my shirt.
My body anticipates the burn of a bullet wound as I run.
It’s not far to go, maybe ten feet or so. But it feels like miles.
Shoot me,I bargain silently,but not her.
Then I cross the threshold of the building.
Kurt flings the door shut behind us.
A buzz of voices hurry towards us. They’re alarmed. Worried.
I sink to my knees, still holding Sofia. My chest is heaving, not from exertion, but fear. “Fuck, Soph. Shit.” With a shaking hand, I stroke her cheek. “Are you hurt? Did I hurt you when I knocked you down? Did you get shot?Shit.”
Her frightened gaze meets mine. “I’m okay. I’m not hurt.”
“Shit.” I set her away from me so I can check her body for injuries. “Are you sure? I didn’t mean to take you down that hard. Or shrapnel. Shit. Did any metal hit you?”
“Nico.” She takes a shuddering breath. “I’m not hurt. But…” She touches my face. “Are you hurt? You covered me with your body. Did you?—”
“I’m fine.” Once I confirm she’s uninjured, I gather Sofia to me again. “But, shit. Ah, shit. You were almost—” My throat closes. It wastoo close.
“I’m okay.” She rests her head on my shoulder. Her breath feathers my neck. “You kept me safe. Again.”
Maybe so. But she shouldn’t have been shot at to start with.
Guilt crashes into me. And following close behind, rage.
