Jake sounded calm, but the bulging veins in his neck and outstretched arms told a different story. Olivia could see each muscle and tendon as he held the gun steady. Tension poured from his body, and even though he wasn’t looking directly at her, she could tell Jake wanted nothing more than to pull the trigger.
The man’s hold on her throat tightened, making it almost impossible to breathe. Olivia stood on her tiptoes to ease the pressure, but found very little relief.
“Drop your gun, or I will shoot her!”
Spittle hit her cheek, and she knew Shorty was starting to panic.He’s not the only one.
Still speaking in that low, controlled voice, Jake said, “You do, and you’re dead before she hits the ground. Let her go, and I might let you live.”
“Bullshit! You think I’m fucking stupid, gringo? You’ll shoot me the second she’s free.”
Ignoring Shorty, Jake’s eyes moved to hers. “You doing okay there, Olivia?” He looked down to the ground and back up at her.
His question took her off guard. She tried to nod her head, but Shorty’s arm was in the way.
“You’re going to be alright, Olivia.” He broke eye contact to look to the ground again.
Olivia appreciated that he was trying to make her feel better, but she’d rather he be working on a plan to get them the hell out of this mess.
When Jake spoke to her once more, his gaze was intense, his words clear and precise. “Are you listening to me, Olivia?”
What was he doing? And why did he keep saying her name like that? Olivia wished like hell she could ask him.
“Everything is going to be okay, Olivia.”
One final time, Jake lowered and raised his eyes. He was trying to tell her something...but what?
Her mind worked overtime to figure out what he wanted her to do. It was hard to think, though, when she could barely get any air into her lungs.
Dark spots were beginning to flash all around her. If Jake didn’t do something soon, she was going to pass out.
That’s it!
Olivia’s pulse spiked when she realized exactly what he was telling her. Without a second’s hesitation, she closed her eyes and let her entire body go limp. In his struggle to keep hold of her, Shorty inadvertently moved his gun from her head, giving Jake the chance he needed.
A loud boom thundered through the air, and Olivia felt something warm and wet splatter against her face. She collapsed to the ground under Shorty’s weight.
“Olivia!”
Wiggling the bottom half of her body, she tried to roll out from beneath the dead man. She was still struggling when suddenly, the crushing weight was gone.
Olivia tried to push herself up, but then Jake was there, helping her to her feet. He untied her, then began running his hands frantically over her body, checking for injuries.
“Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”
She shook her head. “N-no. He didn't h-hurt me.”
Relief filled Jake’s face. “Thank God.”
Pulling her into his arms, he enveloped her with his warm embrace. They stood like that for several seconds, gripping each other tightly, neither wanting to let go.
Minutes later, Jake stepped back just enough to get a good look at her. He raised his hand, and she flinched, instantly regretting the movement.
Understanding filled his eyes as he gently wiped Shorty’s blood from her cheek. “You’re safe now, sweetheart. I promise.” Then, he kissed her.
When they finally broke apart, Olivia couldn’t help but ask, “Is it really over, Jake?”
He cupped her face. “Yeah, baby. It's really over.”
