Page 288 of Vexatious Queen

“No, I can’t,” Vicky said, firmer. And for the first time since I opened my eyes, hope sparked in my chest.

“Useless.”

Christov growled and hit Vicky harder this time, knocking her to the floor and sending the gun sliding away. He bent over and grabbed Vicky by her hair. Blood ran from her nose, and she screamed as he hauled her up to her knees.

“Leave my sister alone,” I yelled and fought the restraints.

He hit her again.

“You’re a coward,” I snarled. “No wonder my mother shot you when she had the chance,” I said, wanting to draw his attention.

His head slowly turned in my direction. “Forget it. I’m going to enjoying wrapping my hands around your throat and watching the life drain from your eyes.”

I held his glare, seeing exactly what my mother had. Understanding her fear more now than ever.

Christov let go of Vicky and took a step in my direction but froze as a shot went off a bullet hitting the wall.

“You shot me,” he growled.

I looked over to see Patricia standing near the duffel, shaking with a gun in her hand.

“Leave her alone. No one touches my daughter.”

He looked at his arm.

“You bitch.”

Christov peeled off his jacket and looked at the hole in his shirt, but the bullet had only grazed him.

“You fucking shot me.”

He balled the coat and threw it at Patricia as he ran at her.

She screamed and pulled the trigger. I yelped as plaster exploded from the wall.

The fight was on, but I didn’t think it would last long.

“Vicky, free me, I can help your mom. I know how to use the gun.”

I yanked on the tape trying to loosen it.

Vicky crawled toward me, the side of her face bruised.

“I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t kill you,” she mumbled, and then bit the edge of the tape on my left arm and tore it in two. “Did you really mean what you said about being my sister?”

She pulled the tape off my left leg as I worked on my right arm.

“Yes, I meant it and have from the first moment we found out. You’re my family, and always will be,” I said, rubbing my wrists.

The gun went off again. Vicky and I ducked as it hit the ceiling this time. Bits of dust and wood sprinkled down on top of us.

“Get off of me,” Patricia yelled, and I watched as she fought hard and smacked him across the face.

Bending over, I pulled the tape from my right ankle as quickly as I could and grabbed Vicky by the shoulders.

“Thank you.”

It was only a heartbeat, but that second between us meant everything. Another shot rang out, and I pushed Vicky to the floor.