Page 81

CHAPTER 80

ALEXEI

The Other Side, Ruelle

“I’ll take them back with me,” Enzo points to Ben and Sven in the back.

“Yeah, I’ll call you later.” I swing open the passenger door before he can even come to a stop outside my house.

I need a fucking shower. Lara won’t mind, I bet she’s going to be crazy excited to see me.

She’s all I can think about.

I’ve missed her so much it hurts. I’ll never leave her again.

In fact, I am going to ask her to be my wife. She always wanted to be a beautiful bride, I want to give her that.

I’d give her anything she desires.

I just need to get the perfect ring, one that will make her smile every time she looks at it. Maybe a pink one. She loves anything that color.

I sprint to the front door and barge my way through.

“Baby, I’m home!” I call out, heading straight for the living room.

It’s eerily quiet.

Shelia and Bruce will be out in the yard. Lara’s car is in the driveway.

I round the corner towards the dining room and I freeze when I see a pair of feet.

“Lara?”

My heart almost stops. I rush over to her and drop to the floor beside her.

“Lara, baby, wake up.”

She’s so still. Peaceful even.

I want to be sick.

With trembling hands, I roll her to face me as gently as I can. Looking down at her pale face, my blood runs cold.

“No, no, no.”

Tears roll down my cheeks, I lean in against her, pressing my lips against hers, there's a faint, really faint bit of breath there.

How long has she been here?

Digging out the new cell Enzo gave me, I call him, wiping away my tears and cradling her lifeless body in my lap.

“Come on, baby. You can’t leave me. Please.”

Enzo’s deep voice cuts through.

“Hello?”

“It’s Lara. You need to help me. I need a fucking ambulance. Hospital. I don’t know. I think she’s dying. Help me.” The words tumble out of my mouth in pure panic.

“What? You gotta keep it together, Alexei.”

I hear the tires screech in the background.

“She got a pulse?” Enzo asks calmly.

I press two fingers on her throat. Why is she cold?

“I think so. It’s not strong. Is she going to die?”

I smash my palm against my forehead. I can’t lose her. She’s my entire life.

I’d sell my soul to the devil to make sure she’s okay.

I’d die for her.

I love her so much it hurts.

Enzo’s steady voice cuts through this agony. “Alexei, I need you to carry her carefully to the car. Your friends are coming in to help now. Okay?”

“Y-yes.”

Now isn’t a time to break down.

She needs me to fight for her.