Page 121 of Devious Corruption

There’s commotion, another flash, and finally silence.

The lights flicker back on, and pure chaos is laid out in front of me.

Michael lies on the floor at the feet of theArmenians, a bullet hole in his forehead and a pool of blood beneath his head.

The two Armenian men stand over him, the younger one holding a gun in his right hand. His nostrils flare as he glares down at Michael’s dead body.

The older, holding another gun, stares in my direction, toward my feet.

Marco is laid out over the table, his head turned at an odd angle. His neck has been broken. His lifeless eyes gaze off into the distance.

Tony lies on the floor at the back door. His shirt is soaked with blood, his chest full of bullets.

I close my eyes, unsure if I want to see the rest. There’s no sound at my feet where Keith was groaning.

When I open them, I see him, lying before me, one bullet in his neck. I jump away from the blood spreading across the floor toward me.

I check for Joey and find him standing in the same place. He’s staring at Keith on the floor, his mouth hanging open.

Lev’s at my side in the next breath, wrapping his arms around me, holding me to his chest. I grab hold of his shirt and press myself into him.

“You’re okay.”

“I am.” I need his strength. Need his warmth and his love.

“I’m sorry.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong.” He kisses my forehead, my cheek. “This isn’t your fault.”

“Keith’s dead.” I cry into his shirt.

Lev grabs hold of my face, wiping away tears from my cheeks. “I know.”

He hugs me again. I get a glimpse of Elana.

Kaz has her in an embrace, while Alexander and Ivan are holding her hands.

“They did come,” I whisper.

Lev pulls back; checks to see what I’m talking about.

“Of course they did.”

“She was dating Tony DeAngelo.”

“They know. They won’t hurt her, Max.” He assures me when my body goes rigid. “They’re going to take care of her.”

“He’s dead, they’re all dead.”

“Yeah.” He nods. “But you’re not. And I’m not.”

“No, we’re not.” I hug him again.

“Max?” Joey’s voice breaks through all the horror running through my mind.

Lev releases me, but only to give me enough space so I can see him.

“Joey.”