Page 104 of Five

Maybe I’ve always known, but I was just too pigheaded to acknowledge it.

It doesn’t matter now. No one tries to hurt her and lives.

I’m vaguely aware of shouting going on around me, but the words don’t penetrate.

The slippery bastard is wilier than I gave him credit for, stronger than he looks.

We’ve been rolling around the floor for far too long, and I’m beginning to feel lightheaded, although I have no idea why. I’m a fit guy and this little runt shouldn’t be any kind of challenge.

Somehow, he finds his feet, yanking his arm out of my grip so that he’s aiming his gun at my head at point blank range.

Not today, asshole.

With everything I have in me, I pull my fist back and smash it into the bastard’s face. His head whips back with a sickening crack.

Blood spouts from his nose and mouth and one of his teeth goes flying.

The force of the blow knocks him off balance. Or maybe I’ve finally killed the fucker.

Either way, he topples over, falling over the metal excuse for a railing, which is the only barrier between the mezzanine and the long drop to the floor below.

I drop to my knees, relief overwhelming the adrenaline I’ve been running on.

Pain registers, my shoulder stinging like a bitch.

“We need a paramedic up here, now! Gunshot wound.” I hear Oliver shout, but it sounds like it’s coming from a long way away. I need to lie down.

“Jesse!” Neve shouts my name.

Sweet Neve.I was so wrong about her. I need to tell her—

I think it’s her hands I can feel on my forehead, her tears I can feel dripping onto my face, but I can’t focus properly because my vision is blacking out around the edges.

There’s a thunder of footsteps on the stairs. A cacophony of voices.

“Hurry up! He’s bleeding out.”

Who the fuck’s been shot?

My head lolls to the side, and I look at my bloody, torn up shoulder.

Shit. It’s me.

I can feel the life draining out of me and squint my eyes, determined that the last thing I see will be this selfless angel who puts everyone before herself. Who has given my brothers back their purpose.

I wish I’d gotten to taste her more than just that once.

“Neve.” It comes out as a whisper, and she ducks her head close to hear me.

I tangle my good hand in her silky hair. “Look after them all.”

“Jesse!” Her eyes whip to mine, bringing her mouth within a centimeter, and I use my failing grip to pull her to me until my lips graze hers, and I can die happy.

That’s the last thing I’m aware of before the darkness claims me.

Twenty-Nine

Remi