Page 37 of Love Me Now: Baltimore & Madelyn

“Of course,” I replied. We were well-fed and letting the music and sounds of the family keep us company. He gave me another kiss and was off to join the men at the bar again.

Suddenly, what sounded like several explosions rocked Seas & Shores Restaurant and Grill. I flew out of my chair to cover Maja and Heir, who screamed. So much noise ensued that I screamed right with them. Bullets bounced off tables, chairs, and glass which shattered around us.

Then, it all stopped.

Breathing heavily, I blinked my eyes hard and attempted to focus. Debris was everywhere, and the sound of a blaring fire alarm was like something out of a horror flick. Underneath me, Heir coughed and rolled over. She too had been shielding Maja. We’d hit the floor so hard that I was sure I’d knocked the wind out of her. Frantically, I checked her to make sure she was okay.

“I’m okay,” she assured me.

“Maja?” I called. Her hands were over her ears, and her eyes were stapled shut. Tears ran swiftly down her temples, but she was physically uninjured.

Genesis’s cries caused my breath to stall.

“Genesis!” I panicked and crawled toward his cries.

Then, I was swept up.

“I got you, baby.” Baltimore’s deep voice instantly calmed my racing heart. He held me close, then reached his hand down to help Heir and Maja from the floor. That was when I noticed everyone running around and checking on the other family members.

“I need to get to Genesis,” I implored. Frantically, my heart raced.

“He’s safe, my baby.” Baltimore’s voice was void of emotion. The look on his face wasn’t one I’d ever seen. He looked calm, yet deadly. Suddenly, Minnie’s blood curdling scream shook the restaurant’s foundation.

I was still basking in the start of my love story. However, this moment was the beginning of another.

THE END.