Page 46 of Sin & Fall

Zack

All I can see is Chloe’s terrified face as she’s pulled off the road.

I tear myself from the car, but as soon as I’m out, I’m grabbed by the collar of my jacket and tossed onto the asphalt. My chin scrapes along the ground. Burning pain sears my skin as it’s torn up. But I don’t give a shit about the pain. I’ll take it all to save her.

I try to get to my feet, but a swift kick to the ribs has me winded. Rolling onto my back, I manage to get my knife out in time to slash at my attacker’s ankle. He’s wearing thick boots, so I don’t manage to cut him, but he’s cowardly enough to back off anyway.

Springing to my feet, I wipe the blood from my chin with the back of my hand. With my knife pointed at Jonah, one of the asshole bikers from the bar, I look across the road for Chloe.

Travis has her pinned on her back and he sneers down at her, saying something too quietly for me to hear.

Whatever it is has got her looking scared. More scared than I’ve seen her all night.

He’ll lose his tongue for that.

Even when I forced her to be prey for other men, she didn’t tremble. And covered in blood, she became something else entirely.

“She still owes us what was promised,” Jonah says, nervously. Travis has most likely dragged him into this. Which means he’s weak.

I take a swing at him, and he grabs my wrist, twisting it back. Before I drop the knife, I punch him in the gut, making him loosen his grip enough for me to slip free and stab him in the chest. I don’t have time to see if it was a killing blow.

Pulling the blade out, I rush to Chloe. I can’t move fast enough. Each step feels like she’s moving further away from me.

“Chloe!”

Hollow eyes find mine.

She’s given up.

No, no, no. This isn’t how it’s supposed to end.

“Chloe!” I roar her name and push forward. As I get closer, I notice the gun pressed to her temple.

She gives me a soft smile like she knows this is it for her.

I was stupid to keep pushing her away, but I thought hurting her now would be better than ripping her heart out and tearing it to shreds like mine will be come morning’s light.

I want her—no, Ineedher to live.

That obsession I thought I had for her? Turns out it’s far more than that.

“Don’t you dare give up!” I shout, and Travis looks up. “Do as I say and fight back! You live for me now!”

That stokes the embers inside her and brings her glow back.

I’m so close. A few more steps, then I’ll feel the warm spray of blood as I gut the fucker that dares to try and break her.

“We saw what you did to Jackson’s place,” Travis gloats. “You’re going to make sure we keep our mouths shut. Your girl here is going to keep us sweet while you give us everything you have, including the car.”

He’s so smug, he thinks I’ll stop because of the gun. I should. I’m risking Chloe’s life by getting too close. But I can’t do nothing. Not anymore.

Chloe lets out a guttural scream that rattles my bones.

“No!” I stumble as I see her reach for his arm. She catches him unawares and manages to push the gun toward his chest. By the time he looks down, she’s already making him pull the trigger.

He rolls off her with a groan, and presses on his wound. Using the opening, I grab Chloe and pull her to me where she belongs.

She buries herself under my jacket. Her cold face presses against my bare chest, and her arms wrap around my back. I can’t move as I struggle to process what I’m feeling.