Page 144 of Theirs to Desire (Club M: Boxed Set)

NOLAN

K iera bends over me, her face etched with fear, the pink strands of her hair glittering in the light from the parking lot. “Nolan,” she whispers, lacing her fingers in mine.

All I see is her face, her eyes shining with tears. I don’t want to see her cry, ever again. Kiera’s precious to me. I want only happiness for her.

Dimly, I’m aware of one of Xavier’s security guards kneeling next to me, putting pressure on my chest. People swim and out of existence. Then I’m loaded on a stretcher, Caleb and Kiera jumping into the ambulance along with me.

Her hand is still laced in mine.

I look up at Caleb, a question in my eyes. Am I going to die?

Because I don’t want to. I want to live. I want her, I want a house, filled with warmth and laughter. I want vacations with Kiera. I want to show her the world. I want it all.

Caleb doesn’t need to be a mind-reader to understand what I’m asking.

“The paramedics think you’re going to make it,” he says.

“I told them you’re too stubborn to die.

” He’s badly worried. “The bullet just missed your heart. You’ll be spending a few weeks in hospital.

” His eyes narrow. “This time, you better be seeing visitors.”

This isn’t Mogadishu. I’m done holding myself apart.

Kiera and Caleb are the two people I care about most in the world.

“Absolutely.” I fix my gaze on Kiera, who gives me a tremulous smile.

“It’s over,” I tell her as the world once again drifts into darkness.

“Martinez is dead. Your sister is safe. You’re safe. ”

The last thing I hear before I black out is Kiera’s voice. “It’s not over,” she says. “The really good stuff is just beginning.”