Page 102 of Thorns of Desire

She managed a weak smile. “Everything will be okay.”

Another shot rang out and I tried to peer around Umbrio’s wide shoulders. I could only manage quick, sharp breaths, and not knowing what was waiting for us behind the door was only making matters worse for my racing heart.

Umbrio and his men fired their guns, and it wasn’t long before bullets were raging all around us.

“We have to try for the emergency exit,” Umbrio barked at one of his men. “The door. Cover us.”

“I can shoot,” the doctor said. “I can stay behind and cover you too.”

My eyes widened as I took in my badass doctor with fresh eyes.

Umbrio handed her one of his guns and she changed the magazine as she shoved through the men, taking cover behind the door.

“Go now,” she hissed, taking a few shots.

Umbrio’s fingers wrapped around my wrist. “You are to stay behind me.”

I grabbed his belt and held on for dear life as he guided us toward the emergency exit. One step. Two steps. I winced with each ear-splitting sound but stayed focused on my position behind Umbrio. Another step. More shots. Umbrio changed the magazine, never missing a beat. Two more steps.

And we were at the door.

We stepped through and out into a hallway, my body pressed to his back. My heart was drumming so loudly in my ears that it took me a moment to realize it was eerily quiet here.

Suddenly, a hand gripped my upper arm and jerked me away from Umbrio. I gasped, watching in slow motion as a bullet hit him in the back.

I spun around and a shocked gasp tore from my lips. An eternity passed before I could react, my heart breaking with the realization.

“You fucking cunt!” I screamed, lunging for my mother at the same time a strong hand yanked me back and I fell flat on my ass.

A hood was pulled over my head and I was picked up off the ground, then thrown over a bony shoulder.

I tried to cry for help.

“Shut the fuck up or I’ll snap your neck.”

I stilled as all my thoughts rushed to my baby. I had to calm down, I had to think rationally.

I heard the sound of a car’s engine followed by a door opening. I was thrown onto a firm leather seat and told once again to stay quiet.

As I lay there, the metal of a seat belt digging into my hip, I could think of only one thing: I would never get the chance to tell my husband how much I loved him.

FORTY-TWO

MANUEL

My phone rang again and I let it go to voicemail—again. I didn’t tolerate interruptions when I was on a call with the Omertà members. Today’s topic was particularly tense as we discussed the status of the Romero girls who were still missing. Their father was ready to wage all-out war to bring them back—not that I could blame him.

The sheer terror of someone causing harm to my unborn child or my wife caused a tightness in my chest. I’d lived among violence my entire life and it had never bothered me.

Until now.

Now it made me paranoid that destiny would catch up to me and it’d be my family that would pay for my sins. And that wouldn’t fucking do.

I drummed my fingers restlessly. Athena was in town right now and I regretted not going with her, but this call couldn’t be rescheduled.

My cell rang again and I flicked a glance at the screen. The moment I saw Umbrio’s name, a feeling of dread took shape in the pit of my stomach.

I muted the call.