Page 8

Isaiah

I know Lilly left the restaurant. When she got up, I was well aware of the fact that she wanted to make a run for it. So, I let her get through the doors before I threw some cash on the table to cover our bill and a tip for the server before I followed her.

Instead of going by foot, I get into my car. I’m careful not to alert her of my presence, even going so far as pulling onto a side street when she stops to take off her shoes. I long to get out and insist she let me drive her home, but she needs some time to cool down.

She’s been twitchy and uneasy since the events in the alley, and I should have known better than to bring her to the restaurant. It was a miscalculation on my part. Forced normalcy wasn’t what she needed. What she needed was a proper explanation and the space to freak out on me.

I’ll beat myself up about it later, after I ensure she gets home safely. Then I’ll start my campaign to win her back. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, and I’ll be damned if I lose her over this. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she’s mine.

Several blocks away from the restaurant, she starts to slow down. At first, I assume it’s because she’s tired from all that running. Then, I notice the way her eyes dart around all of the buildings, and I realize she’s looking for somewhere to step into. I’m not sure what her reason is, but it’s a smart one; she’s not the type to take risks.

I’m about to pull onto another side street to stay out of her line of vision when I notice two men running at her. Abruptly, I stop my vehicle and throw it into park, not caring that I’m blocking the road. I start to run at them, but they’re faster than me.

I watch in horror as they throw Lilly into the back of an unmarked, white van. From the efficiency of their maneuver, I can tell that they’re professionals. It’s highly likely that they’re a second wave of men sent by the boss of the two I’ve already taken care of.

The way they have found out about Lilly so fast is almost commendable. Almost. Because whether they realize it or not, they signed their own death warrants the second they grabbed her.

Coming to my senses quickly, I run back to my vehicle and take off after the van. I’m careful to stay a few car lengths behind them. Unlike the first set of men who came after us, I’m not going to let myself get caught.

Each minute that ticks by is excruciating. I can’t stand the thought of Lilly being alone back there – or worse, with someone that’s scaring her even more. If it wouldn’t put her at risk, I’d shoot the damn back tires out.

Waiting is going to keep her safest, though. I hate that there’s nothing I can do but follow. My rage reaches a boiling point. The longer this little chase goes on, the worse it’s going to be for these guys when we stop.

After about half an hour of tailing, they pull into the parking lot of what looks like an abandoned warehouse. Even though I want to hop out of the car immediately, I’m not stupid enough to think that there aren’t more people in there. So, I drive around the block, giving them time to get inside before I park a little down the street.

I grab my gun and check to make sure that my magazine is full. Then I get out, weapon in hand, and walk up to the doorway. I push against the door and grin to myself when I find it unlocked.

These guys had no fucking idea I was behind them.

As I creep inside, I notice a distinctive, jagged symbol spray painted onto the wall. All my suspicions are confirmed. This is a rival gang’s hideout. I took out one of their enforcers yesterday, the two men I took out earlier today were members, the guys who took Lilly are members, and they’re using her as collateral. This is so much bigger than I thought. It doesn’t matter, though, I’m going to rescue Lilly, no matter what.

My grip on my weapon tightens, and I advance forward. These motherfuckers are worthless. Women and children are off limits. Everyone in this fucked up business knows that, but apparently, they’re not above breaking rules for their own benefit.

I round a corner and come face to face with a man shorter and stouter than I am. Immediately, I draw my gun and fire a shot. Without the silencer, the bang echoes through the entire warehouse. Whatever cover I had before has been blown, but I don’t care.

I can handle myself.

The man’s body crumples to the ground, and I hear footsteps approaching me quickly. My reflexes sharpened by adrenaline, I turn around and take out the three men approaching me. Then I stand still, waiting for the next round to come. When they don’t come, I go deeper into the warehouse.

I don’t encounter anyone else until I get to a large open area. Lilly is there, tied up in the middle of the room. The two men that took her stand on either side of her, and a third stands behind her. When they see me, their hands go for their waistbands.

Two of them don’t get time to pull out their weapons. I shoot them both, this time aiming for their hands in order to knock the guns to the floor. Both of them crumple and I surge forward, my sights set on the third. But, when I pull the trigger, my gun jams.

With a curse, I toss my weapon aside. Thankfully, the third man seems green. He’s slow to fire, and I take advantage of that momentary hesitation. With a grunt, I jump onto him, knocking both him and the gun to the ground. His head bounces off the ground, and he’s out like a light.

During the struggle, the other two men attempt to get up, reaching out for their own weapons. I stand, kicking the guns away from them. Then, I rest my heel against one of their broken hands and look down at the two of them, taking in the terror in their eyes.

“You couldn’t have possibly expected to get away with this,” I say as I twist my foot against the man’s hand. “Are you people fucking stupid?”

I lift my foot from the man’s hand before he can answer. The other cowers in place, staying close to the ground. It almost looks like he’s playing dead. I sneer down at him, scoffing at the sight.

“I’m giving you fuckers a chance to get out of here,” I spit, taking a step back from the two of them. “And you can tell your boss that I let you off easy. But if any of you come after me or the people I care about again, everyone will end up like your friends in the hallway. Now, get out of here and take your fucking friend with you. Make sure he’s still breathing.”

As the two scramble to get to their feet, I finally look at Lilly. When our eyes lock, something hot and electric passes between the two of us.