Page 79 of Taming a Ruthless Heart

Years of pain and terror flash before my eyes, fueling the rage that burns in me.I fire again and the bullet slams into his chest.I take another shot, this one to his groin.I keep pulling the trigger until the magazine is empty.With each shot, I take back something he’s stolen from me.

When the gun finally clicks empty, I lower it, my chest heaving, my hands shaking.Dave steps closer to me, accepting the weapon I return to him.He holsters the pistol, staring into my eyes.His face beams with respect, relief, and gratitude.He doesn’t say a word as he folds his arms around me.He doesn’t have to, his heart beating frantically against mine is enough for now.

We turn to Rose and Pete, still on the floor.I scoop Rose into my arms, cradling her fragile body against my chest, whispering words of comfort even though she can’t hear me.Dave does the same with Pete, his strong arms gentle as he lifts the boy.

“We need to get them to a hospital,” he states.

I nod, unable to speak.We rush out of the lab, our footsteps echoing in the sterile silence.Behind us, Igor’s lifeless body lies sprawled on the floor, a fitting end for the monster who’d taken so much from us.

The maze of corridors blurs as we run.My heart pounds with every step, each beat a silent prayer that we’ll make it in time.

Once outside, I recognize Tommy, Dave’s brother, holding open the back door of a black SUV.Dave climbs in and I follow him.We settle the kids in our laps as Shelby, Tommy’s twin, jumps into the driver’s seat.Tommy barely closes the passenger door before Shelby peels away, tires screeching as he speeds toward the nearest hospital.

The silence in the car is punctuated only by the labored breaths of the kids.I clutch Rose close to me, feeling her warmth, as if that alone can keep her safe, alive.

When we reach the hospital, everything becomes a blur of movement and flashing lights.The emergency room doors slide open, and medical staff swarm us, their voices merging into a chaotic symphony of questions and commands.I hold on tight to Rose until a nurse gently pulls her from my arms.

“We’ll take care of her,” she assures me with a calm, practiced tone.

A staff member guides us to a waiting area while the kids are rushed into treatment.The room is sterile, too bright, too empty.Dave and I sink into the plastic chairs, the tension palpable with unspoken fears.His hand finds mine, his fingers squeezing with a strength that grounds me, even as my mind spirals with the worst possibilities.

The door creaks open, and I look up, expecting a doctor, but instead, Nikolai strides in, tall and muscular, with steely eyes.His blond hair is tousled.Nikolai and Dave have been friends forever, bound together by the darkness of their world and the loyalty forged by shared danger.Today, though, there’s a softness to his usually impenetrable expression.

“Ray’s here, too, on the other floor, treating him for his gunshot wounds,” he says quietly.

My chest tightens as I remember Nadya’s affectionate tone when she spoke about Ray.Now she’s gone, and Ray’s in pain, lying somewhere in this hospital, hurt because of us.

“I’d like to see him.”I look up at Dave.

Dave nods.“Of course.”

Nikolai gestures for us to follow him.We move down silent corridors, the smell of antiseptic sharp in the air.Nikolai opens a door, leading us in.

Ray is propped up in bed, his shoulder heavily bandaged.His hair is a mix of red and gold, and a thick beard covers his cheeks and chin.When he notices us, a small smile breaks through and a flicker of warmth lights up his baby-blue eyes.

“Ray,” Dave grunts.He crosses the room and clasps Ray’s hand, his voice filled with gratitude.“Thank you… for everything.”

Ray grimaces as he shifts in bed, his face tight with pain.“I’d take a thousand bullets for my kid.Glad you two got them out of there.”

Silence reigns as they share a look—two hardened men who understand the meaning of sacrifice.We talk for a while, until the need to return to the waiting room overpowers me.Dave catches my gaze, nodding.He releases Ray’s hand.

“We’ll be back,” I promise with a smile.“Rest now.”

Ray nods, his eyes closing as he leans back against the pillow.

When we get to the lounge, Dave’s father, Jack, is there along with his brothers.They stand together, a formidable wall of strength, each of them exuding a different kind of power.

Jack’s gaze is steady, piercing.Behind Shelby’s glasses, his blue eyes are filled with protectiveness.Tommy gives me a small nod of reassurance.

Dave exchanges hugs with his family.There’s a quiet understanding between the men as they take their seats.

Dave and I sink into our chairs.Minutes stretch into hours, and every time the doors swing open, my heart leaps, hoping a doctor is coming to talk to us.Nobody comes.Silence deepens between Dave and me, filled with memories of everything we’ve endured until this moment.He drapes his jacket over my shoulders.

“Thanks,” I whisper.

He wraps his arm around me, pulling me close.The walls I’ve kept up between us crumble as we cling to each other in the quiet hospital.

“We’re going to get through this.”He kisses my hair.“I promise you.”

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