Page 43 of Shattered Love

Dixie’s eyes widen. “Holy shit, you tamed the Dominic Stone?”

I laugh. “He’ll never be tamed, but he’s amazing. I’m truly lucky.”

Dixie wiggles her eyebrows. “I bet. There was always something about him?”

We both pay for our items.

“I’m in town for another week or so. Fancy catching up?”

“Yes, definitely. Here, take my number.” I give her my phone and we punch in our digits.

Dixie smiles and we make plans to meet next week before I wave goodbye and dead to the station.

I can’t wait to tell Dominic that I’ve seen Dixie. She’s changed so much. Still the same vibrant personality, but definitely matured. I smile, looking up at the sun.

My cell rings and I answer it when I see Molly’s name on the screen.

“Hey Avery, your picture for Dom has come in.” It was a present for our anniversary.

I grin with excitement. “How does it look?”

She sighs. “It’s beautiful Avery, so beautiful.”

My grin grows. “Okay, I’ve got to go. I can see him leaving the station now.”

She giggles. “Okay, if you see that husband of mine, tell him I’m waiting!”

I’m smiling as I see Dominic talking to another officer. His body is relaxed and there’s a small smile on his face. I can’t wait for the next chapter of our lives to begin as parents, for us to grow old together as we watch our baby girl become everything she dreams.

“I will—”

Something catches my eyes. The figure becomes clearer and I smile when I see him. We haven’t seen each other in a couple of weeks. I've actually missed him. As I get closer, I pull my arm down and frown. He looks disheveled. His hair is hanging in his face, but a flash of light reveals the gun in his hand.

“Oh no! What’s he doing?”

He’ll lose his job if anyone sees it. I realize that he hasn’t seen me yet. I start to walk toward him as I follow where the gun is pointed.

“Oh no. Please God, no.” Fear rushes through me. Reality hits me in the stomach like someone just punched me. I drop my phone and the shopping falls from my hand as Istart to run toward his target.

“Dominic!” I scream his name like am crazy women

His head snaps up as I scream his name again.

He’s only a few feet away from me. I push through people who are in my way. Why won’t they move? I need to get to him! Please!

Finally, there’s a break in the crowd. He’s already moving toward me, worry etched on his handsome face. I reach out my fingertips and touch him, just as two loud pops echo through the streets.

People start to scream around me as my body lands hard against his chest. I feel his strong hands grip my upper arms.

* * *

Dominic

“Avery!” She lands in my arms hard as chaos breaks around us. I grab my gun pointing in the direction of shots, but there are too many fucking people. She goes limp in my arms and I rub her back, only feeling wetness. No. I can’t even look down to see if it’s blood, but I know it is.

My whole body shaking, I lay her down, my hands running frantically over her body. Where is all this blood coming from? Her eyes close and I grip her shaking her like a rag doll. My hands run over her, her stomach. No. Not our baby girl.

“Beautiful, look at me, baby. I need you to stay awake.” I shout at her, my voice unrecognizable. “Beautiful, open those fucking eyes. Come on, beautiful, give me those eyes.” I look around. “Help! I need fucking help!”

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