Page 207 of The Friend Situation

The click of a gun being cocked echoes in the night, and it sends a chill down my spine.

She came here to finish what her hit man couldn’t do last year after I filed for divorce. I should’ve known she’d seek her revenge once it was finalized.

“It’s so sad that your little fiancée will find you bleeding out on her family’s Christmas tree farm tomorrow. Actually, it might take them a few days to find your body.” Lena’s voice drips with mock sympathy.

I stay silent.

“I followed Easton here. I fucking knew that wasn’t you at the courthouse today. That was your second mistake. The first one was divorcing me.”

Her footsteps crunch against the walking path.

“It’s time to end this,” she screams. The fury in her voice is undeniable.

My muscles tense; I’m ready to spring into action at any point. I close my eyes tight, and the only person that comes to mind is Carlee. I have to escape this because an entire future waits for me. I focus, refusing to be manipulated by Lena. She knows my triggers and uses them against me. Carlee made me realize that.

“I’llneverlet you go, Weston. As long as you’re alive, I’llalwaysbe watching you and that little bitch. Gotta give it to you—she’s very pretty. I can’t help but notice that she’s nothing like me.” A gust of wind carries Lena’s voice.

My heart nearly stops. The thought of never seeing Carlee again is too much. Not surviving Lena isn’t an option.

“Then again, you’ll make her miserable too. Like you do to everyone in your life. Eventually, the spark will fade from her eyes, and she’ll be nothing but an empty shell. And when you see it, you can blame yourself. Or maybe I’ll track her down after I take care of you,” she mutters.

My jaw clenches, and I remind myself that she’s baiting me. She’s trying to get under my skin so I’ll reveal myself.

Fuck that. Fuckher.

One thing about my ex: she’s never been the smartest. She’s always allowed her emotions to control her. Right now is a great example.

My jaw clenches hard.

“Weston,” Lena coos in that sickeningly sweet voice. “Until death do us part. That’s what you said, wasn’t it?”

I ball my fists tightly at my sides. My fingernails dig into my palms.

She moves closer. She’s less than a few feet away.

My breathing slows, and I know it’s my life or hers.

Just as I’m ready to pounce, a dark figure explodes from the shadows. In one fluid motion, he grips Lena by the throat. Her startled yelp echoes through the night as she stumbles forward. Her eyes meet mine, and I see moonlight glint off the metal of the gun. She points it directly at me, and I lunge out of the way as a shot rings out.

The sound is deafening.

I get up as the two of them fight desperately for survival. Grunts and cries release from them as they struggle for control. Lena fights with a ruthless intensity.

The gun lies just out of reach.

I sprint forward.

As I close the distance, I know those broad shoulders.

Brody.

I dive forward.

The three of us reach for the gun.

A shot rings out.

I see blood.

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