Page 91 of Arturo's Temptation

“What are you doing?!” she squeaked, her eyes widening in fear.

“I want you to pick up your gun and aim for this,” I said, pointing to the object on my head.

“Are you fucking crazy?!” she scowled. “I could blow your brains out!”

“Crazy for you? Yes.” I could see her heart going ten to the dozen despite the distance between us. “Bella… You can do this. I trust you. Now focus on your aim and your breathing and you’ll be absolutely fine.”

Her hand shook as she paused over her gun. “I can’t!”

“Yes, you can. I know you can. I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think you could. Now pick up the gun and do as you’re told.”

I glanced over at the door where an employee stood with a shocked look on his face.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” The dude was pissed but he’d have to get over it.

“Hey, you, come here a minute. Take my phone and?—”

“Get away from the firing line! You can’t be there. It’s not allowed!” I scowled when he started stamping his booted foot like a child.

“Listen, fella, I don’t give two shits if it’s allowed or not, but you’re goin’ to do me a favour and record what’s about to happen. You get me?”

“But—” he started, only for me to interrupt him.

“But nothing, just film it.” I demanded, handing him my phone, making sure I didn’t take my eyes off of Bella.

“Fine, but I’m not scraping you off the floor when she misses,” he huffed. He was getting on my last damn nerve.

“Carry on bein’ negative and it’ll be you that’ll need scrapin’ off the fuckin’ floor,” I said calmly. The guy swallowed hard before stepping back. With shaking hands he hit the record button. Bella glared at him from across the range.

“Are you ready?” I asked. She nodded, letting out a steady breath as she held the Glock 45 as I’d taught her. My heart steadied as she perfected her aim. Smiling I gave her a slow nod before stating, “Good girl, now release.”

I saw the worry and fear drain from her eyes, and it was replaced with hunger, fire, and confidence. Best guess was, nobody had put their trust in her the way I was doing right then. She needed this.

“Do it, Bella,” I demanded calmly. A brief flare of fear flickered in her eyes and then… gunshot. Almost in slow motion, I watched her pull the trigger. The sound of the bullet being released from its chamber echoed off the walls.

POP. My eyes met hers as the orb on my head split open, covering me in a bright purple sheen.

She did it.

She fuckin’ did it.

That was my girl.

30

The secondI heard the pop splitting whatever was sat on Arturo’s head open, I slammed the gun down and sprinted over to where he stood perfectly still.

“You…are insane!” the guy hissed, shoving Arturo’s phone back in his hand before leaving.

“I did it! Can you believe it?!” I cried with happiness, jumping into his waiting arms.

“Yes. It was you who didn’t believe you could do it. Not me. I know how capable you are.”

As I pulled back I noticed my arms were now… purple.

What the hell?

I looked back at him and squinted. From his dark locks, to his t-shirt and even speckled across his cheeks was a thick, purple powder.

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