Page 54 of Lane

Normally, I didn’t mind if there were a lot of people around me, but this was becoming too much. I was fine when we first got here. There were plenty of people to meet and faces to remember. I loved getting introduced to the people of the city I now called home, but I slowly found myself inching closer to the corner of the room, just to get some air.

Alton saw me before Raiden did. Stopping in front of me, his hand on my cheek, Alton asked, “Are you okay?”

I nodded. “This is a lot.”

“We don’t have to stay.”

“It’s okay. We’re here to be with Raiden’s family. I can deal.”

“He wouldn’t want you to. If you’re not comfortable, I can lie and say I’m not feeling well. No one will think twice.”

Leaning close, I brushed my lips over his. “Thank you for the offer. I’m good for?—”

The sound of glass shattering halted my words. I turned to see the windows breaking before bullets hit objects around me. Pushing off the wall, I grabbed Alton, throwing him to the floor as I blanketed him with my body. More bullets flew, but this time they were closer. Those around us fired back. I didn’t even thinkto bring a gun tonight. I had knives strapped to my calves. What the fuck good were they? God, I needed to be a better mafia man.

People moved, some running toward where the shots came from. I only saw so much from behind the couch where I landed with Alton.

“Jordan, don’t!” I thought it was Dexen who yelled at JJ.

“Stay the fuck down, Dex.”

“Like hell.”

Okay, I had to move to make sure Alton was okay then look for Raiden. Leaning back, I peered down at Alton. His eyes were wide, and his bottom lip trembled ever so slightly.

My hand went to his neck. “Al, are you okay?”

He nodded.

“Were you hit?”

A shake of his head.

“Stay here.”

He clutched the front of my shirt, pulling me to him. “Don’t go.”

Fuck, I couldn’t leave him like this.

“Lane!” I heard Raiden yell.

“We’re okay!”

He rushed over, kneeling before us. “I need to secure the property.”

“Go. Don’t worry about us.”

He handed me a gun but didn’t move right away.

“We’re all right, Ray. Check on the others.”

“Stay here. I’ll be back.”

Then he was on his feet, his boots crunching on glass. “Everyone, stay down.”

“Go, Ray,” I heard his mom call.

A hand touched my leg seconds later. I jolted around, lifting my fist, ready to punch whoever touched me. I didn’t know if we were safe or not. If the people shooting were gone or in the room.

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