Page 120 of The Boy I Loved
I didn’t know what the plan was once we made it into the woods. Did we keep going? Was there a street nearby? Were there any vehicles? Maybe we could hide and wait them out.
My lungs burned with every erratic breath, sweat slickening my skin. To say I was out of shape was a massive understatement. Itwasn’t like they gave us access to a gym, not that we’d even have the time for suchluxuries.
A loud bang punctured the air, causing my ears to ring. It only took me a few seconds to realize what it was. My heart started beating faster, so fast I thought it would give out and this would all be for nothing.
They had guns.
When faced with fear, you were presented with two options. You could fight or take off running. For me, I’d never chosen either of those options, with Tristan being the exception. My muscles began to lock up, the fear slowing me down. I knew that if I froze now, it would be over.
“Don’t you dare,” Dominic hissed at me, a slight tremor in his voice that told me he was just as affected by the gunfire as I was.
I pushed out another breath of air, picking up my speed once more. They were too far away to shoot either of us—at least … that was what I told myself. I didn’t know what kind of guns they were using or how far their bullets went.
The trees were growing closer and closer. We were well past the halfway point by now, but there was still so much more distance to go. My hand fell from Dominic’s and I swiped my sweaty palm against my side. He didn’t run ahead of me, even though we both knew he could. He kept at my pace, refusing to leave me behind.
My body was growing tired, my stamina running out. I didn’t know how much longer I could go before my muscles gave out entirely. Dryness coated my tongue, begging for hydration. Hopefully there was a river or something through those trees.
Another gunshot rang out, slicing through the windy atmosphere. A scream tore from my throat when the bullet zipped right by my head. Maybe they were closer than I thought. In every horror movie or thriller I’d seen, they always said not to turn around, that it could be a fatal mistake. Still, curiosity mixed withthe need to know won out. I glanced over my shoulder, fear tightening its hold around my frantically beating heart.
“Dominic,” I began through pants, tears burning my eyes. “They’re past the halfway mark.”
He cursed under his breath, his dark hair whipping backwards as he ran alongside me.
I couldn’t tell who was chasing us, but Clay had to be one of them. It was his operation. Surely, everyone working the night shift would have come to his aid. My hope was starting to fade, doubt creeping in and sliding into its place. If we made it out of here unscathed … it would be a miracle.
When the third gunshot rang out, I pushed my feet harder against the dirt, focusing on the path ahead of me. We only had to make it a little bit farther—just a few more yards and we’d be free.
“Almost there,” I panted, another thrill shooting through me.
When Dominic didn’t reply, I glanced over at him. Only … he was no longer there. Horror snaked down my throat, my steps faltering. Whirling around aimlessly through the night, my gaze fell on his crumpled form about a yard away. He was kneeling, clutching his side with his head bowing forward.
“Shit,” I hissed.
With all the strength I could muster, I backtracked, knowing it could be the mistake that got us both killed. But I couldn’t leave him behind. After everything we’d been through, I knew one thing for certain—Dominic was mine and I was his. If we died, it would be together.
He glanced up when he realized I’d come back, an angry scowl twisting his gorgeous lips. “Run.” He growled, lifting his bloody hand to push me away from him. “I’ll only slow you down.”
“Never.” I grabbed his free hand, the one not coated in blood, and helped him to his feet again. He wobbled slightly, his skin seeming paler than before. Wrapping an arm around his waist, I was careful not to hurt him.
“You’re an idiot,” he forced out, limping at my side. He couldn’t run—that much was clear.
“I love you, too.”
He rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at his lips despite his annoyance and pain.
We continued toward the woods again, at a much slower pace than either of us would have liked. Their footsteps pounded behind us, growing closer and closer. We weren’t going to make it. I knew that as soon as I realized I had to go back for Dominic. It wasn’t his fault. Still, a heavy weight sat on my chest at the knowledge.
A voice rang out, cutting through the air around us. “Stop now or the next bullet goes in Hazel’s head.” It was Clay.
Dominic sighed, his movements slowing until he’d completely obeyed the order. With his back still turned to them, he lowered himself to both knees, looking up at me beneath the full moon. His dark lashes casted a beautiful shadow over his sharp cheekbones. He was stunning, even now when faced with danger. I stopped with him, standing before his body. His hands gripped my waist, turmoil swirling through his eyes.
“You should have kept going,” he whispered. “I’m not worth your life.”
A frown tugged at my lips. “You’re right, Dominic Steel. You’re worth more.”
If my only two options were to leave him behind or die by his side, it was a no-brainer. I couldn’t live without him. I’d already proven that when he was sent away to begin with.
Glancing over Dom’s head, I saw them approach. There were probably over ten men, Clay at the forefront.
