Page 223 of Double Daddies
Elijah nods, his expression serious. “It’s coming from down that hall.”
We move toward the sound, adrenaline surging. I peek around the corner, and my breath catches in my throat. There, in the flickering light, I see a figure slumped against a chair. Her long black hair shields her face but I can see her bound wrists and legs as rage ricochets through my body.
“Wren!” I shout, my heart racing as I rush forward, but Elijah grabs my arm, pulling me back just in time.
“Wait!” he hisses, his eyes darting around the room. “We don’t know if Richard is still here.”
I can barely contain my anger, but I nod, trying to rein in my emotions. “We have to get her out of here,” I say, my voice low and urgent.
Elijah scans the area, looking for any signs of danger. “I’ll cover you. Just get to her.”
With that, I edge closer to Wren, my heart pounding in my chest. As I approach, I can see the fear in her eyes, and it fuels my determination. “I’m here, Wren. We’re going to get you out,” I whisper, kneeling beside her.
“Ezra…” she breathes, relief flooding her voice. “How did you–”
“We will always find you, Wren.”
“I thought… I thought he was going to kill me.”
“Not a chance,” I reply, quickly assessing her bindings. “I’m going to get you free. Just hold on.”
I fumble with the knots, my hands shaking with urgency. I can hear Elijah moving cautiously behind me, keeping watch for any threats. “Hurry, man,” he urges, his voice tense.
Finally, I manage to loosen the ropes around her wrists. “You’re almost free,” I say, glancing up at her bruised and bloodied face. “Just a little more.”
As I work on her legs, I hear a noise behind us—a soft shuffle, then a low, mocking laugh. My heart drops as I turn to see Richard emerging from the shadows, a smug grin on his face.
“Did you really think you could just waltz in here and take her?” he taunts, raising his weapon.
“Get away from her!” Elijah shouts, stepping in front of me, his own gun aimed at Richard.
“Or what? You’ll shoot me?” Richard sneers. “This is your last chance to turn back.”
“Not a chance,” I growl, finally freeing Wren’s legs. “We’re not leaving without her.”
Wren looks at me, her eyes wide with fear and gratitude. “You shouldn’t have come,” she whispers, but I shake my head.
“We’re not leaving you here,” I insist, standing up and positioning myself protectively in front of her.
“Backup is on the way,” Elijah adds, his voice steady. “You’re surrounded, Richard. You can’t win this.”
Richard’s expression shifts, uncertainty flickering across his face. “You think they’ll save you?” he scoffs, but I can see the doubt creeping in.
“Yeah, I do,” I reply, my grip tightening on my gun. “And you’re about to find out just how wrong you are.”
The tension in the air is palpable as we stand ready, prepared to fight for Wren and for our lives. With every second that passes, I can feel the stakes rising. The sirens are getting closer, and I know we just need to hold on a little longer.
“Let’s end this,” Elijah says, his voice low and fierce.
Chapter Sixteen
Wren
At that moment, time seems to freeze. The world around me fades away as I focus on the two men facing off. My heart pounds in my chest, and I feel a mix of fear and admiration for Ezra. He’s willing to risk everything for me, but it terrifies me.
Then, in a swift motion, Ezra pulls the trigger. The shot rings out, echoing through the warehouse, and I flinch at the sound. Richard’s expression shifts from anger to shock as he stumbles back, clutching his shoulder, blood seeping through his fingers.
“No! Ezra!” I scream, my heart racing. I can’t believe what just happened. The reality of the situation crashes over me. He shot him. He shot Richard to protect me.
