Chapter 234.
And freeze when I see Zane.
Relief hits me so hard it’s almost painful. He’s already moving toward me fast.
"Elaine.....I went back but couldn’t find you...i thought...i thought they took you away."
And then his arms are around me and for a second....just one....i let myself sink into it.
My body leans into his without thinking, my fingers gripping the front of his shirt as if I need to confirm he’s actually here and alive.
"You’re okay?" His voice is rough, low, edged with something I don’t hear often from him..worry.
I nod against his chest, still catching my breath. "I’m fine."
It’s not entirely true but it’s enough as he pulls back slightly, his hands still on my shoulders, his eyes scanning my face, my body, like he’s checking for injuries I might be hiding.
"What the hell were you thinking?" he snaps suddenly, the relief shifting quickly into anger. "I told you to stay put."
I roll my eyes immediately. "Yeah, and wait to die quietly? Not really my style."
His jaw tightens.
"You could’ve gotten yourself killed."
"I didn’t," I shoot back, a little sharper than I intend. "Actually, I handled myself just fine, in case you didn’t notice."
There’s a beat of silence, then I exhale and shake my head, pushing past it.
"Here," I say, turning slightly and holding out one of the guns I grabbed from his office. "Take this."
He takes it without hesitation, his fingers brushing mine briefly as he checks it quickly, efficiently. I realize my other hand is empty and mt stomach drops instantly.
No.No, no, no.....
"The second gun..." I whisper, more to myself than to him.
Zane’s eyes snap back to mine. "What?"
"I...." I swallow hard, panic rising again. "I dropped it. When that guy grabbed me. It’s still out there."
"Elaine...."
"I have to go back for it."
The words come out fast, urgent, already decided.
His grip tightens slightly on my arm. "No. You stay here..."
"I am not standing here unarmed while there are people in this house," I cut him off, my voice firm despite the fear still sitting heavy in my chest.
I don’t wait for him to argue, don’t give him the chance to stop me. I shove the gun more firmly into his hand, making sure he has it, then turn on my heel.
"Elaine....."
But I’m already moving, going back out. Because leaving that gun out ther..... that’s not an option.
I see it almost immediately, lying just a few feet away from where I dropped it. Refilef hits me so fast it nearly makes my knees weak.
There you are. I move toward it quickly, my steps light but urgent, i crouch, reaching for it then.....
"Drop it."
My entire body locks, the voice cutting through me like a blade. My breath catches as I slowly straighten, every muscle going rigid as I turn.
Aaron.
For a second, my brain refuses to catch up.
He stands a few feet away, dressed in black like the others, his posture relaxed in a way that makes it worse. More dangero...and deliberate.
My throat goes dry instantly.
"Aaron...?" My voice comes out softer than I expect, edged with disbelief. "What are you doing here? I....I thought you were locked up." Okay maybe it would be a good thing for me not to remind him he was locked up.
He doesn’t answer though....His eyes drop briefly to the gun at my feet, then back to me.
"Slide it," he says calmly. "Gently."
My heart starts pounding again
Fuck.! Fuck.! Fuck.
I need that gun. There’s no way I’m giving it up....not now, not to him.
So I try to stall him for a bit t.
"How did you even get out?" I ask, forcing my voice to stay steady, even though my pulse is screaming in my ears. "What are you doing, Aaron? What is this?"
He tilts his head slightly, studying me now, really looking at me. Then, almost lazily, he glances past me for a second before returning his attention fully.
"I guess all that training with you stuck huh?," he says, voice almost thoughtful. "You killed two of my men."
A chill runs down my spine and My stomach twists.
Fuck! He knows.
His gaze sharpens suddenly.
"Slide the gun to me, Elaine."
His tone drops to something more dangerous.
"You’r not going to like what happens if you don’t."
My fingers twitch slightly at my sides and I take a small step, barely noticeable...trying to inch closer. Just enough.....
"You’re already surrounded," he continues, his voice almost bored now, like he’s explaining something simple. "I’ve been released. My men are all over this house. There’s no escape for you."
My chest tightens.
"Or your husband." He adds and The way he says it makes my stomach drop.
I swallow hard, forcing myself to keep talking and keep him distracted.
"I thought you liked him," I say, watching him carefully.
Something flickers in his expression but it’s gone just as quickly.
"I did," he admits.
A pause. Then, colder:
"But there’s a way constant torture changes people..... especially by the one you loved."
My stomach turns and I take another tiny step.
My foot almost brushing the gun now...just a little more....Just one second...
"What do you think you’re doing?"
His voice snaps immediately....All attention back on me.
I freeze vompletely.
"Slide the fucking gun, Elaine" he says, all
all pretense gone now. "Now."
Before I can even react.....Before I can decide... a sound cuts through the tension.
The soft creak of a door and We both turn instinctively.
It’s Margaret.
She stands at the staff entrance, her eyes wide, confusion barely forming on her face as she takes in the scene.
Everything slows for me....
No.No no no.....
"Aaron..."
Three shots ring out in rapid successioon and ii watch in absolute horror as Margaret’s body jerks.....and she drops to the floor.