Chapter 4: Someone Special
"No!" Elias's voice broke through the chaos, distant yet desperate amidst the screams and cries. The gunshot echoed in her ears, and Evelyn squeezed her eyes shut, ready to take the hit.
But before she could feel the searing pain of the bullet, a strong hand grabbed her wrist, yanking her urgently. She collided with a firm, warm body, the mild scent of sandalwood awakening her paralyzed senses.
The bullet that was fired in her direction hit the clock on the wall by the counter. Nearby customers screamed and ducked for cover, as did Elias, his terror-filled eyes fixed on Evelyn.
"Are you alright?" Zevian's deep, husky voice breathed new life into her, shaking her out of her daze. Evelyn opened her eyes, confused and breathless.
Before she could process what was happening, Zevian pulled her even closer, shielding her with his body as he ducked. They squatted down as the attackers continued firing, and the man guarding Kiana instinctively pushed their table up, using it as a makeshift barrier against the barrage of bullets.
"Daddy!" Kiana's cries grew louder as she looked at Zevian. Freeing herself from John, her bodyguard/chauffeur's arms, she moved closer to Zevian, who quickly pulled her into a protective hug with his other free hand.
Evelyn's eyes quickly searched for Elias in the chaos, and a sigh of relief escaped her lips when she saw him ducked beneath a table with two other refugees.
"I won't skip school again!" Kiana murmured, her words accompanied by choking sobs. She finally understood the danger John always warned about when she sneaked out alone and swore never to do it again.
Zevian kissed the top of her head and patted her back, attempting to comfort her. He couldn't be angry, not when her sneaking out this time had given him a chance to meet someone again, someone special in such a filmy way. He thought, his eyes softening as they fell on Evelyn beside him.