Chapter 65: The World With You
The storm outside continued, its howling winds battering against the windows of the back office, rattling the panes like angry spirits of those killed in the other room. Thunder growled in the distance, a low, menacing sound that matched the turmoil in Zara’s chest.
She sat on the cold floor, cradling Leo in her arms. Her torn shirt did little to shield her from the chill creeping in through the cracks. Her breaths came shallow and quick, every nerve in her body still alight with the terror of what had just happened. The metallic tang of blood—her own and others’—lingered in the air, mixing with the acrid scent of gunpowder.
Her mind replayed the attack in jagged fragments: the leering faces, the rough hands tearing at her clothes, Leo’s terrified cries piercing through her screams. Then Winter had come in, guns blazing as always, and saved her—again.
Zara shuddered, squeezing her eyes shut as if it would banish the images burned into her mind. But it didn’t work. Every time she blinked, she saw the faces of the men who had cornered her, twisted with malice, and the lifeless expressions they wore when Winter was done with them.
Leo whimpered against her chest, his small fingers clutching desperately at her torn shirt. She forced herself to focus on him. He was alive. Safe. For now.
"Shh, baby," she murmured, her voice trembling but soft. She ran her fingers through his curls, trying to soothe him despite her hands shaking uncontrollably. "It’s okay. Mama’s got you. You’re safe now. I promise."
Her words felt hollow, even to her. How many times had she made that promise? How many times had she failed to keep it? The thought tightened her throat, but she swallowed hard, refusing to cry. Not now.
Not in front of Leo.
She pulled him back slightly, enough to see his face. His cheeks were streaked with tears, his little body trembling.
She scanned him for injuries, her hands moving over his arms, his legs, his face. "Are you hurt, baby? Did they hurt you?" Her voice cracked on the last word, the very idea too much to bear.
Leo shook his head, but his sobs didn’t abate. He buried his face in her shoulder again, his tiny hands gripping her like a lifeline. Zara exhaled shakily, relief mixing with a fresh wave of guilt.