Frankie


    As the car pulls up in front of the house, I get out and wince. I pat myself down and find the source of the injury. A bullet has grazed my arm. Okay, it’s more than a graze. I’ve been shot, but I’m more worried about Amelia. I’m trying to call her, but there’s no answer from her or Johnny and Evander.


    I pace up and down Alessandro’s driveway as I try to connect the call, but it’s no use. She’s not in range, or something worse has happened, something I don’t even want to consider.


    “Get yourself checked out,” Alessandro says,ing down the stairs to see me. “And get inside. It isn’t safe outside.”


    I follow him back inside, Joel following behind me, and Alessandro summons the nurse he keeps at his home for our mother.


    “He might need stitches,” he tells the nurse.


    “Did Amelia’s bus arrive on time?” I ask, we’d been held up making sure we didn’t get followed again, but it should have arrived at midday, half an hour ago.


    “No, it hasn’t, but I’ve sent men out to scout where it is,” Alessandro assures me. “We can only wait.”


    I’m fidgety as the nurse sews me up, never once giving away how painful it is to have the needle and thread stitch my skin back together. Once she’s done with the final stitch, she goes off, and Alessandro brings me a ss of whiskey. “That should dull the pain.”


    “I’m not in pain,” I say, taking the whiskey. “Have they called yet? Have they found the bus?”


    “Calm down, Frankie,” my brother says seriously. “They will find it. It can’t just go missing.”


    “With the Catn’s it can,” I point out, standing and going to the window.


    Alessandro sits behind his desk, leaning back in his chair. “You care a lot about Amelia. Does she know?”


    “I made a promise to keep her safe,” I say. I refuse to admit my true feelings, even to my brother, though I know he doesn’t believe me.


    “Yes, you did. You have done so. I’m sure she’s fine, Frankie.” He’s trying to reassure me, but I can’t stop worrying about her. Surely, they’d be within range of a cell tower by now, able to take or make calls.


    My phone rings, and I nce at it. The caller ID says New York Police, and my blood runs cold. I pray it’s a business call. “Hello?” I answer.


    “Frankie?” Amelia’s voicees over the line. She sounds relieved, and therefore, I feel relieved.


    “Amelia, are you okay?” I ask quickly. “Why are you with the police?”


    “The bus broke down, and there was shooting, but I got away. I don’t know where your men are.” I feel my temper rising, but I let her continue. “I was brought to the NYPD with the others. Can youe to get me?”


    “Which precinct are you at?” I ask her, looking at Alessandro and downing my whiskey.


    “Fifty-fourth street,” she says, “Midtown North,” she adds.


    “Okay, I’ll be about ten minutes but sit tight and don’t leave with anyone else. I’ming personally,” I exin. I hang up and walk toward the door.


    “Be careful,” Alessandro warns me, and I wave him off. “You know I will be. I’ll let you know once we’re home.”


    Joel follows me, but I shake my head. “It’s fine. Check security at home and make sure it’s airtight. I’ll be fine collecting her.”


    “You sure?” Joel asks me.


    “Yes,” I nod. “Don’t worry.”


    I take the car keys from Ricardo. He’s pulled the blue Mustang around, and I climb in. Revving the engine, I pull off and join the traffic.


    I’m observant as I drive, ensuring no one is following me. Luckily, it seems Jose’s men have backed off for now. I find parking as close to the precinct as possible and walk in, looking around.


    Amelia is sitting in the waiting area with a nket around her shoulders.


    “Amelia,” I say, walking toward her. I want to wrap my arms around her, to tell her I love her. I want to kiss her as though it was ourst chance.


    She looks up at me with big eyes. “Your idiot guards nearly got me killed,” she hisses quietly.


    So much for that moment.


    I look down at her. “What do you mean?”


    “I told them we were being followed. I pointed out the guys to them, but they just said I was being paranoid. If I hadn’t called nine-one-one for a fake ident, I would have been shot.”


    She keeps her voice low, ncing around to ensure none of the other tourists are listening, but they seem to be wrapped up in their own problems.


    I sigh. “I’ll deal with them. Let’s get to the house.”


    She follows me out of the station, and we move quickly to the car. I don’t open the door for her, telling her to jump in quickly.


    I rejoin the traffic, and as I drive, I keep ncing at her. “You’re sure you’re okay?” I ask.Belongs to N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved.


    She nods. “I am. I escaped into the woods and doubled back when I heard the police sirens. I’m d you got back unharmed.”


    “Not entirely,” I admit. “They followed Rob, too, and I haven’t heard from Heather.”


    “What do you mean not entirely?” she asks.


    I sigh. “I got shot. They tried to take us off the road. I got them first, though, so that’s the end of that… for now.”


    “Only for now?” she asks, looking desperate. “You mean they’re going to keep on trying?”


    I nod. “I’m afraid so, but Alessandro and I wille up with a n, don’t worry. I’m just happy you’re safe.”


    She scoffs. “You mean because you promised my family that you’d keep me safe.”


    I frown, pulling the car up to the house. I turn to her after locking the doors, and my hand guides her face to look up at me. “I mean, I’m d you’re safe. I’m d you’re unharmed. I don’t want you to get hurt because of me. Do I make myself clear?”


    She nods slowly, her eyes wide.


    I can’t help but lean down and gently kiss her lips. I kiss them again and again until she responds and starts kissing me back passionately. She slides her arms around my neck, and I put a hand on her waist. It’s awkward, but she presses herself against me as much as possible, and I can feel the raw emotion emanating from me.


    She bes forceful, kissing me with determination, and I pull away from her, looking into her eyes.


    We breathe heavily, but we don’t say anything. We just sit there, panting, looking at each other, and I want to tell her how much I love her. I look at her as though I would devour her, and I know she understands.


    “I love you with my whole heart, Amelia,” I say roughly. “I would do anything for you. I will burn this world to the ground to see you safe and happy, I swear it.”


    She turns away from me, and it stings. I let her know the truth. It’s her decision now.


    I get out of the car and go around, opening the door for her. I lead her up the stairs and into the house. “We’ll stay here while we make a new n. I’ll have Joel show you to your room. If you want to go outside, use the back garden instead. It’s more secure.”


    Amelia nods. “I understand, right now, I’m really tired, so I’m going to head upstairs and get some sleep. I’lle downter for dinner.”


    “Get some rest,” I say. “Try not to stress.”


    She sighs. “I know. I just feel like a caged bird.”


    I watch her go upstairs after Joel.