Page 27 of Roxanne

When the front door opens, we all turn to greet my papa.

He’s tall with short salt-and-pepper hair and a matching beard. His eyes are brown and only soften when he looks at me.

“My little cub,” he says, smiling, holding his arms open for me. There’s a furrow between his brows that hasn’t gone away since the day he returned for me. I know he feels guilty. He spoils me like it's his number one job.

“Hi, Papa,” I whisper, as I leap into his arms, and he hugs me tighter.

“I’m so sorry, little cub. I should have… I’ve made a mistake, and I will right it,” he vows, his deep, gravelly voice is soothing in a way I sometimes forget. It reminds me of being a kid, and how happy our family once was.

Mama’s death destroyed my father. I try not to think of her much. Every time I do, I break down. The pain of losing her never really fades.

“It’s okay,” I mumble, as Papa pulls away and looks at my brother first.

“He hasn’t been spotted. We have men outside–”

“I saw no men,” my father says, his frown deepening. “Fuck,” he hisses, and I look around, confused.

“He’s already here, isn’t he.” I guess.

All three men move at once. Papa and William rush the door, but Storm heads straight for me.

“Remain here,” Storm commands, and I shake my head.

“Don’t leave me here alone…” I whisper, fear taking over my heart. I want to jump on his back so he can’t get away.

“We’re going to dispose of him, but if you’re with us, we’ll all lose focus. You’re our greatest weakness.” Storm cups my cheek, staring into my eyes. “Hide,” he says, and I nibble my lip.

“I don’t want to be alone,” I say again, and he nods.

“I know. I’ll come back for you, I promise.” He kisses me, but it ends too soon, and he’s already pulling away. “I love you.”

* * *

Storm

Walking away from her feels like I’m gutting myself. The fear in her eyes, the pure terror… I hate it. I hate leaving her. I hate walking away. But Eli must be here, in this building…

If it’s not him, it’s some other threat that we need to put an end to before it reaches her.

I step into the hall, knowing her father and Will went right. I go left down the hall outside her apartment and check every door. Most are locked. The other residents living in this building wouldn’t leave their doors open.

Anyone could walk in…

I don’t make it far, before I hear a loud crack and then a piercing scream rings out. I don’t hesitate, I turn and run back to her apartment.

“Roxanne!” I shout foolishly. I’m giving away my position, but panic seizes me. I have to reach her… She has to be okay.

Seconds later, a shot rings out, and Roxy screams again.

* * *

Roxanne

My door is kicked in, and I scream. Storm told me to hide, but the second he left the room, I froze. My limbs locked up, and I couldn’t move.

Now I move, I run but a shot rings through the air, and I scream again.

“Stop fucking moving!” Eli shouts, and I throw my hands up and freeze. I can’t look at him, I won’t. Hearing his voice is bad enough.

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