Page 28 of Hunted By the Cartel

I didn't need to be told twice, too. I took off through the trees, my heart pounding in my chest. I was running as fast as possible, but it still didn't feel enough. I didn't know if I could ever run fast enough to feel safe from the cartel.

I could hear the sound of gunfire behind me, and I knew Diego was holding them off, giving me a chance to escape. He was willing to sacrifice himself for me. I could never thank him enough. He had to come back to me.

I was still running as fast as I could, dodging trees and leaping over fallen logs. I had no idea where I was going, but I knew I had to put as much distance between myself and the cartel members as possible. Otherwise, what would I do? I couldn't fight them. I knew doing that would be a mistake and we couldn't make any more mistakes.

The sound of the motorcycles grew fainter, and I allowed myself a small glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I had lost them. Or maybe something else was happening. The next seconds were crucial.

And my relief was short-lived. I knew there was a chance it was going to be like that, but I was still surprised. My heart was in my throat and I was shocked too.

The sound of an engine revving behind me made my heart sink. One of them had broken off from the group and was now pursuing me alone. They weren't all stupid. One of them must have seen that I was running away and immediately started to chase me. That was what must have happened.

I could hear the bike getting closer, the rider no longer bothering with stealth. Did he ever? Maybe, before, I just didn't hear him rushing toward me. That was the explanation that made the most sense to me.

I risked a glance over my shoulder and saw the rider gaining on me, his face hidden behind a black helmet. Panic surged through me, and I pushed myself to run faster, my lungs burning with the effort. And yet, it didn't seem it was going to be enough. He was so much faster than me on his motorcycle, after all.

I veered off the path, hoping to throw the rider off my trail. But I didn't think it was really going to work. I wasn't as smart as I thought I was.

I crashed through the underbrush, branches scratching at my face and arms, but I didn't slow down. For the safety of our baby, I had to take the risk. I didn't even want to think about what the cartel would do to me if they found out I was pregnant. They were cruel. They were capable of anything.

Just when I thought I might be able to lose him, I tripped over a hidden root and went tumbling to the ground. Pain shot through my body, but I forced myself to my feet, knowing I had to keep running.

I was now more worried about our baby than before. Did I hurt them? We hadn't even had time to know if it was going to be a boy or a girl. I hated that. I wished I could do something about it, but I couldn't. My only concern, at the moment, should be our safety.

The rider was almost on me now, and I could see the gun in his hand. He was going to shoot. He didn't even care if the cartel would receive the payment later or not for my debt. His boss wanted me dead and that was everything that mattered.

Desperation lent me speed, and I darted behind a large tree, pressing myself against it as the rider skidded to a stop in front of me. I didn't even know I could run faster. I thought I was already at my limit.

I held my breath, praying he hadn't seen me. Yet, I knew it wasn't going to be that easy. He was prowling, assessing the situation.

Then, his helmeted head turned in my direction, and I knew he had seen me. It was all happening just as I thought it was going to. These could be my last seconds of life.

I closed my eyes, waiting for the shot that would end my life. But it never came. Wait, what happened? My heart was in my throat and I couldn't think straight.

I heard the sound of a struggle, grunts of pain, and the revving of the motorcycle engine. I didn't want to open my eyes, fearing too much what might be happening.

But I still had to do it, and my eyes flew open, peeking around the tree to see Diego grappling with the rider. He was saving me! Just like before so many times, he was putting himself at risk for me. I felt so thankful. I wished I could pepper him with several kisses right now, but I couldn't do it.

Diego and the assailant were locked in a fierce battle, each trying to gain the upper hand. I was cheering for Diego and I knew he was going to win, and yet, I still felt I had to do something to help. But what? I didn't even know where to begin.

Diego was injured, I realized with a start a few seconds later. There was a gash on his arm, and his movements were slower than usual. But he was still fighting, still trying to protect me. My heart was tight. He was injured and needed my help. I didn't know much about dressing wounds, but I would still do something. We just needed to be alone for that.

The rider managed to wrench himself free and swung his gun towards Diego. I cried out, certain I was about to watch the love of my life be gunned down in front of me. No, that couldn't happen. I knew he was invincible.

Diego was faster. With a snarl, he lunged, tackling the rider to the ground. The gun went off, the bullet embedding itself in the tree next to me. I flinched, my heart pounding, as Diego and the rider rolled on the ground, trading punches.

It was over in seconds. Diego rose to his feet, standing over the unconscious rider. He was breathing heavily, his face a mask of determination. Finally. We were safe.

I stumbled out from behind the tree, my legs like jelly. I was so nervous I thought I was going to have a heart attack.

"Diego," I whispered, my voice hoarse with relief. "Are you okay?"

He turned to me, his eyes softening. Relief washed over me. I knew he could pretend he was okay even though he was hurt, but in this instance, I knew he was fine for the most part.

"I'm fine, love. Are you hurt? I was so worried about you."

I shook my head, my eyes filling with tears. I wasn't one hundred percent okay, but it was nothing to worry about.

"No, but you are. You need help."

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