Page 40 of Bad Business

Agapov presses the metal into my scalp. I lean into the barrel, stiffening my spine.

“I love you, Willow. Always will.” I take one last breath. “Go to hell, Agapov,” I say, my voice steady with resolve.

17

WILLOW

This can’t be happening… not like this. My heart is fracturing into a thousand pieces as I stare at the man who is about to take my heart with him.

“Close your eyes, baby.” His voice is low as he speaks.

I mouth ‘I love you’ again, the words stuck in my throat. Turning my head, I confirm Juniper’s eyes are closed before closing my own. I clench my hands, desperately wanting to reach out and touch him one last time.

“I love you, Willow. Always will.” I hear his words, and it takes everything inside me to stand still. “Go to hell, Agapov,” Dallas says, his voice strong despite the fucked-up situation.

I loved my sister, but right now, I hate her.

Time slows, and my heart thunders so loud in my chest, I almost think I’m having a heart attack. The distinct sound of two gunshots rings out, and I scream, a primal cry that tears through the chaos. My hands tremble as I force my eyes open, desperate to find Juniper. The man who was holding her is on the ground, a bullet hole between his eyes. Relief and terror blend into a dizzying storm as I sprint to Juniper, scooping her up and pressing her tiny head into my neck, feeling her warmth against my skin.

Strong arms wrap around me from behind, making me scream again.

“It’s me. Willow… it’s me.” Dallas’s voice cuts through my panic, grounding me.

“Dawwas,” Juniper murmurs, her little voice a balm to my frayed nerves.

Juniper leaps from my arms into Dallas’s, and he burrows her tiny body into his, holding her like she might disappear. My hand trembles as I reach out, touching Juniper’s back, needing to feel both of them.

“How… I thought.”

“I don’t know.” Dallas tugs me against him and Juniper, his grip desperate. “Agapov is gone.”

I look around, noticing the man on the ground beside where Dallas had just been. The sight is surreal, like a nightmare I can’t wake up from.

“Where is he?”

“Running scared,” Sofia steps out of the building, her face set in a grim expression. “Sorry that took so long.” She wipes her hands down her pants, her nonchalance almost jarring. “Lorenzo sent someone after him. We’ll get him.”

“A friend.” She points to a tree in the distance. “Was watching. And fortunately for you, he’s a damn good shot.”

I squint in the direction she points. “I don’t see anyone.”

“You shouldn’t if he’s good, and he is.”

“Princesa… you didn’t tell me there would be so much carnage.” A heavy Spanish accent makes me stiffen in Dallas’s hold. “You always make such a mess.”

“Fuck you, Miguel,” Sofia snaps.

“I keep telling you to name the place.”

“Um.” I glance between the two, confusion and exhaustion weighing on me. “I take it you’re on our side.”

“This is Miguel Angel. He’s the leader of the Sureños and, unfortunately, an ally.” Sofia rolls her eyes, a small hint of amusement breaking through her tough exterior.

He grabs her, pulling her against his side. “I keep telling her we’re more.”

“Gag.” She pushes him off her. “Now, let’s get this mess cleaned up and these three home.”

“It’s that simple? What about Agapov? Won’t he come back? I mean, he was going to shoot you?” I hiccup a sob, the reality crashing down on me. “Oh God… he was going to shoot you.”

---