Page 39 of Bad Business

For a moment, silence hangs heavy in the air. Then, Agapov sighs, as if disappointed.

"I was hoping you'd be more reasonable, but if you insist on being difficult, I suppose I have no choice." He steps closer, his face now fully illuminated by the dim light. "You see, your refusal doesn't just affect you. It affects those you care about."

My heart skips a beat as I realize where this is headed—he still has Willow and Juniper.

"What are you talking about?"

“Bring him.” Agapov motions to the man beside me. His grip is unforgiving as he holds my arm, the cool steel barrel of his gun burrowing into my head as he pushes me outside.

Willow's eyes fill with fear when I step into the light. She has Juniper wrapped in her hold, and beside them, another man with a gun trained on the woman I love.

“Let them go,” I practically beg.

He turns his uncaring eyes toward me. “Mr. Nash… I believe I’ve told you what I want, and you refused.”

“I’m sorry… I won’t play a part in your depraved world.” I hate that it’s come down to this.

“Please, don’t do this.” Willow is practically begging. “I’ll do whatever you want. This has nothing to do with him.”

“Unfortunately, the moment he showed up to this meeting,”—Agapov spits on the ground—“he made it about him.” He shoves me to my knees and presses the gun to my head. “And now, you will have to make a choice.”

“Dawwas.” Juniper whimpers my name, the sound gutting me.

“I don’t understand,” Willow whispers, her voice cracking as she tightens her hold on Juniper. “A choice?”

He tips his chin to the man standing beside her, who promptly pulls Juniper from Willow’s arms and drags her away. He’s down on his knees, holding Juniper away from Willow.

“Wiwwow… wiwwo!” Juniper begins to scream.

“Stop, you’re hurting her.” Willow turns to face Agapov. “I don’t even know who you are… why are you doing this?”

“My name seems unimportant right now. What is important is what you decide to do.” He waves his hand in the air. “Only one may live.” He flicks his hand toward Juniper, then back to me. “It’s the only way I can guarantee your silence. His life… or hers.”

“Why are you doing this?” Willow's voice cracks with anguish, her body trembling so violently, I fear she might collapse at any moment.

“Willow, baby,” I call out, my voice a desperate plea. “Look at me, Princess.” Her eyes snap to mine, and the raw fear burning within them slices through me like a blade. “It’s okay, baby.”

“How can you say that?” She closes her eyes, tears spilling down her cheeks. “Please don’t do this.” Her gaze darts toward Agapov, a silent plea.

"Time's running out," Agapov interjects, his impatience seeping into every word. "Make your choice."

“Willow,” I whisper, my voice breaking. “Everything is going to be alright. It’s okay, sweetheart. I know I promised you, but I have to break it. Juniper needs you, and you’re going to need her. Take her home, live for me, okay? Let that little girl have the life she deserves.”

“No… I can’t do this. What about me? I deserve a life. Please don’t make me choose. I’ve lost so much already. When is it enough?” she begs, her voice trembling with desperation.

Tears streak down my face as I lock eyes with her, willing her to understand.

“I know, baby. It’s not fair. We didn’t get enough time, but it has to be enough. I’ll be okay… you’ll be ok. My brothers will take care of you. Let them, okay? Don’t fight them. I love you, Willow. It happened fast, and I tried to fight it, but damn, do I love you. Never forget that, okay? Tell my brothers I’m sorry.”

“Dallas, I love you. Please…” She turns to Agapov once more. “Please, don’t do this.”

"Last chance," Agapov's voice now carries a deadly seriousness as he shoves me slightly. "Agree to my terms, or this ends here."

I look at Willow and Juniper, their lives teetering on the edge. Every instinct screams at me to protect them, but I can't let Agapov win. I can’t let him destroy the lives of my family… her life. If I give in, she’ll never be free of him.

“Close your eyes, baby.”

Willow sobs, tears running rampant down her face. She mouths, ‘I love you’ again, then turns her head and closes her eyes as her hands clench at her sides.

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