Page 89 of His Other Half

She wanted to touch him and assure herself that he was still alive. That under the injuries, blood, and immobility, it was her Paco. That he wasn't lost to her.

Snapping her gaze up, she searched for his eyes. At first, missing them through the swelling and blood, she connected with him. The stubborn, strong, bossy, opinionated, serious Paco stared back at her.

Paco's beautiful face ruined, she leaned forward, trying several times to touch him and always pulling back, afraid of doing more damage.

"Sweetheart."His lips moved, but she couldn't hear him over her pounding heart.

He opened his hand. She caught the slight movement and latched on to him, surprised at the strength of his grip.

"Go,"he mouthed.

She shook her head. This was her fault. She would never leave him.

His mouth twisted. A moan escaped.

Sharing his pain, his hopelessness, his desire to save her, she wouldn't give up on him.

Everything they'd gone through, the fear of losing him, was in the past. She'd found him, and she wasn't going to let the despair of the situation kill him.

"Paco," she whispered, inching closer.

She couldn't stand it anymore. Lowering her head, she pressed his hand to her cheek. She kissed his knuckles. The tang of his blood coated her lips.

Tears spilled down her cheeks, burning her eyes. What Askook had done to him made her pugnaciously strong.

Moving her body closer, she pulled her leg in front of her, balancing on one knee. She couldn’t afford to look behind her to see what Askook was doing or if he was watching them in a sick, egotistical way. As if this was a game he enjoyed playing.

"Paco. My Leg." She let go of his hand, adrenaline making her rush.

She pulled at the hem of her jeans and flashed the blade of the knife. If she could get the weapon off her, she could kill Askook.

Life flashed in Paco's gaze. A growl, resembling a groan, tumbled from his mouth.

"Enjoy the reunion because in fifteen minutes, I'm going to kill him. Then, I'll teach you to ever leave me again. Your father paid his debt. You're mine," said Askook behind her.

She froze, jerking her gaze over her shoulder. Askook stood in the archway with the man who'd escorted her to the house.

The proud stance disgusted her. Unable to hide her reaction to him, her lips pulled away from her teeth.

"He needs help." She moved, but Paco squeezed her hand, keeping her in front of him.

The room pulsated, and pressure tugged at her leg. Aware that Paco was going for the knife taped to her calf, she continued to face Askook.

"Let me take him off the Rez," she said.

"Neither of you are going anywhere." Askook stepped toward her, stopped, and looked down at Paco.

She straightened her spine, trying to keep Paco out of Askook's view as he tugged on the tape. Afraid Askook would hear the noise, she yelled her frustration.

"You've already killed my father. Why are you doing this to me?" She raised her hand, fisting her fingers. "This wasn't how you were raised, Askook. I knew your mother. I knew your sister. You've turned your back on the blood running through your veins. If they were alive—"

Askook strode across the room. She got up on her knees, wanting to block him from Paco.

"How many of our women have you sold?" She almost toppled as Paco freed the knife from her lower leg. Using the moment to get on her feet, she slapped out, swiping Askook's chest with her hand. "How many lives have you taken? How many times have you looked up at the sun and pretended you were honorable?"

Askook slapped her across the face. In her rage, she bounced back and took her fists to him. Seeing what he'd done to Paco, she feared he'd die before she could get him help.

She couldn't stop Askook. She couldn't stop time. She couldn't stop the massacre.

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