Page 108 of She Belongs to Me

“I don’t know.”

“Where is Sassy?”

“Back of the stable.” He broke free, determined to save what he was responsible for.

I took a deep breath, wiping sweat from my face before racing into the barn. I had to save her. I would save her.

The smoke had already turned acrid, the horrible sounds of cracking wood and whinnying horses far greater than the rumble from the fire. I was in permanent motion, every action more perfunctory than anything, but I kept moving, pushing horses toward freedom and safety as I shoved my way to the back.

I knew Alexandra. She would do anything to save her horse.

The time seemed to slow, every sound shifting into an echo. All I could think about was the beautiful woman.

Finding her.

Saving her.

Protecting her.

Loving her.

The push to keep going did as it was intended, every cough and every wheeze ignored. I pushed out more horses, the terror so real for all of them. “Alexandra!” The call was likely drowned out, but I repeated it over and over again.

She didn’t call back.

Another cracking sound forced me to look up. It was too late. As a beam split off and fell from the ceiling, I only had time to shift to the right. But the heavy piece of wood fell on my leg, driving it into the gravel floor.

The pain was horrific, but the immobility was worse. I pushed and pulled, yelling for her continually. The flames were creeping closer. The heat was oppressive. Sweat stung my eyes.

I refused to die this way. No. No!

“Jesus Christ, brother. Can’t take you anywhere.”

Domino was suddenly there with Romeo, both men immediately moving to the beam.

“Get me out of here. Alexandra is still in here.”

I didn’t need to see their hesitation. I felt it. But they worked together, groaning as they attempted to remove the beam. I could hear their heavy breathing, the curse words that flowed from both their mouths. That didn’t stop them. While it seemed like it had taken forever, only a few seconds later, my leg was free.

There was no caution about my injury. I jumped to my feet, pushing myself further into the darkness. I would find her. I would save her.

Then I would hunt down the person responsible.

“What are you doing?” Domino called.

My answer was easy and slipping from the tip of my tongue. “Saving the woman I love.”

Time would continue taking a toll. I had no idea how many minutes had passed and it was something I would try to reflect on later. But a single whinny, one that sounded so forlorn, called my attention. I followed the sound, praying to God I was right.

“Alexandra!”

“Here. Help… us.”

“She’s here.” There was no time to lose, both men trailing closely behind me. I pushed my way forward, feeling for both the woman and Sassy. Suddenly, my leg no longer hurt. I had to save her.

When I found them huddled in a corner, I simply reacted. As we all raced to safety, the cracking sounds of additional timber could be heard all around us.

“The building is going down,” Romeo yelled.

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