Page 7 of Promise Never

After a deep breath, I continue to the door,taking my time unlocking it.

I swing it open and point the gun.

No one jumps out at me.

The light’s still on just as I left it earlier.Nothing is out of place.

Cautiously, I enter and shut the door.

I guess no one came here.

“Okay.” I hasten to my duffel, retrieve jeans, at-shirt, and sneakers. I change out of the dress and heels as fast as possible,toss them into the bag, and put my curls into a loose bun.

Not wasting another minute, I drape the duffel bagover my shoulder and quicken to the door.

I’m reaching for the knob when my ears perk up atthe scuffling of feet outside.

“Shit!” I dive to the floor just as a barrage ofbullets tear through the wood.

I crawl behind the distressed dresser, notshooting back yet. There’s no sense in wasting my rounds.

The gunfire breaks, and someone kicks in the door.I use the opportunity to veer around the dresser, nailing one of the bastardsin his chest.

More gunfire ensues, making me burrow into thecorner, unable to defend myself.

“Fuck!” I clench my teeth in frustration.

Don’t make it easy for them.

Huffing, I start firing in return. I’m taking theassholes with me.

My eyes expand as bullets rain from elsewhere, andmy attackers start dropping.

I pause my shooting when none remains.

Christ. My heart’s pounding wildly behind myribcage. Confusion has me hooked by the claws.

Just what the hell is going on?

A gasp slips out when AlessandroFattoresteps into the doorway with his scarred-face guard.

Surprisingly, his presence calms my nerves alittle.

“Quit your delay, woman!” he grits. “Let’s go!Fretta!”

I bustle from the floor with my duffel bag andhurry out of the room.

Gripping my arm, Alessandro runs alongside mebehind his guards. We hasten up the steps to his SUV, leaving immediately.

I look at him with my eyes blared open.

“Aren’t you going to thank me?” he quips. “Afterall, I just saved your life.”

I yank my arm away. “What are you doing here?”

“I had a hunch, so I stuck around.” He clicks histongue. “Good thing I did, or you’d be fish food now.”

“Why would ZenoCostantinitry to kill me?” I ask harshly. “I have nothing to do with you.”

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