Page 49 of Promise Never

“What is this?”Runibellowsas blinding headlights blare into the car.

“Ugh!” We all shout as the vehicle slams into us.

Our driver loses control.

The SUV swerves, ramming into the guard rail andbreaking it.

My door rips open on impact.

Guttural screams tear from my lungs as my bodypeels from the backseat, tumbling towards the edge.

“Oh my god!”

Alessandro grabs my hand just in time.

“I’ve got you!” he shouts.“Runi, ho bisogno di aiuto!”

I hear another vehicle screeching to a stop. Thengunshots echo in the air. At least none is firing at us.

“Ah!” I scream as my body slips a bit more, myshoes falling off my feet.

“Runi!” Alessandroyells. “Wake up, dammit!”

His trusted guard groans until coming to andquickly peers around the seat at us.

Men shout in Italian outside the car.

I fear it’s our attackers wanting to finish usoff, butRuniyells to them, “Grab Alessandro!”

They yank his door open, causing the car to shiftwith a frightening bounce.

“Oh god!” I holler, fear propelling my pulse.

Alessandro grinds his teeth as he clings to me.

“Ugh!” My legs are dangling in midair. I might dietonight. “Alessandro! Please don’t let me go!”

“Never! Hang on!” To the men, he yells, “We need arope! Back away from the car!”

They hurry off.

“I don’t want to die!” I cry over and over. “Don’tlet me die! Please!”

“You won’t, Tiana,” Alessandro assures me. “Or I’mgoing with you!”

Runitries tostay still in his seat, gently touching the driver slumped over the steeringwheel.

“He’s dead,” he rasps.

Just then, the car shifts even more.

“Shit!” Alessandro grunts.

He tightens his hold as we both start to fall.

“Alessandro!” I scream, sure that I’m heading straightto the rocky waters below. The treacherous waves sound like they’re singing mydemise.

But my body hitches.

---