Page 156 of Magic or Madness

My heart stops as I read the words, one final ultimatum spelt out just for me, and I swallow a lump of bile forming in my throat.

Mr. A knows Fallon stabbed Raz. If I leave her behind, he promised her and the other girls complete immunity — deeming themuntouchable —but if she comes with me, he’ll take her life without hesitation.

An eye for an eye.

So many things tear through my mind, but one thing is clear, this is the best chance I have to keep her safe. Except, I have to leave her, the ultimate form of sacrifice in the name of love.

I’ll have to lie to her, something I swore I’d never do, because there’s no way she’ll let me go without her. If you love something enough, sometimes, you have to set it free.

Without thinking any further, I type up a reply, forcing him to guarantee Fallon, Cami, and Pepper’s safety, then and only then, will I agree to leave without the girls.

The message comes back at lightning speed, with only one word on the screen.

Deal.

FALLON

My handsand feet won’t move. It feels cold, like I’m back in the warehouse, my freedom not an option. I claw and fight, attempting to save myself, but it’s useless, I’m stuck against the restraints.

“Fallon!” I hear Ozzy scream, but I know he’s not here.

He’s not with me.

Sweat beads down my forehead, cascading down my cheeks and mixing with salty tears, but I’m numb. The pain doesn’t hurt, the sadness is gone, and I’m empty.

There’s nothing left in me tofight. I scream at the top of my lungs, but nothing comes out, just a hollowed sigh escaping my chest.

“Bambi, wake up, you’re having a nightmare!” He yells, sounding closer than he was before, and slowly the warehouse fades away.

I open my eyes to Ozzy’s, my vision hazy, but I instantly see the panic and pain that have taken over his usually calm demeanor.

He’s breathing heavily, staring at me with those dark eyes, tears slipping down his cheeks as he strokes a hand through my hair.

“Ozzy? Where are we?” I look around the dark room, and it begins to seem familiar, the framed photos standing out in my still blurred daze.

I’m home, with Ozzy, in our bed, the feeling of safety enveloping me.

“You’re alright, we’re home. I’m right here,” he says softly, and I snuggle into his arms.

“I’m sorry if I woke you up,” I whisper, but he places a kiss on my forehead and rubs my shoulders to help me settle down.

“You didn’t, but it’s okay. It’s my turn to take care of you,” he says, his voice cracking as if he’s in pain.

I close my eyes, leaning into his warm touch, but it’s no use. I’m wide awake now.

“How long did I sleep for?”

“More than twelve hours, I think. You snored for every single one,” he cracks, sitting us both up in bed.

I stretch out my tired body, noticing the sun is shining beyond the blackout curtains in our room. I guess I did sleep for a while.

“What’s on the agenda today?” I ask, sliding onto Ozzy’s lap and tangling my hands through his curls.

“Meeting with the guys, then whatever you want,my beautiful girl,” he says, wrapping me into a hug, but his body is tense against mine.

For some reason, he’s avoiding eye contact with me, and I can feel his reserve, almost like he’s holding something back.

“Well, I slept through my celebration so I kind of want to day drink on the roof, then work on our side mission,” I suggest, and he nods against my shoulder like he wasn’t even listening.

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