Page 46 of Catching His Runaway

Ididn’t think they would.

That means Tommy doesn’t believe I’ve betrayed him.

The hot, salty tears that graze my cheeks burn, but the relief that floods me nullifies the pain. If it isn’t for me gritting my teeth, I have no doubt a sob would break out.

Elijah might have many men on his payroll, but none will escape this place alive, not with my family as their foes.

Another bang is in the distance, this one sounding like wood splintering. Hearing someone yelling in another room, my heart picks up in speed as what I can only place as hope fills my chest.

Turning to look at Elijah, my heart pounds as I see something new filling his eyes.

Fear.

Even if it hints at me being weak, I cry out Tommy’s name. Anything to give them the upper hand in finding me before something happens.

Once I’ve caught my breath, I glare at Elijah.

“They’re coming to kill you,” I tell him in warning. The words come out slowly, and I feel my mouth curving. The pain in my cheek pulls as I smile. “You’re no longer the one on top.”

He’s cocky, too confident for his own good. From drinking himself senseless, to having not a single weapon on him, even I can see how low his guard is. Did he think buying out muscle would be enough?

Growing up, my father taught me all about keeping myself alive. It’s what has kept me going, even after getting involved with bad people. It’s obvious Elijah has never had to scramble for his life. He thinks money is the answer.

I’m more than happy that he’ll see that no amount of money will save him.

He jerks like he can see it, too. Putting his anger elsewhere, he looks around like he can find a weapon. The men surrounding him are already grasping theirs, and there’s not a chance they’ll be willing to part ways to save themselves.

Finally, my brother steps into the room. Urzo doesn’t stop and look for me. He’s like a bull, charging forward toward those he deems a threat. Behind him, the sight of Tommy makes my breath catch in my throat.

Pulling at my bindings, the ropes keep me in place. I can’t run into his arms like I want to. Instead, I’m forced to watch him right along with my brother, risking their lives as they fight off everyone inside.

Another shot rings out, and I can’t tell if it’s from outside or in.

I don’t call out to either of them, not wanting to distract them.

My brother cracks his knuckles against one of the grunts’ cheeks. His swing is heavy, causing the guy to fold to the ground.

People are still being shot as they scramble, someone outside of the cabin. Is it Santino? While he may have gotten better, he was never a good shot when we were kids.

I watch as they aim their guns and shoot their bullets, causing more damage to our surroundings than the bulky men coming after them.

Is it the fear of being killed that’s protecting Urzo and Tommy?

Quickly, they fight and take out one man each, moving in a blur as adrenaline for their own survival keeps them going.

My ears ring from each shot, and I can only imagine how long it’ll last. It’s not enough to ruin my hearing. I still hear the cries of death, the curses, the pleas, all of it.

I hear a cry of pain behind me and see Elijah on the ground. Whatever has happened, I know without a doubt that he deserved it.

Tommy’s suddenly in front of me, his eyes wild. He looks at the ropes on my wrists before using his crimson-coated knife to slice at my bindings. His motions are jerky. His breathing is erratic.

“Tommy-” My voice cracks, betraying me as a mixture of emotions floods over me.

He doesn’t mind the chaos happening around us. Locked onto me, he searches for wounds. Once he’s noticed the burns on my wrists and the swelling of my cheek, he makes this sound I’ve never heard him make. A deep growl that makesmyblood turn cold.

I’ve seen him when he’s angry, or so I thought.

Watching his muscles coil up, his teeth clench, and a vein pulse in his throat, the sense of relief catches like a lump in my throat as I watch him turn and take in Elijah.

---