Page 183 of When Hearts Remember

“Try me,” I whisper to the madman in front of us.

Trey’s eyes rove over us, his lips pursed. I hold my breath, hoping he’ll cave.

But then he straightens, his finger steady on the trigger. “Well, I guess we’ll just have to take the risk, won’t we?”

He swivels the gun toward me and fires, a loud boom echoing in the night.

Before I can react, I hear a loud roar followed by a grunt, then Ethan drops to the ground.

“No!” I scream, watching crimson blood seep out through his white dress shirt.

He threw himself in front of a bullet for me.

Ethan gurgles, more blood dripping from his mouth. I crouch and clutch him in my arms.

“Ethan!” I tug out his gag.

His breathing is harsh, the color fading fast from his face. “Trey… Sh-she doesn’t know anything. She’s bluffing. Your secret dies with me. Let her go.”

“The downfall of Anderson men. Their women,” Trey murmurs, and I hear the telltale click of the gun again.

With strength I don’t know I possess, I hoist Ethan up and spin toward the inky waters of my almost-grave.

I hurl us over the railing as the second shot rings out.

Icy water swallows me as I clutch the man I love, the currents dragging us under into the dark depths.

Swim, Lexy. Swim.

Chapter 56

“Sir, you should stayfor one more night. You aren’t ready to be discharged yet.” The nurse hurries behind me as I yank off the IV and put on my clothes.

My breath comes out in a hiss, the pain ricocheting from the bullet wound in my abdomen—a through and through that somehow missed all my vital organs. Other than significant blood loss requiring transfusion yesterday and prophylactic antibiotics, I’m weak, but fine.

“I’m not staying here. Tell the doctor to send the discharge papers to Fleur.”

I can’t stay here.

I can’t bear the smell of antiseptic agents, the annoying barrage of beeping noises from the machines, the way everyone tiptoes on the tiled floors because they’re afraid of disturbing the patients resting in nearby rooms.

It reminds me too much of the eight long years of waiting at Alexis’s bedside, hoping she’ll wake up.

The nurse scurries away, no doubt shaking her head in exasperation, and I march toward my destination, which quickly comes into view.

There she is, my sleeping beauty.

My heart clenches when I step into yet another sterile room, but this time, my Nova lies on the bed, her eyes closed, her copper locks fanned out on her pillow. Logically, I know she’s fine—she’s asleep, not in a coma.

But my mind doesn’t compute, my emotions and panic sending me into a tailspin.

Olivia and Taylor rise from their chairs. Charles gives me a nod from the window, his brows furrowed.

Liam and Lana hurry over.

“Ethan! Why are you up and walking around?” Lana fawns over me, her eyes shining with concern.

Liam squeezes my arm. “She’s fine. The doctors just gave her some IV fluids and said she passed out from exhaustion. Nothing to worry about, man.”

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