Page 23 of Stolen Moments with a Bad Boy

“Just breathe. Please, just breathe,” I pleaded with her.

Erie kissed her fingers and placed it on my heart. She gurgled again then closed her eyes.

“No! Erie, please don’t leave me here alone!” I sobbed like a child.

Twelve

Janeiro

I dialed the only number I knew would always have my back. On the third ring, he answered threateningly. It was a secure line, and we only used this line if it was an emergency. I never had to use it until now.

“Whoever has this phone better be prepared to die,” he spoke menacingly.

He must have assumed I wasn’t in possession of the phone any longer because I hadn’t used the line until now.

“Zio, sono io Janeiro(Uncle, it’s me Janeiro),” I stated around the lump in my throat.

“Janeiro, cosa c'è che non va? (Janeiro, what’s wrong?)” my uncle Matteo questioned.

“I need you and Aunt Bianca to come to Chicago.”

“Is everything alright, my boy?”

I sensed his protective nature pushing through. No matter how old I got, to him, I’d always still be his little boy.

“No, Zio. My girlfriend has been shot, and she’s currently unconscious.”

I blew out a deep breath, trying to clear the frog from my throat. Deep down inside, I was a wreck. My emotions were allover the place. I wanted to yell at the top of my lungs, fall to my knees, and weep like a baby.

I needed my girl back. The pain that filled my chest inspired me to savagely claw at my flesh and remove the hurt that coursed through my veins. I didn’t possess the power to do so, and I couldn’t show any weakness. In my line of work, I couldn’t show any emotions. I had to remain strong in the face of my pain. Uncle Matteo’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

“Actually, my boy, we’re here. We had some business to take care of. We’re going to drop in on you.”

My pacing halted. If they were here, that meant they were on a job.

“Your aunt is going to get on you for not telling her about your girlfriend, but send us the address, and we’ll be there shortly.” The call disconnected.

I texted him the address quickly and walked back into the hospital and headed to Erie’s room. I took my place by Erie’s side while Londen and Erie’s pops sat in the chairs across from her. Erie looked so peaceful while she slept.

That was what I told myself. She was simply sleeping. I had to believe in that like I believed in God. It was all in His hands now.

I’d done so much dirt that I could only pray that God heard my prayers. I picked up her hand and kissed it. She was warm. That made my heart smile. She was always so warm, just like my mother used to be. We’d get through this. I knew we would.

Minutes passed, and rushed footsteps entered Erie’s room. I looked up. Troy Jr. and Trix walked in with worried looks on their faces. That bitch ass nigga had the audacity to show up like he didn’t put a hit out on my Bella, like I didn’t know he was the reason Erie was laid up unconscious now.

I couldn’t shoot him in front of all the witnesses. Time and strategy needed to take place. I needed to put Erie’s recoveryover my emotions. Troy Jr. could count his days, though. Once I was on his ass, death would soon follow.

“Pops, how’s Erie?” Troy Jr. queried and halted. “Why are you two so hugged up?” he pointed out.

Trix walked around him. Her nose flared with aggression. “Is this bitch the reason why you don’t come home anymore or why you won’t fuck me anymore?”

Mr. Lakes stood with Londen by his side.

“You seem to be firing off a lot of questions, Junior. Explain to me how I called you both at different times. You both were on two different sides of town, yet you both arrived together?” he inquired calmly.

Troy Jr. scratched his head while Trix eyed Londen with venom.

“Trix, I already told you what would happen if I saw you again. If you’re not ready for me to make due on my promise, I advise you to back the hell up!” Londen spat.

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