Page 52 of Say You Won't Let Go
“Tell me, have you known Emily long?” Cooper urges.
“Long enough to know we’re meant to be.”
“When you know, you know, right?”
“I’m done with this conversation. She either leaves or I end this with her here,” Brookes warns.
“Em,” Coop says. “You need to go outside.”
I dig my nails in his back and tears pool. “Please don’t do this, Brookes. Please!” I plead. “If you love me, you won’t hurt me like this. You won’t make me live with knowing I’m responsible.”
I can’t move my legs. I can’t do this. I don’t know what the hell Cooper is thinking, but Wade should be back any minute. He’ll know what to do.
Brookes looks at me as the tears fall freely. I’m not pretending anymore, I’m truly terrified and broken by the idea of walking out that door.
He sighs, drops his hand more, and before I have a chance to blink, Cooper lunges.
Chapter Nineteen
Emily
Time doesn’t slow when you think you’re going to die. I don’t know who the hell says they’re hyper aware because nothing is registering right now. I can’t see whose hands are where. I can’t decipher who is making what noises. All I see are limbs moving and punches landing. Brookes and Cooper battle. I stand in horror, not knowing if Cooper is hurt or where the gun is.
I hear Cooper grunt, and the sound of cracking turns my stomach. “Cooper!” Tears fill my vision as I see his head fall to the side.
“Go, Emily! Run!” he yells, but I can’t walk away from him.
“I’m not leaving you!” I cry out.
I have to help him. Brookes lands another punch, but Cooper fights back.
Where the fuck is Wade?
Then I remember my panic button.
I turn and dive for it. I press the red button, knowing the alarm will blare out to the whole security team.
Sure enough, Brookes’s radio shrieks.
“Fuck you!” Brookes says as he hits Coop again.
“I’ll fucking kill you for touchin’ her!” Cooper replies, and my eyes catch the reflection off the shiny metal barrel that was lost in the scuffle.
I move forward and grip the handle. “Stop!” I scream pointing the gun at them. “Stop moving or I’ll shoot!”
Both men go still.
Brookes looks up and fear fills his gaze. “Baby.”
“I’m not your baby. I don’t even know you, but you’ve tormented me for weeks. You’ve made my life miserable, and now you tried to kill the man I love. So don’t you dare speak to me. Get up!” I nudge the muzzle upward, indicating he needs to stand.
He obeys, and then Cooper lands a punch on his face, blood sprays, and I scream.
He hits him again and again, until Brookes’s body goes limp.
My gun is still pointed, and my hands begin to shake. I’m standing here, but emotionally, I’m gone.
Then he’s in front of me, his skin warm as his fingers gently wrap around my wrist, slowly lowering the weapon.
