Page 219 of Sinful Like Us
Jane looks up at me, and agony finally reaches her—she breaks down, tears pouring out. Face contorting. I hold her against my body. My stomach is in knots—I fucking failed.All I can do is comfort her.
“How many?” Banks asks me.
“We didn’t find LJ.”
“What?” Tony hears that last part, walking closer. “You left the kitten?” He combs back his hair, eyeing the opened front door.
He wouldn’t.
I look back at the end of the street. For one second, and when I turn, Tony is running towards the engulfed townhouse. To save a cat that’s probably already dead.
To prove something.
That he’s worth more than me.
“TONY!” I growl out. “STOP!”
He doesn’t stop.
“What the fuck is he doing?!” Quinn shouts.
“Saving a kitten,” Banks says, his voice tight like he’s caging breath. Probably hoping Tony will retreat at the foot of the door.
Farrow jogs closer. “Luna has LJ.”
“What?” Jane chokes out, unburying herself from my chest.
Tony.I yell at the top of my lungs, “SHE HAS THE CAT!”
He doesn’t hear and he disappears into the fucking fire. Alarm triggers a reaction in me. I touch my collar for a mic.I’m shirtless.And no one grabbed a radio.There was no time.
I have one last instinct that tries to shove me forward.
Get him.
I let the reflex take over me, and I touch the top of her head, lovingly, and I run back to the house. My strong pulse beats in my ears.
“NO!” Banks screams.
“You can’t,” she cries out.
If my life means anything, let it mean this: I tried with my whole soul to protect the ones who couldn’t protect themselves, and I loved while I was here.
I will always love my brother.
And Jane—I will always,alwayslove Jane. Death can’t take that from me.
45
BANKS MORETTI
I run after my twin—heenters a literal burning building like he’s immune to the flames.That’s my brother. Six-minutes older. Entering hellfire with vigilance and confidence that’d make his men feel safe.
I follow. To stop him. Lungs fucking ablaze.
I don’t even reach the curb before Akara tackles me.
My chest and knees thud to the hot cement.No,no—fuckingno!“Get off!” I scream between gritted teeth, and I thrash against Akara. “Get the fuck off me!”Someone stop my brother.My chin digs into pavement, eyes wide-open. Super-glued to this misery.
