Page 131 of Wine & Whiskey
Carter nods to her. “It’s your turn.”
“What about you?”
He shakes his head and stares at his hands in his lap.
She squeezes his shoulder before climbing down the steps, assisted by the pilot waiting outside. “Thank you.”
“Mr. DeMarco’s on the phone. He wants to speak to you.”
Her heart strains against her chest as she presses it to her ear, eager to hear for herself he’s okay. “Nick?”
“Did he hurt you?”
Rage she must try to douse burns through his voice. “No, I’m fine.”
“Where is he?”
Defeated and broken-hearted, she couldn’t convince him everything would be okay. “He’s still in the plane. He wouldn’t come out with us.”
“I’ll be there in two minutes. Stay on the phone with me.”
“At the house, I heard everything you said. I believe you…” Her voice cracks at the memory of his plea for her to confirm his love. All she wants to do is remove any of his doubts. “And I know how much you love me.”
“More than you know.”
She swallows through the sob building in her throat. As much as they’ve hurt each other, it hasn’t been enough to destroy the connection between them. “No, because I feel the same way. I hope you know how much I love you.”
Headlights flash across the concrete before Max stops the car about fifteen feet in front of her. Nick jumps out, flinging off the bloody towel wrapped around his arm, and engulfs her. She lets the tears fall as he cups her face.
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes.” She wraps her fingers around his, needing to confirm he’s real, craving his tender touch to prove he’s here with her. “I was so scared he—”
“I know.” He kisses her forehead. “Stay with Max.”
Her body shudders at the coldness of his expression. Just like with Juan, but this time even more personal. She squeezes his hands tighter. “Please, Nick. Don’t do it. You don’t understand. He panicked—”
Nick ignores her explanation and glances at Max. “Put her in the car.”
She grabs for Nick’s hand, but Max holds her back, wrapping his arms around her waist. Useless to struggle against his strength, she turns to face him, fisting his shirt. “Please, Max, don’t let him do it. You’ve got to stop him.”
“Not this time.” Max shakes his head, his voice as hard as his expression. “Not after what he did to you.”
Fear throbs in her chest. They have to listen. This can’t be the end. “Nick!”
Her scream blows past him, unable to pierce the fury consuming him. He races up the stairs and disappears inside the darkened cabin.
“Max, please?”
“No.”
She slumps against him. Adrenaline drains from her body, stealing all her energy. Nothing else for her to give.
A pop shrieks across the open space, and his head flies up. “What the fuck?”
Max’s grip tightens around her, shielding her from the glass exploding behind them.
* * *
