Page 89 of Ashes

“I need you to take care of our family. Take care of my brothers, and tell them I love them. Tell our daughter I love her.”

“Shut the fuck up, Eli. You’re not leaving us.”

“You have two minutes, Eli. Be grateful I’m allowing you to say goodbye.” I block out Jaden’s words and the pain radiating through my body, causing my vision to blur. I want to be able to see my beautiful girl.

I press my lips against hers, relishing the way she feels against me, savoring her kiss and the way she tastes in my mouth. One last time.

“You’re everything to me, baby. You’re my home, my heart, my soul.” I kiss her again. “Just know, hellion, that you will always have my heart. I’m forever yours.” I let her go, limping away to put space between us.

I wipe my tears with the back of my hand, my eyes never leaving hers. She attempts to run toward me, but Anton stops her by wrapping his arms around her waist.

“Please! Stop! Please! I’ll do anything! Please,” she screams, and her face turns red. Her screams are like knives to my ears.

“You, baby, you will always be right here.” I press my hand against my heart.

“Get on your knees,” Jaden orders, staring me down.

I shake my head. “I will not.” He rolls his eyes in annoyance.

“You can never fucking listen,” he complains.

“Lee, baby, close your eyes.”

“Eli, no!”

“I need you to close your eyes! Close them for me and keep them closed!” She’s heaving and choking over her tears, but she submits and closes her eyes.

“Listen to the sound of my voice.” The third man forces me to my knees. I hiss in pain when I have to bend the leg that’s been shot. “Keep your eyes closed, and picture us lying in bed, tangled in the sheets. Your head is on my chest, listening to my heartbeat. Can you hear my heart beating, baby?” Pony stands behind me, gripping my hands behind my back to prevent me from doing something stupid.

I’m not afraid to die, and I’m not going to do anything stupid anyway. Not when I can see the man standing in the corner pointing the gun at Lee, trying to remain hidden.

“Y-y-yes. I can hear it.” She chokes on her sobs.

“Pretend we’re in your studio, and I’m watching you dance. Can you feel my eyes on you? Can you see me watching you dance?”

“Eli, please, don’t leave me.”

“It’s not possible to leave you, baby. Answer me. Do you see me watching you dance?”

She nods, her lips trembling, her body shaking.

“Pretend we’re in the kitchen with the guys eating banana French toast and laughing over King’s stupid jokes. Can you taste the food, baby? Can you hear the jokes?” She nods again.

“Remember me, baby. Remember how much I loved you, and know that I’m always with you, and I’ll always be watching.” My voice clogs with emotion, but I force the tears away, willing myself to be strong. “I love you, hellion.”

“I love you, Eli.”

Jaden stares me down as he places his gun against my forehead and pulls the trigger.

forty-four

ROWEN

“Haveyou heard from Lee or Eli? They were supposed to be here by now,” I say, anxiously tapping my foot.

“I’ll try calling them again,” Ace says, scrolling through his phone and then placing it to his ear.

Lee went back home to get a part of Olivia’s costume that she forgot, and Eli had a business meeting and was supposed to meet us here at Olivia’s recital. We’ve all been calling their phones, and neither of them are answering.

---