Page 227 of The Counterfeit Lover

Andthatmakes him next on my list.

My darling Blue. He never wanted war. Yet war always comes looking for him.

A commotion starts downstairs, the sound travelling up and startling me from my thoughts. My gaze meets Ortega's and I don't know whether it was him that called reinforcements or someone else.

Alas, I can't dwell on that now. I got my answers. I guess it's time to put an end to this.

Crouching in front of him, I note with pleasure the way fear enters his eyes.

"What the hell are you?" he whispers, his features terror stricken.

"The last thing you'll ever see," I smile right as I bring the laser to his throat, cutting a straight line.

Blood slowly pours out before it bursts out like a geyser, hitting me in the face and trickling down my body.

But I don't stop. I continue to use the laser until his entire head is detached from his body. And with a slight poke, it falls to the ground, rolling away and making me chuckle.

The noise outside becomes louder, and since I wasn't able to put on a bulletproof vest, I don't want to stick around for the bullet exchange.

Aiming the laser at the window, I cut a big chunk of it—enough so I can squeeze through.

Right at that moment, the door I'd barricaded starts giving way, someone pushing hard against it.

Climbing up the ledge to get through the hole I'd created, I swing one leg inside, ready to push myself through when the noise intensifies, the door finally giving way.

Taking note of my surroundings and how I can maximize my chances ofnotgetting hit, I make to move to the right.

Yet as the door bursts open and people stream inside the room, nothing happens.

No gunshots.

No bullets flying.

Just one voice calling my name.

"Noelle!"

I freeze. Actually, to say I freeze is an understatement. I turn to stone on the spot, hoping the earth would open up and swallow menow.

"Noelle!" He shouts again, and I slowly turn my head.

In time for our eyes to connect.

"Raf?" I whisper, the question inane as reality comes crashing down.

In two steps he's by the window, his big hands splayed against my ribcage as he pulls me back. I don't protest. I don't do anything. I simply let him maneuver me around.

Carlos is in the back, a grim expression on his face as he takes in Ortega's body.

"Carlos, can you wait outside?" Raf's voice resounds, harsh and unyielding.

Before he can reply, though, the bathroom door bursts open and the girls run out screaming and pleading not to be killed.

A look passes between the two men and Carlos nods at Raf, ushering the girls outside.

I still don't dare move. Not as my entire mind blanks out on me until there's only one thing that echoes in my head.

It's not real.

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