Page 193 of Grand Love

She leaves me as I gasp for breath.

She leaves me in my last breath.

* * *

Mase

“Mason, wake up!”Lance’s panicked voice pulls me from sleep.

I snap open my eyes and sit up in the bed. “What?”

He grasps my arm and heaves me out of bed. “We have to go! Now!”

* * *

The world shootspast us as Lance drives us to Nina’s apartment. No one is answering their phones, and I’m about to lose all my remaining sanity with the lack of information I’m getting from Lance.

“What did the message say!” I repeat.

“It was vague, Mase. But I know something isn’t right. Scarlet’s been going to see Joey because Nina wasn’t. She didn’t answer when I called.”

“What did the message say?!” I yell.

“It wasn’t from Scarlet, it was Joey. It didn’t make sense, but he said he had a gun.”

“Why the fuck is Joey texting you from Scarlet’s phone.” I pull at my hair. “Why aren’t they answering their fucking phones!” My fist crashes into the dash in frustration.

“Call Vinny,” Lance tells me.

* * *

We ditchthe car at the entrance and run through the apartment building until we reach the fourth floor. The door is cracked open and instantly I hear a distressed cry.

My body sways on the spot. Lance pushes past me and runs into the apartment.

“What the fuck!”

I follow him in, my world halting to a grounding stop the moment I see Nina’s lifeless body on the ground, and Scarlet hunched over, giving her chest compressions.

“No.” I shake my head, stepping towards her.

This can’t be happening.

“What the fuck did you do!” Lance questions incredulously, picking up a gun from the ground. “WHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE!” he roars.

My blurred eyes fly to Joey who is standing off to the side of the kitchen island grasping a knife in his bloodied hands. “I. I. I. They,” he wails, not making any sense as he trembles on the spot.

I turn my back on him, blocking him out.

I fall to my knees at Nina’s side, hitting the ground with a thud. “Scar,” I say, not recognising my own voice as it breaks. “Scarlet,” I repeat, frowning up at her when she doesn’t acknowledge me.

I shake my head. “Tell me she’s going to be okay.”

“Scar!” I snap, clenching my jaw tight when she only squeezes her eyes tight and continues to push on Nina’s chest.

How is this happening?

I take Nina’s face in my hand, my chin quivering as I try to understand. “Angel, you can’t leave me. You promised me forever.” I drop my lips to her forehead, her body jolting beneath me. Tears line my face, dripping from my chin and onto her pale face. I gently swipe them away. “Don’t be afraid, baby. You aren’t alone, I’m here. I won’t ever leave you.”

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