Page 77 of Unbroken (Russo Mafia)

“Not happening Charlie, this cunt won’t be leaving this building tonight.” His gun resting against his thigh.

We circle around the room. Poor Oscar stuck in the middle of our little vulture circle. When we make it to the door, he drags me into the hallway. I keep my eyes on Lucca the entire time, wishing he would’ve taken the shot, but I understand why he didn’t.

“Oh, looky Tony.” Nico’s voice rings throughout the hallway.

“I can see. It looks like a dead man to me.”

“Hey Charlie, how ya doing?” Nico asked.

“Been better and all.” I can’t see them considering Seth’s back is towards them. His heart rate is beating wildly in his chest. Mine would be too if I was corned by your rivalry. “Will somebody just blow his brains out already. I don’t understand why we are all standing around talking so much. Are we a bunch of girls getting our fucking nails done?” I questioned, letting the frustration out.

“You know she has a point.” Nico laughs while cocking his gun.

I hear a loud crack a few seconds later, Seth’s arm loosens around my neck as he howls in pain. Shoving me to the ground I flip over onto my back to see Seth grabbing his leg from where he’s sitting on the floor.

“You fucking shot me,” He screams at Nico.

“So, it seems, wouldn’t.” He grins.

Lucca and Oscar walk out. Oscar rushes to me, embracing me in a one arm hug.

“Chuck, thank God you’re safe.” He runs his hand attentively through my hair.

“We need to get you to the hospital.” He gives me a lazy smile resting his head on my shoulder.

I glance at Lucca. “Cover your eyesTesoro.You don’t need to see what happens next.” He places his gun in between Seth’s eyes. “Now please.” Keeping his eyes locked on mine.

I slam my eyes shut, only listening to what’s happening.

I can hear Seth let out a small whimper. “Looks like she won’t be enjoying the show after all. I’m only upset that Nico here, placed a bullet in your leg making this easier on me.”

Another loud crack causing me to jump. Oscar rubs my hand trying to calm my nerves. Jesus Christ. I don’t think I can do this for much longer. If Oscar wasn’t with me, I don’t think I would have the strength to do what I did back there. If I’m being honest right now.

“Charlie, open your eyes, baby.” Lucca’s voice breaks through the cloud I’m under. His lips brushing in my hair. Cracking my eyes open I’m greeted by his handsome face. “There you are. I’m so sorry. I didn’t want you to get caught up in my shit.”

Nico helps Oscar up; he lets out a low groan. He holds his broken arm close to his chest. “I’m good, Chuck, don’t worry about me.”

How could I not. He’s going to be reminded of this day forever.

Rett comes crashing down the stairs, eye searching, until they land on us down the small hallway. He takes in the scene in front of him, running his hands through his hair giving it a tug at the ends. Releasing a loud huff, he shakes his head.

“What the fuck happened here?”

“Well, I’m sure you can figure that one out,” Antonio states.

Rett rolls his eyes. “I can see you found Charlie and Oscar, but why did you kill him down here?”

I can’t help but look around as well. Until my eyes land on Seth, or what’s left of Seth. Bile threatened to spew out. I place a hand over my mouth. Lucca turns me into his body.

“Stop looking. You don’t need these memories.” He whispered in my ear.

All I could do was nod. “Can we please get out of here?”

After being in that basement, the cool night air felt wonderful on my skin. I give Oscar a small smile as Nico helps him into the car. I’m forever grateful that I was with him. We both survived together. It’ll be one more thing we have in common.

The ride back was uncomfortable. That’s when I come to terms that my body was worse than I expected. My head was throbbing. I keep rubbing my forehead keeping my eyes closed. Lucca holds me close to his side, refusing to have an inch between us. I know how much guilt he’s carrying, but he doesn’t need to. I did this myself.

“I don’t blame you, Charlie. Please don’t think that.”

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