Chapter 7 Dante
DANTE
When the red dot of the sniper rifle appears on her chest, I don't stop to think.
I act out of pure instinct.
Before the bullet can leave the firearm, I throw her to the ground and cover her body with mine. Someone screams, but it isn't Grace.
It's her friend, the girl with the number tattooed on her wrist.
"Get down," I scream at her. "Body flat against the ground. And cover your ears."
I twist my body, using my free hand to return fire. The attackers are two men riding a motorcycle, both wearing helmets and bulletproof vests.
My own men spring into action, firing back at the intruders. They leave as fast as they appeared, completely unharmed.
I want to hunt them down, but I also don’t want to leave Grace’s side.
I quickly scan my men. Two of them are hurt, but none of the injuries appear to be serious.
I brace my hands on either side of Grace's head and lift my body. She's staring up at me with wide eyes and parted lips.
"You alright?" I ask softly.
Her eyes drop to my lips, growing unfocused yet again. Now that her face is inches from mine, it dawns on me that this isn't her natural state of being. Her pupils are blown. She's under the influence of something.
"Come on." I stand, scooping her into my arms once more.
She clutches my bicep and glances behind us. “What about Sarah?”
"She's not hurt either," I say. "The police will find her soon."
Grace shakes her head vehemently. "My mother wants me dead. That's why she sent people to kill me. They've spotted Sarah, so they'll try to hurt her too."
"Your mother?" I ask, my eyes flicking between hers.
“I can’t leave Sarah on her own,” she pleads.
I place her inside the car.
"We're leaving," I say. "Your friend will be fine."
"You don't understand," she says, squeezing my wrist. Her brown eyes are now shimmering with unshed tears.
I almost never second-guess myself, but nothing about today makes sense.
I glance back at my men.
“Bring the other girl to the villa in a separate car,” I say.
Grace blinks at me. "Thank you."
My response caught her off guard. Well, that makes two of us.