30. Ryder
I knew something was going on when I saw that Russian at the bar. I heard Sal instruct backup over the mic he wears so I know it is only a matter of moments before they arrive. We only have to keep them at bay for that long. Unfortunately, I only have three bullets left and the other exit is on the other side of the fire.
There are stairs to our right and if we move fast, I can get her to the level below where our men are likely coming from.
“Devina –,” I shout trying to make my way back to her, “We have to go. Now!”
I looked behind me to make sure she could hear. She’s crouched low with her hands over her ears but I see her reluctantly begin to move. She turns, locking eyes with me. Her gaze is full of determination and hope.
I know she trusts me to get her out of here. She’s on her feet reaching for me when her eyes shift and mine follow her line of sight. A bullet strikes Sal through the neck and sparks fly on the pipes above us as the bullets ricochet. Her arms wrap around me and we twist as I’m thrown back to the cement. Her face contorts as she pinches her eyes shut as I cradle her and we fall to the ground. Her body falls slack on top of mine with a burst of heat running over my hands.
Anger rushes to the front of my mind knowing I don’t have enough bullets to kill the people who are reigning fire down on us.
I roll us over so I can inspect the damage. She’s been hit in the back. It didn’t go through or it would have hit me. Fuck Devina, why did you do this?
The doors open and backup begins to flood in shooting past me. Two guards fall to their knees to reload while Ronnie grabs me at the waist to pull me back toward the stairs.
“I can’t leave her!” I fight my way back but they are stronger than me, which is why I hired them. Of course, this seems to present quite a predicament because I am not leaving my wife in the middle of a war.
“I can’t get you both Ryder,” Ronnie yells. “She’s down. Let me get you first and we will get her.”
I elbow backward at his face stunning him enough to release me as I run toward Devina, throwing myself back over her body.