Chapter 5 - A Bullet Between Us
996 Words
Bullets flew down the hallway, hitting on the marble walls a loud signal of danger.
Maya's heartbeat boomed in her ears as Alexander strengthened his grasp, his body like a fortress shielding her from danger.
Liam was already moving, pistol drawn, and his expression was incomprehensible as he inspected the entryway.
Alexander turned to his guard. “How many?”
“Four. Armed,” the man responded, his voice clipped. “They came in through the back.”
Maya swallowed hard. “We need to leave.”
Liam didn’t take his eyes off the entrance. "No joking."
Alexander turned to her, his face harsh and hard. "Remain close to me."
Maya's fingers bit into her palms, and tightness built in her chest. "Where exactly are we heading to?"
“The safe house,” Alexander said.
Liam huffed. "You think that we'll make it out of here still breathing?"
Alexander's jaws constricted. "We don't have an alternative."
Another round of gunfire damaged a vase near the stairwell.
Maya panicked her heart pounding.
Liam cursed behind his breath. "They're getting closer."
Alexander grasped her hand even tighter. "Move."
Maya hardly had time to respond before being pulled down the hallways, her pulse pounding with dread.
Alexander guided her through a side hall, his hold firm but not tight.
Behind them, Liam covered their exit, his gun c****d, ready.
The estate was massive, but even it couldn’t keep them hidden for long.
Maya’s mind spun. “Who sent them?”
Liam let out a humorless laugh. “Who do you think?”
Maya’s chest tightened. “Victoria.”
Alexander did not answer, but the thump in his jaw proved it.
They turned a corner, and Maya had little time to react when Alexander pushed her into the wall.
A bullet zipped by them and smashed into the column near her.
Her breath stalled.
Liam fired back, hitting one of the intruders.
Maya's pulse was irregular. "I can't—"
Alexander's grasp on her jaw made her look at him. “Focus, Maya.”
Her eyes locked onto his.
Gray. Intense. Unwavering.
The world blurred.
Her heartbeat slowed slightly.
Alexander's thumb touched her cheek. "I won’t let any harm come your way."
Maya gasped hard before nodding.
“Move now,” Liam snapped.
They began running second time, darting through the halls.
Another bullet skimmed Maya's sleeve, shredding through her dress.
She sighed, sliding a bit.
Alexander strengthened his hold around her waist. "You're alright."
Maya nodded, but her entire body trembled.
They reached the back of the estate, the exit in sight.
Alexander motioned to Liam. “Get her to the car.”
Liam nodded, grabbing Maya’s wrist.
But before they could take another step—
A gunshot rang out.
Maya’s blood ran cold.
She turned in time to see Alexander stagger back.
Her heart stopped. “Alexander!”
He staggered, hand pressed to his ribs, the white fabric blooming red beneath his touch.
Maya shoved past Liam, reaching for him.
Alexander gritted his teeth. “I’m fine.”
Maya’s eyes burned. “You’re shot!”
He stumbled slightly, but his grip on her remained firm.
Liam fired another shot, taking out the last intruder.
Then everything went still.
The air was dense, filled with something weighty.
Alexander's breathing was raspy yet controlled.
Maya's hands quivered as she pushed onto the wound.
Alexander strengthened his fingers around her forearm. "Maya."
She stared at him, her view obscured by a constant flow of tears.
His tone was soft and steady. "We have to go."
Maya shook her head. "You're bleeding, Alexander."
A smile formed at the corners of his lips. "I've had far worse."
Liam rolled his eyes. “Unbelievable.”
Maya breathed out deeply. "You're not untouchable."
Alexander's gaze relaxed "But I need to know for certain that you are."
Maya's stomach tightened tightly.
Liam motioned toward the exit. “Let’s move before backup arrives.”
Maya helped Alexander to walk by wrapping her arm around his waist.
His body was solid against hers, warm despite the blood that had leaked through his shirt.
They arrived outside to see a black SUV waiting for them.
Liam pulled the door open and motioned them to enter.
Maya helped Alexander to the chair, his jaw clenched in pain.
Her hands shaking, as she got in beside him.
Liam took the wheel and started the vehicle.
As the vehicle sped away, Maya clasped her palms over Alexander's injury, attempting to halt the bleeding.
Her voice was hardly discernible. "You scared me."
Alexander's eyes opened and his lips curled slightly. “That’s new.”
Maya let out a choked laugh. “Shut up.”
His fingers brushed against hers. “I’m alright, Maya.”
She was skeptical of his claims.
Her heart struck in her chest, every sharp beat shocking her to the soul.
She didn't know why, but the thought of his being away was excruciating.
Regardless of how diligently she made an effort, the potential of losing him was discomforting.
Liam glanced at her in the back mirror. "We need to have him patched. There’s a clinic I trust not far from here.”
Maya nodded. “Go. Fast.”
Alexander grunted, his body going slack.
Maya panicked. “Alexander?”
His lips twitched. “Still here.”
Maya expelled a trembling breath. "Remain that way.”
Alexander's attention shifted to hers, with something inscrutable in his eyes.
Maya's chest heaved.
Her phone buzzed.
She pulled it out, her fingers still trembling.
Unknown number.
Her stomach dropped.
She hesitated before answering. “Hello?”
A familiar voice filled her ear.
One she hadn’t heard in years.
One that shouldn’t have been possible.
Her blood ran ice cold.
“Hello, Maya.”
She took in a breath.
Her hands trembled frantically.
Alexander noticed, his gaze sharpening. “Maya?”
Her throat closed.
Because the voice on the other end of the line—
Was her mother’s.
And she was very much alive.
- Writer
