The bullet tore through my shoulder like liquid fire.
I spun backward, my father's crucifix flying from my neck as I hit the ground. Blood soaked through my black dress, warm and sticky. The pain was so sharp it stole my breath, but somehow I stayed conscious.
Through the smoke and flames from the explosions, I saw Sophia standing over me. Her face was streaked with tears, the gun trembling in her hands.
"I'm sorry, Abby," she whispered. "I'm so sorry."
Lucky's roar of fury cut through the chaos like a blade. He appeared through the smoke, his gun blazing. Sophia screamed and dove for cover as bullets chased her into the darkness.
"Abby!" Lucky dropped beside me, his hands pressing against my bleeding shoulder. "Stay with me, baby. Stay with me."
The endearment slipped out in his pan
