The maffiaboss who saved me

Chapter 13

Nora POV

I get out of the limo as fast as I can, Colin and the others coming right after me. When I run to my apartment a fireman stops me.

“I’m sorry miss. You can’t go over there.” He says strict. Adrenaline shoots through my whole body as I breath heavy, not able to get any word out of my mouth. Colin stands by me and lays his hands on my shoulder.

“Good night officer, what is going on?” He asks the fireman.

“A gas leak has been detected and therefore a possible risk of explosion so we’re evacuating the entire building and the neighbouring blocks.” The fireman replies. I turn around because I hear another car pull up on the street, being stopped by another fireman. The backdoor opens and I see Mrs. Miller and Henry step out. I watch them getting informed by the fireman while I walk over to them. They both turn to me and she wraps her arms around my neck, sobbing.

“It’s going to be alright mom, it’s standard procedure.” Henry taps on her shoulder.

“I hope you’re right.” I think to myself.

Suddenly the whole street is lit up, followed by a wave of warmth and a loud bang feeling like my eardrums are going to explode. We all scream and duck, trying to save ourselves from debris flying around. Colin and the others run up to us and pull us further away from the disaster.

“Are you all alright?” The two firemen come over to us. Mrs. Miller is still screaming in agony while Henry tries to comfort her without success. I’m doing my best to say something but I’m starting to hyperventilate and feel light headed. As my vision gets blurry I feel Colin pulling me in his arms, lifting me up and holding me tight against his chest.

“You’re safe Nora. It’s going to be okay, you’re safe.” He whispers in my ear and it helps me to get my breathing under control. I look over to Chelsey and Henry who are now clung to each other, both crying as they watch the flames flare up from the fragments that are left of our apartment block.

“Put me down please.” I tell Colin and as soon as he lets my feet touch the ground I wrap my arms around them.

“What are we going to do now?” Chelsey cries out.

“I don’t know. But it is going to be alright, I know that.” I try to comfort her, not sure of my words either but I want to believe them. Colin stands by us and we unwrap ourselves from each other to listen to what he has to say.

“Hi, I can give you a temporary solution.” He begins, looking at all three of us and we all give him the same questioning look.

“I will arrange a hotel room where you can stay, for as long as you need until you find a new place.” He continues his offer.

“That’s very nice of you sir. But I’m afraid I can’t afford it, we’ll find a solution.” Mrs. Miller thanks him. Colin lays both hands on her shoulders and stares straight in her eyes.

“I will pay for it, don’t worry. You don’t have to bother anyone at this hour. Please just spend the night in the hotel. You can find another place to stay tomorrow if you insist.” He tries to convince her and Henry. I look at him with watering eyes, feeling overwhelmed by the offer and he pulls me into his chest.

“I’m gonna call Eliza. Maybe I can stay there so you don’t have to pay for my room.” I tell him and before he gets a chance to say something I’m already taking a few steps away with my phone pressed against my ear. After a few seconds I’m being sent to voicemail so I try again, unsuccessfully, so I walk back to Colin.

“She’s not answering.” I sigh as I walk into his open arms. I don’t know why but somehow I feel really comfortable around him.

“Then you’re coming with me, we will work something out tomorrow.” He rubs his hands up and down my back.

“Colin, we really have to go now. There’s nothing we can do here.” Nate interrupts our little moment. I try to release myself but Colin only pulls me closer so I just turn my head to him.

“I gave the address to one of the officers so they can send the other residents to the hotel, taxis are on their way over here to pick them up.” Jared adds to the conversation. I walk to Mrs. Miller and Henry to inform them about the plan.

“Come on, we’ll figure it out tomorrow.” I say as I wrap my arm around her shoulder and guide her to the limousine, Henry following us. We all get in and we drive away from the flaming place where our small but cosy apartment block used to be.