His Mafia Throne

Chapter 8

Aurora

The night felt endless. Max’s office was behind us, full of bullets, blood, and shadows. I was running through the building’s corridors with his arm over my shoulders, feeling his weight growing heavier with every step. His blood poured in waves, and his skin was as cold as marble.

Max groaned softly, but he didn’t complain. He never did.

— Just a little more... — I told him, my voice barely holding. — Just a bit more, Max...

— I’m fine... just... don’t stop... — he whispered, though his voice was breaking from the pain.

We descended the side stairs of the club, avoiding the main entrance. I didn’t know who was chasing us. I didn’t know who sent those men. But I knew we didn’t have time. Max was bleeding and I had nowhere safe to take him. I couldn’t call an ambulance — if we were being followed, they’d finish the job before we got help.

— Hold on to me, — I said through tears, but determined. — You’re not dying tonight. Do you hear me?

— I can’t... die... without touching you again... — he murmured, trying to smile, but his eyes were clouded.

---

I managed to get him to the garage, where one of his cars was parked. I opened the back door and helped him in the best I could, then slid behind the wheel. The keys were already in the glovebox. He was always prepared for anything... just not this.

The engine roared to life, and I stepped hard on the gas. The club’s lights faded quickly in the rearview mirror, but I could feel danger still breathing down our necks.

A few blocks away, a black SUV suddenly pulled up behind us. Its headlights burned into my mirror, and my stomach tightened.

— Max... they’re following us.

He slowly opened his eyes and reached toward the hidden compartment between the seats. He pulled out another loaded gun.

— Drive, baby... I’ll shoot.

I looked at him in the mirror — face bloodied and pale, pain etched into his features, but the same deadly focus in his eyes. He was still Max. Even shot, he was the one drawing the battle lines.

The SUV fired first. The window on the left exploded, shards of glass slicing my cheek. I didn’t stop. Max rolled down his window and fired back with calm precision. One bullet hit the hood. Another cracked the windshield.

The SUV swerved but didn’t fall behind.

— Right turn, Aurora! — Max shouted.

I jerked the wheel hard, turning into a narrow alley between buildings. The tires skidded, but I kept control. The SUV hesitated — that was all we needed.

We burst out the other end and headed toward the edge of the city.

— Where are we going? — I asked, my voice shaking with adrenaline.

— Somewhere no one dares follow... the cabin in the woods...

— Max... you’re too hurt... you’re losing too much blood.

— I’m not dying... not until I settle my debts. And not until I have you again.

I drove for miles, until the city lights vanished into the dark. When we finally reached the cabin, Max was barely conscious. I pulled him from the car, crying and trembling, but I didn’t stop. I dragged him inside, tore off his blood-soaked shirt, and cleaned the wound with cold water and alcohol.

— Stay with me... stay... — I whispered, pressing hard on his chest.

His eyes fluttered open — weak, but still alive.

— I told you... I’m not going anywhere yet.

And I knew then that no matter who wanted us dead... Max would fight.

And I... I’d burn the world down if I had to, just to save him.