Page 68 of War Within
“Are you really going to shoot your own son?” He snorted. “You had your chance. You didn't take it.”
“I don't have a problem shooting you after what I just saw.” I took a step closer, bracing myself for his next move.
“And what was that, dad?”
“You know damn well what it was!”
“What would get my father so upset with me that he's willing to kill me?” He glowered, titling his head before a smile etched on his face.
Taking several strides closer, I pointed my pistol directly at his chest. I never thought I would be stuck in that position. A tear roll down my face as my finger hovered over the trigger, quivering. My entire hand started to shake. He betrayed me in so many ways. I loved him and nothing would ever change that.
The more he taunted me, laughing, snarling, and shouting obscenities at me, the more I shuddered. Nothing in me wanted to hurt him, but everything in my trained mind told me I had to. Where did I go wrong with him? The more I felt rage building, I also felt an overwhelming impression to cry. That is when it happened, within the blink of an eye. Marco drew his gun.
Suddenly I heard a noise behind me, followed by a gunshot. Horrified at the sight before me, my mouth fell agape. Emir dropped his gun, collapsing to the deck.
“Emir!”
The sound of Marco’s laughter resonated through the air with the echo of the gunshot.
I spun to him. “You son of a b—”
He turned his gun on me, next.
“Freebird!”
I dropped down the moment I heard the word evade Carmine lips.
POP! POP! POP!
So how long have you guys been together?”
Lily had been grilling Valentina for a while as we sat on an oversized blanket near the ocean. I wanted to talk to my friend, hoping for an opportunity to come clean to her about some things. I needed to confide in someone before I went crazy. Unfortunately, Valentina was chatting nonstop, and they were engaged in deep conversation. I stared out at the ocean, drawing pictures in the sand with a small chunk of wood.
“A while now.” Valentina snickered. “My dad didn't know until recently. He seems to be taking it better than I thought he would.”
“And what about you?” Lily nudged my leg. “Hey, wake up.”
“Huh?” I whipped my head around.
Lily and Valentina both giggled.
“I asked,what about you?” Lily poked my thigh, grinning.
“What do you mean?” I brushed the sand off my hand.
“You and the boss man!” She rolled her eyes.
Pinning my lip between my teeth, I exhaled, avoiding the question, especially in front of his daughter.
“Wait,” Lily gasped, “you guys are actually a thing now?”
I shrugged. “Things just developed over time in Serbia.”
“Yeah, sowhydid you go to Serbia so last minute?” She lowered her sunglasses to the tip of her nose, tilting her head.
“Umm—”
“Vacation!” Valentina sensed my awkwardness, bailing me out.
