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The gun begins to lower. My muscles tense. Then her eyes harden, and she raises it again, pressing the barrel firmly against Aurora’s head. Aurora flinches.
“No. She dies.”
I see the exact moment her thumb moves toward the safety. I quickly draw my gun and fire. The shot cracks through the room.
Katerina jerks backward just as she pulls the trigger. Her bullet slams into the wall behind Aurora, missing her by inches.
My knees nearly buckle with relief from seeing Aurora unhurt. I rush toward her.
“Baby.”
Her eyes find mine, already overflowing with tears.
“Roman.”
“I’m here.” I drop to my knees in front of her and reach for the restraints around her wrists. “I’m here, baby. I’ve got you.”
My fingers shake as I work the knots loose.
“Roman, I was so scared.”
“I know.” I free her hands, then move to her ankles. “I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry I wasn’t here sooner.”
“You’re here now.”
I barely finish untying her legs before something crashes into me from behind. I hit the floor hard, groaning.
A man tackles me, knocking the air from my lungs. My gun skids across the floor, out of reach. I grab his wrist as his fist comes down.
He swings again. I block it and drive my fist into his jaw. He grunts but doesn’t let go. We grapple across the floor, crashing into furniture as I try to get the upper hand.
Then, a gunshot rings out, and the man on top of me suddenly goes limp. His weight collapses against my chest before rolling away.
I shove him aside and look up, expecting to see one of my men or Luciano’s. But Aurora is the one standing a few feet away, both hands wrapped around a small handgun.
“How did you—“
Her breathing is uneven, eyes wide. Then, somehow, she smiles.
“I guess the shooting lessons finally paid off.”
For a second, I can only stare at her. Then a laugh escapes me. “Indeed, they did.”
I get to my feet and cross the distance between us in two strides, and pull her into my arms so tightly she lets out a small gasp.
“Are you okay?” I ask, cupping the back of her head. “Are you hurt?”
She shakes her head against my chest. “I’m fine.”
I kiss her hair, her temple, her cheek, anywhere I can reach. “I thought I’d lost you.”
I close my eyes for a moment, holding her tighter.
“I’m taking you home.”
She wraps her arms around my neck as I scoop her into my arms and carry her toward the exit, pressing a kiss to her neck as I go.
“I’m sorry,” I murmur. “I’m so sorry I didn’t get to you sooner.”
