Page 41 of Psycho Saints

I opened my mouth, but before a word could come out, gunfire erupted outside our safehouse, the rapid firing of bullets shattering the tense silence. Julian cursed before barking into his mic as he relayed information to someone on the other end of the line and clicked away frantically. His jaw tightened as he brought up cameras outside, which revealed Marcus's body shot to hell as he'd waited in the car. Whatever ammunition they were using, it had gone through the bulletproof glass with ease. Then again, they could’ve walked right up to the damn car and fired into it point blank for all I knew.

I gasped and covered my mouth, flinching as more gunfire rose outside.

Our guards were already in motion, moving around the room in carefully decided movements.

"We've got company," Julian growled, snatching up Kenny's carrier with one fluid motion while shutting down the computer.

I vaguely wondered if he was putting it into a full wipe too to avoid the information getting stolen, but that thought was fleeting as he grabbed my hand.

"We need to move. Now."

We rushed towards the back of the house with two guards, another few having entered from the front and taking up positions around the house. My pulse pounded in my ears like a war drum as Julian pulled me after him. The sound of splintering wood and shattering glass echoed behind us in the house, and I gripped Julian's hand even tighter. Just as we reached the door, it exploded inward with a deafening crack that made my teeth rattle. Julian shoved me behind him, his gun already drawn and firing with deadly precision.

I ducked for cover, grabbing Kenny's carrier and holding it close to my chest. The cat yowled in protest, finally awake and aware of the havoc all around us. His cries pierced through the barrage of gunfire and shouting.

"Scarlet!" Cristian's voice rang out from the front of the house, a mixture of fury and desperation that sent a jolt of adrenaline coursing through my veins.

Julian's eyes met mine for a split second, a silent understanding passing between us. "Run to him!" he shouted, laying down cover fire with a determination that both terrified and awed me. "Go! I'll hold them off!"

I clutched Kenny's carrier to my chest and ran, my heart threatening to burst from my ribcage. Gunshots echoed all around me, bullets whizzing past my head as I raced towards the sound of Cristian's voice. The world seemed to slow down, each step feeling like an eternity as I prayed I'd make it in time. The violence swirled around me, but all I could focus on was the sound of Cristian's voice, my lifeline in this storm of bloodshed and destruction.

19

CRISTIAN

Imowed down Russo men like they were nothing, their bodies falling before me as I defended our business. The acrid smell of gunpowder filled my nostrils, mingling with the coppery scent of blood. We lost one of our salesmen, but the rest made it out alive. Shaken, but breathing. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, a familiar rush that both excited and terrified me all at once. Terrified me simply because it wasn't just me in danger now.

A sinking feeling clawed at my gut, urging me to go to Scarlet. My kitten, my sweetheart – the thought of her in danger made my blood run cold. Then Tyrone's call came through, ordering me to her side. She was precious to us now, a woman we'd chosen. We had to protect her at all costs. I could feel the darkness building inside me, threatening to spill over. But for Scarlet, I'd channel it, use it to keep her safe. No one would touch a hair on her head, not while I drew breath.

My driver raced towards the safe-house, the engine roaring like a beast as we sped through the streets. He cursed as we spun the corner into the street, and I saw other cars screeching ahead, pulling into the driveway.

The safehouse.

And they sure as shit weren't our men.

"Fuck," I spat, leaping out and taking cover behind our vehicle.

Gunfire erupted, bullets pinging off metal as we exchanged shots with the Russo men.

I ducked down after another round of shots, yanking my phone out to call for backup, my heart pounding in my chest.

"They're entering the house," my driver shouted over the mess, his voice barely audible above the blasting of gunshots and breaking glass. My blood ran cold, thoughts of Scarlet flashing through my mind. She was in there, and I'd be damned if I let those bastards lay a finger on her.

Red clouded my vision as my muscles twitched, every part of my being preparing for something stupid and reckless. I sucked in a breath and lurched away from my cover, my mind on only one thing.

I charged forward, firing madly, gunning down every Russo in sight. The need to protect Scarlet trumped everything else. I had to hold her, to know she was okay, to shield her with my life as I'd vowed.

She was everything to me now.

"Scarlet!" I yelled, my voice hoarse as the deafening gunfire assaulted my ears.

I burst into the house, my eyes frantically searching.

A moment of relief was granted to me for a second as I saw her running my way with Kenny clutched to her chest.

"Cristian!" she called out, her voice a mix of relief and terror.

I reached for her, my fingers grazing her arm when searing pain flared through my back. Gritting my teeth, I pulled her into my arms, feeling her warmth against me.