Page 140 of Jake's Angel

There are several conveyor machines with boxes and ice filling stations in the center of the room. Keeping low, we find our way through them to a hallway and a series of what looks like offices and a large control room.

“Perimeter clear.” Ghost comes over the comms.

“Police car pulling up. More in route with the fire department.” Giovani’s voice comes over the line. “My men have cleared the south entrance. Cusenza has left the building. My men are in pursuit.”

Everyone is doing their part, but I still haven’t found my girl and I’m getting worried.

“Next door on the left is a storage room. She’s not alone. Two armed guards and another man slumped down near Avery.” I hear Avery scream and push my way through the door, turning and firing off two rounds. Ethan fires two of his own, rendering both men to my left dead. Both fall, leaving me a direct view of the third man who looks to be knocked out.

I rush to her side and roll his heavy ass off her. “Shhh, Angel. It’s ok, baby, I’ve got you.”

“Jake?” she sobs. Gabe checks the other body. Ethan stands guard.

“We’ve found her. Getting ready to make our exit,” Ethan announces to the group.

“Yeah baby, it’s me. Move your hands. Let me see you.” She does as I ask. I inhale heavily through my nose, forcing myself to stay calm for her sake as I take in the sight of her swollen and bruised face. I reach up and lightly place my hand on her cheek.

She must see the turmoil on my face because she quickly grabs my wrist and whispers, “It’s okay. I’m okay.”

Reaching into my pocket, I take out my knife and cut the zip ties that are holding her wrists bound. There’s a deep moan next to us, and I realize Gabe is helping Thomas stand. The other prick starts to make a noise and moves about the floor slowly, grabbing the back of his head. The room fills with men—both my brothers and Parisi’s crew.

Giovani tells one of his men, “Take this one to the car and see to it he’s not very comfortable. I’d like to ask him a few questions.”

Gabe and Pop work together to cut Thomas loose and bring him to a stand with his arm wrapped around Gabe’s shoulder. I turn to get Ethan’s help to lift Avery. Then everything happens in a blur.

Avery screams, “No!” as she lunges at me, then two loud pops sound off and my ears ring. Two more shots are heard. I drop to the ground with Ethan, turning to reach for Avery when my eyes take in the scene before me in slow motion.

Avery is on the ground. Blood pooling in her shirt, and Gabe’s leaning over her, her head in his hands as he’s shouting, “Get a cage now! Hold on baby girl! Just hold on!” His voice sounds like he’s in a bubble.

“Avery!” I roar. “What the fuck happened?” I look at Gabe, who has tears coming down his face. Her hand comes up to touch his cheek, wiping away the tears.

“Shhh, Daddy. I’ll be okay.” She says in a soft, shaky voice. She coughs as she tries to take in a couple of breaths.

“Just hold on, Baby Girl. Don’t you leave me. You understand?” She nods. Her eyes are getting heavy. I reach for her, scooping her up off the ground. I’m not waiting for them to get to us. We are getting the fuck out of here right now.Passing Vincenzo on the way out, he tells his men to get us to the helicopter and have his doctor meet us there.

Two more shots go off behind us, but I don’t stop to see what’s happening. I have to get Avery out of here.

“Get the fucking cage!” I’m shouting at Declan just as Hawk pulls up. Gabe comes running out of the building, passing me up, half out of breath, rushing to open the door. I crawl in with Avery in my lap.

“Get us to the hotel. The doctor will meet us there.” Gabe slams the door behind us.

The next few minutes go by at a snail’s pace. Knots in my stomach turn to rocks as my terrified gaze sweeps over her body. The stain of blood on my hoodie is getting bigger and bigger. “Hold on, Angel. You hear me? You hold on for me.”

I throw my head back, trying to keep it together. She doesn’t need me to lose my shit right now; she needs me to be strong for her. Her small, icy hand touches my cheek, bringing my tear-filled eyes to hers. “I love you, Jake. I’m sorry. I just couldn’t let her hurt you.” Her eyes close.

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

AVERY

Whose alarm is makingthat horrible beeping sound? Someone needs to turn it off. Damn, why is there a pain in my chest? Hello? Can anybody hear me? Why do my eyes feel so heavy? What the hell is going on?

I keep trying to open my eyes, but nothing happens. I hear muffled voices, beeping and whooshing sounds all around me. I’m just here in this vast white space.

I’m warm. Almost too warm. My body dips, then something heavy lays across me and I’m engulfed by a familiar scent and a soft thumping sound.

Leather and sandalwood.

Thump, thump, thump, thump.