Rocco's Atonement

“Please, just let me go. They want me. They are trying to kill me,” she whispers, and my body locks up in fear.

“What did you say, Ever?”

“Milton wants to kill me, something about money. George killed my parents. At least I think that’s what he meant.”

“You heard this?”

“Yes. It’s why I ran.” She buries her face against me. I don’t want to let her go. “Why did you come for me again? They said you would go to jail or lose your job if you helped me?” She looks up at me, biting her bottom lip. The urge to kiss her is great, but now isn’t the time.

“I’m never leaving your side. Not even if you want me to. You are mine to protect, sweetheart. That’s what I’m going to do.”

I turn when I see movement. Linc is giving me another signal. I slip us back to the outside ring and push Ever in front of me. “Move, baby.” I urge her forward, and we move fast along the pathway.

“Hey,” is yelled from behind us. I turn and pull my gun. I wrap my free arm around Ever and press her against my back as I back us up against a wall so no one can sneak up on us.

“NYPD. You’re going to want to stand down because I’ll kill you before I let you get to her,” I tell the man. I don’t recognize him, but I feel Ever’s body tighten up behind me.

“He’s one of the guys who attacked me,” she says softly.

“I was just looking for her for a friend,” he says as he moves toward us. I watch his hand inch toward his back. I really don’t want to kill someone again, but I will. For her I will, always.

“Don’t move your hand another inch,” I demand and keep my gun aimed at him.

“Hands up, asshole,” Linc says as he sneaks up behind the guy. The guy raises his hands and I keep Ever close to me, not letting my guard down.

I hear someone moving away from us fast and then the door slamming as whoever it was takes off.

“Looks like your backup left you behind.” Linc cuffs the guy.

He leads him back to the stairs and I follow, holding Ever’s hand and keeping her next to me.

“Sorry, Guin, he said he would help you,” the woman at the desk says when we get to the main floor.

“It’s okay, Stella, he’s a friend.” Ever smiles at her and we move to the entrance as Noah bursts in with a couple of cops and more S.I. employees. EMTs are next to arrive, but I don’t let them take Ever from my side. I lead her outside and step up into the ambulance with her, setting her next to me on the gurney.

“I don’t need help. I’m okay, this is old.” She waves to her injuries, and I look her over. Sure enough, they’re all from her previous attack.

“Okay, ma’am.”

We get out of the ambulance and into Linc’s car, where we head back to the precinct.