The metal grates over the concrete floor, but with Nisa’s strength, we manage to push it in front of the door.
I check the dimly lit space that’s filled with the sound of muted gunfire. Digging in my handbag, I pull my phone out and dial Gabriel’s number.
“Lara!” His voice is filled with intense worry. “Are you safe?”
“Yes. For now.” I glance around me again. “I think we’re in an empty store close to the crafts store. Murat doesn’t know. I didn’t have time to tell him.”
“Good. Fuck, I’m so proud of you. Daniel says you’re armed.”
“Yes.”
“Do you know how to fire a gun?”
“Yes. Kind of.”
He lets out a sigh of relief. “Shoot anyone you don’t recognize.”
“Okay.”
“I’m on my way. Ten minutes. Just hold out for ten minutes.”
“Okay.”
There’s a banging sound against the door, making me startle. “I have to go. They’re trying to get in.”
“No. Put the phone on speaker and give it to Nisa. I need to know what’s happening.”
I do as he says and hand the device to a trembling Nisa. “Just hold it.”
As I turn around, I position myself in front of Nisa and Alya Hanim, raise my arms, and wrap both my hands around the handle. I suck in a deep breath, my eyes focused on the cabinet.
“Jesus, someone talk to me,” Gabriel growls.
“Allah Allah,” is all Nisa can get out.
“Lara’s guarding us,” Alya Hanim’s quivering voice sounds up behind me. “She’s waiting. It’s quiet.”
There’s another loud bang against the door, then a muted gunshot.
When my hands threaten to start trembling, I suck in a deep breath and let it out slowly.
You’re okay.
You’re all okay.
Just keep them alive until Gabriel gets here.
You can do this.
You’ve survived worse.
“It sounds like they’re trying to get past the cabinet,” Alya Hanim whispers.
“What cabinet?”
“The one Lara and Nisa pushed in front of the door. Lara had to shoot the door open so we couldn’t lock it behind us.”
“Good.”
The worry in Gabriel’s voice makes a tremble shudder through me. Once again, I focus on keeping my hands steady, pushing any fear trying to surface back down.
You can do this.
Stay calm.
Shoot anything that comes through that door.
Protect your loved ones.
I hear glass breaking somewhere behind me and swing around. The moment I see movement, I pull the trigger.
Nisa lets out a shriek that is drowned out by the sound of the shot.
“Almost there,” Gabriel shouts. “I see the smoke.”
Slowly I inch a couple of steps forward. A dark shadow moves, and I instantly fire a shot. Dust sprays into the air as the bullet hits a wall.
“We just want you, Lara. If you come willingly, we’ll let the old women live,” a man shouts.
“Don’t you fucking dare, Lara!” Gabriel snaps. “I’m here.”
“Allah Allah,” Nisa wails softly. “Hurry, Gabriel Bey.”
“Move in,” I hear the man command. “Don’t kill the target.”
More glass shatters, and bodies pour into the store. I just open fire, trying to aim as best I can.
All hell breaks loose. Bodies drop to the floor. Nisa and Alya Hanim sob.
I hear the cabinet give way and fall over.
Then the gun clicks in my hand, all out of bullets.
God, help us.
I’m grabbed from behind. “I’ve got you,” Daniel’s voice sounds in my ear. He shoves me behind him, then his arm lifts, and he opens fire, not missing a target.
Flashes light up the dimly lit room, the smell of gunpowder filling the air.
Movement by the door draws my attention, and when I see Murat leaning against the doorjamb, blood staining his shirt, I break out into a run.
“I’m okay,” he grinds out as I reach him.
Lifting his shirt, I find the bullet hole and press my palm to it as hard as possible. “Shit,” he groans.
Silence descends around us, then I hear, “Where is she?”
My head swivels to the side, but I struggle to see anything through the cloud of smoke.
“Lara!”
“I’m here. By the door.”
I hear his footsteps before he appears through the smoke.
“Murat’s been shot. He’s losing a lot of blood.”
Mirac is right behind Gabriel, and he comes to help. Mirac pulls Murat’s arm over his shoulders so he can lean on him.
“Where’s Nisa and Alya Hanim?” I ask, moving back into the store to check on them.
“Emre and Daniel have them,” Gabriel answers as he grabs hold of my bloody hand. “Let me just hold you!” He yanks me to this body and wraps his arms around me. “Jesus, woman.”
I hear him suck in deep breaths of air, then the realization sinks in.
It’s over.
We’re safe.
“What the fuck are you made of?” Gabriel grumbles. He pulls back and frames my face, pressing a hard kiss to my mouth, then he grins at me. “My badass woman. I’m so fucking proud of you.”
Chapter 42
Gabriel
I’ve just lost ten years of my life.
The moment we stop in front of the house, Lara darts out of the SUV and runs up the stairs. “Nisa! Alya Hanim!” she shouts as she runs inside.