Flawless Prize

Caleb’s there, all right. He’s got a gun pointing straight at Nero Barretti.

And Nero’s pointing one right back at him.

It’s a stand-off.

“Caleb,” I start, taking a step closer.

“Juliet?” Caleb’s eyes flash over to me. “What the fuck are you doing here? Go!”

“No, you have to listen.”

“I’d agree with your boyfriend,” Nero answers in a low, deadly voice. He cocks his weapon, the sound harsh in the silence. “Get out. Before my guys are digging two graves.”

“I’m not going anywhere!” I exclaim. And then, before I even know what I’m doing, I step between them.

Directly into the line of fire.

“You can’t kill him,” I tell Nero, my heart beating out of my chest. “He’s your brother!”