“Get him out of here!” I yell, the desperation in my tone pleading anyone to follow this one order. If there is one thing I am going to do right it will be this. Von Bremen will not be haunted by seeing me die here on the dirty ground, in the barn full of happy memories.
Theo thrashes at my order and tries to charge from Tim’s grip. Tim reaches around and holds him around the waist, attempting to thwart any further escape attempts.
A broken plea escapes those beautiful lips. “Don’t do this, baby.” Tears are welling in those navy-stained eyes that I’ve spent countless hours gazing into.
It fucking guts me. So much that I can’t look at him any longer or I just might change my mind and let Lou take whomever he wants.
“Get him out of here,” I half cry to Tim.
Theo starts fighting against Tim’s iron grasp, screaming obscenities into the air. It takes both Tim and Vic to subdue him. Fear and adrenaline can be quite the power booster. As they drag him from the barn, still kicking and screaming, he yells angrily, “I’ll never forgive you, Ans!” And then like he thought better of it, he pleads one more time, “Please baby, don’t leave me.” The distance growing between us makes his words weaker like the fight is leaving him.
Tears blind me and I turn to Cade as I get myself under control. Strong. Be strong.Be brave, Anniston.I give Cade a small smile as Lou adjusts his aim to my chest. Cade’s eyes track the movement and when they meet mine I mouth, “I love you,” and then I force out the order no one would ever deny.
“I am your Commander. I am ordering you, soldier, take your shot!”
Hayes looks at me, panicked. He readjusts the grip on his rifle several times and presses it hard to his cheek.
I give him the same tired smile and say calmly, “I love you, I love you all, now fire, Handsome.”
A silent tear falls down his face as he moves his finger to the trigger. A click is the only sound in the barn, and it echoes like it’s in surround sound.
I close my eyes. A pained roar carries through the barn as a loud boom deafens me. A shot is fired, and then another, an impact knocking me to the ground. I think of the guys, hoping that they will survive the aftermath of this clusterfuck. I pray that I had enough time with them, that the wounds they have are healed. I pray for Theo. I pray that he finds love and happiness, even if it isn’t with me.
My heart aches as I lay in the dirt, pleading with God. Asking for forgiveness, begging for mercy for my boys.
Seconds tick by and I never lose consciousness. I’m still alive. Shit. Did he hit a nonfatal spot? My endorphins must be kicking some major ass. The pain isn’t bad. Not like I thought it would be to take a bullet. Maybe I will have a cool scar like the guys, or maybe I am about to bleed out and die.
Suddenly, a large form hits the ground next to me. Indigo eyes meet mine before they close.
Theo.
