Just then, I spotted movement from over Massimo’s shoulder; Lo was free.
“Hey asshole!” Lo shouted. I sprinted and wrapped my arms around Gigi’s waist, taking her down. My body covered her like a shield.
BANG!
I glanced over my shoulder when a bullet hit its mark, slamming into Massimo’s arm.
“Get the hell out of here, Lo!” I hollered.
“I’m not leaving you, brother!” he shouted back.
“Lo, get?—”
Horror gripped me as Massimo raised his gun, aiming it right at Lo.
“Lo, run!” I screamed, but my stubborn ass brother did the opposite. He didn’t get a chance to pull the trigger, but Massimo did.
“NO!” I roared, powerless as Lo stumbled backward and fell into a pile of rubble.
Adrenaline surged through me, pushing aside the searing pain in my legs. I pushed myself off Gigi and tackled the bastard, slamming him against the cold stone wall.
“You motherfucker!” My fists came down onto his face and chest.
“Lo!” I screamed, my voice cracking. I desperately hoped it was just a flesh wound and that he’d get back up. But silence surrounded me.
“Lo, goddamnit! Answer me, you fucker!”
Still no response. No groans, no grunts, just silence. Panic washed over me.
He was dead.
My brother was dead.
Massimo jabbed his elbow in my chest, knocking the wind out of me. He bucked me off him and got to his feet.
“Nico!” Gigi screamed, and my heart stopped.
I rolled onto my knees, winced from the pain, and glanced up to see her uncle punch her in the face.
“NO!” I bellowed.
A bullet flew past my head, missing me by inches, sending me sprawling backward. My skull collided with the concrete. I muttered a curse as stars filled my vision. Every part of my body ached as I made myself move, my hands shaking as I pushed myself up.
It took a moment for my senses to snap back into focus, and when they did, I spotted Gigi just a few feet away, trembling at the edge of a gaping hole in the floor. Massimo held her by the neck, preparing to throw her into the hole.
I sprang to my feet and charged toward him. In that split second, he shoved her in.
“Nico!” Gigi’s voice sent a surge of panic slicing through my chest.
“FUCK!” I leaped forward, sliding onto my stomach to the edge of the hole. I grabbed her forearm, fighting with every ounce of strength to prevent her from falling in. My other hand clutched a post, searching for more leverage.
Pain radiated through my body, but I clung to her, refusing to let go. “I’ve got you, baby. Put both hands on my arm!” I shouted as I battled against the fire in my leg.
“Hold on, please!” I grunted, trying to pull her up, but Massimo kicked me in the side.
“Kill two birds with one stone,” he cackled like a maniac.
Gigi’s eyes were wide with fear as she struggled to hold onto me.
