Shattered Vengeance (The Alderidges Book 2)

Twenty-Four: Come Back

I blew out a breath. Not today. I will worry about this tomorrow.

Not left with any choice, I went inside his closet, picking out a black t-shirt which I wore, finding it extremely comfortable.

I had no intentions of leaving this room, I didn't want to see the mess outside so I simply climbed into his bed, slid under the duvet and closed my eyes.

I'll deal with everything tomorrow.

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"Zahria. Wake up." Someone was whispering as they gently shook my shoulder.

My head was aching as I opened my eyes, it took me a few seconds to focus and when I did, I was taken aback on seeing Asael standing beside me.

He held a finger to his lips. "Shh, don't panic."

He did a quick scan of my body. "Are you okay?"

I nodded slowly.

"Good. Okay, listen. My helicopter's waiting at the back, I'm going to get you to it and my men will take you back, okay?"

I nodded again, still a bit sleepy.

"Where's Arien?" That was my first question.

"No idea. I have to get you out before he is here--"

"Where is he? James is dead, right? He should--"

Asael frowned. "James?"

He didn't know. "James was here last night...he...he...tried to kill me..."

Asael's face twisted with fury. "James was here?"

"Y-yeah...isn't that why you are here?"

He shoved his hand through his hair, cursing under his breath. "Fuck, no. I was searching for you, I had no fucking idea that James was here. Fuck. He is dead?"

"I think...Arien was brutal with him..." I shuddered as I remembered him stabbing James.

"I don't think so he killed him. Not so easily." He pressed his fingers to his forehead, thinking hard.

I pulled myself up in a sitting position, a little dizzy.

Asael was pacing the room now, still contemplating.

"Did Elmer tell you about this location?" I asked.

He paused and shook his head. "No. Elmer knows? That asshole said he had no idea."

"He was here...some time back, he was going to take me out of here but I refused since I didn't know him so I just couldn't have followed him out. Besides, Arien and he fought."

"I see." He pressed his lips into a grim line. "You don't have to worry about all that anymore. Let's go."

I nodded and glanced around the room and my eyes fell on my phone which was lying on the nightstand. I didn't notice it last night considering how exhausted I was.

I grabbed it and even though my outfit consisted of just a long t-shirt, I didn't care. I had to get out of here. This was my last chance.

My heart squeezed at the thought of leaving Arien. Shit. I can't be thinking about staying.

"Zahria." Asael urged.

I swallowed and followed him out of the room which was on the ground floor itself.

Why did I feel like I was betraying him?

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ARIEN

James wasn't dead yet. I won't let him die this easily.

I needed to get lots of answers from him.

After I got him patched up enough to keep him alive, I kept him in the basement and had my men dispose of the two other bodies.

Soft, sweet lips. Body fitting against mine flawlessly.

I licked my lips as the memory from last night flashed across my mind.

I did leave clues for James, I knew he would take the bait but I didn't fucking expect it so soon and I didn't expect him to touch her.

I almost had a goddamn heart attack seeing her being dragged away by him.

And then she tried to save me.

Fuck, I was so worried and scared that on seeing her standing there like that, I did the first thing that came to my mind. I kissed her.

I was never a fan of kissing and I haven't kissed a woman in the past twelve years and then she walks in and I lose all control.

I had my men stationed in the basement and leaving them, I walked back upstairs.

She must be awake by now.

Upstairs I came to a screeching halt.

Asael was leading Zahria towards the back. Taking her out of here. And she was willingly following him out.

She was wearing my t-shirt looking like a goddess.

But my little bird was leaving me.

Zahria doesn't want me. No woman ever will.

A kiss doesn't change anything.

You are a monster to her.

She will never have you.

"No." I choked out.

They both paused, turning around to face me.

Zahria's eyes widened and she looked torn.

Asael watched me carefully. "Arien."

"No."

"Arien."

"Don't take her away from me."

Asael gestured for her to leave while walking over to me. "Arien, I was so fucking worried about you."

I ignored Asael, staring at her over his shoulder. "Zahria, come back."

Her mouth parted to say something but then she shook her head.

"Zahria, come back", I said desperately.

Asael flung a look at her, jerking his chin towards the door.

"Don't," I warned her as she inched towards the door.

When she didn't listen, I was about to chase her but Asael blocked my way, holding me by my shoulders.

"Zahria. Come. Back."

"I-I...am sorry..." Tears welled in her eyes.

"Zahria..."

As she took another step towards the door, I shoved Asael away.

"Leave," Asael ordered her just as he grabbed me around my waist and pulled me back.

I struggled against his hold. "Zahria!"

Tears slipped out of her eyes and giving me one last long look, she walked out the backdoor.

"No. No."

"Arien. Stop." Asael hissed.

"Bring her back...bring her back..." I couldn't breathe. "Bring her back..."

"You have to let her go."

"BRING HER BACK!"

Asael's arm loosened around me and I ran towards the door.

The helicopter was already moving and ascending.

My vision turned hazy, eyes burned with tears. "Ria...come back..."

My head spun, my knees weakening as I fell, darkness consuming me.