Latoya's PoV
Jonas and I were laughing as we exited the movie theater. It felt really good to be blissfully happy after all the shit we've been through.
That bliss immediately dissipated when my eyes connected with him! What the hell is he doing here?
I stiffen against Jonas and grab his arm in shock. He looks at me concerned, then follows my line of vision. A quizzical look crosses his face but I can't even find words to speak.
Just when I thought this shit was over! My subconscious shrieks and stomps her feet in frustration!
He's unmoving but I still perceive him as a threat. I take slow steps backwards pulling Jonas with me. He complies, I guess he senses the presumed danger.
My eyes never leave him as we mount the steps one by one, moving back toward the entrance of the theater.
People are milling about, talking, laughing and even eating without a care in the world. I dart my eyes around assessing the area and my heart lurches when I spot children running around the benches while their parents chat idly.
Oh no! God please no!
Jonas pulls me closer to him. "Babe, what's happening? Who is he?" He asks lowly.
Panic consumes me as flashbacks slam me, fraying mind and rendering me speechless. At this point, tears are trailing down my face in torrents but I can't even feel them.
I'm numb with fear!
Jonas pushes me behind him gently, squaring off with him while I watch and pray. As soon as we step unto the landing, he speaks.
"I'm not here to hurt you."
A chill runs up and down my spine and I feel my stomach drop. Could this just be a ploy? Are there more men lurking in the shadows?
I start looking around anxiously, adjusting my stance incase there is an attack.
Jonas glances back at me. "Babe, deep breaths." He urges as I take several deep breaths.
Once I regain control of my breathing, I rest a trembling hand on his shoulder. "He...he...he was working with Clyde."
Jonas stiffens and I could literally feel the anger rolling off of him in torrents. I tighten my hand on his shoulder and whisper, "I pressed the panic button."
He nods his head but widens his stance, sizing up the bastard who now stands below us.
"Kidnapping her wasn't enough?" Jonas seethes and the coldness of his voice surprises even me.
He looks at us apologetically then hangs his head in shame. "I'm truly sorry for everything."
Am I hearing right?
He raises his head and his facial expression is seemingly sincere. I'm almost inclined to believe him!
Once bitten twice shy!
"Why..."I pause to control my voice because I'm trembling. Anna would surely knock me the fuck out if she ever heard me right now.
Clearing my throat, I continue. "Why should I believe you?"
In one swift move, he pulls his shirt down and Jonas pushes me back swiftly and draws his gun.
Tha fuck? When did he get a gun?
Relief floods me as I see red, scarred skin instead of a suicide vest!
"Is that supposed to mean something?" Jonas snarls.
I'm surprised noone seems to realise what is happening. They're all oblivious to the scene unfolding right before their very eyes!
Taking a deep breath, I inch closer to Jonas rating my hand on his arm to lower the gun. Honestly, I just didn't want things to escalate and end up with any casualties, especially innocent bystanders.
The broken man before us raises his hands and kneels before us, "I broke the Omerta. Provided the cops with enough evidence to dismantle the gang and several others."
A sigh of relief escapes me but Jonas still seems unconvinced. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't put a bullet in your fucking head right now."
He looks directly at me, "You told me to fight for my family. The gang is why I lost them in the first place." He sighs. "I swear on their lives."
This time, I truly believe every word Ryder uttered. I forcefully pull Jonas' hand down but he stops it halfway!
I chuckle at his stubbornness. "You saved my life when you shot Clyde. " I state honestly, causing Jonas to raise his eyebrow at me questioningly.
"Anna sealed it with a headshot babe." I say, to which Jonas mutters, "Remind me never to piss her off."
Ryder is unmoving before us so I refocus on him. "A life for a life Ryder. Make the best of this opportunity."
He gazes at me with an unknown emotion swirling in his eyes. My gut instinct says remain calm so I do just that.
Jonas however hisses his teeth, "You heard what she said. Sleep pon di same side weh yuh wake up pon."
Ryder looks at him quizzically but I roll my eyes. Before I could reply, Anna's Jeep pulled up to the curb tyres screeching!
She alights with Dad and Orbyn in tow, guns drawn. This time collective gasps are heard as people scatter swiftly, some screaming.
My subconscious finds this amusing as she starts singing Skeng's Gvnman Shift, "Fully charge up, eager fi kill a man!
I step toward them quickly, "Sis we're fine. Just a misunderstanding."
Anna gives me a once over then does the same with Jonas. "Aite, somebody tell me what the fuck is happening here then."
Ryder attempts to stand but guns cocking cause him to freeze in place. He gulps in fear.
Jonas replies. "We exited the theater and she was scared shitless when she saw him." He glares at Ryder, "Then he apologized, explained everything and she..." He points his thumb at me, "Forgave him."
Anna purses her lips and rolls her eyes. "Really sis? You wonna make a pinky promise while you're at it?"
I wish I could disappear right now. Is it bad that I'm not as savage as any of them? Was I wrong to forgive Ryder so easily?
Just then, we're startled by a shriek from behind us. "Daaaddddyyyyy! Noooooo!"
A little girl sprints past us and throws herself into Ryder's chest. She's the splitting image of him, and I turn to see a slim, auburn haired woman standing a few feet away with two suitcases beside her.
She grasps her chest as she watches the scene before her. The little girl looks at Anna, Dad and Orbyn.
"Please don't take my Daddy away again." She cries and my chest cracks into a million tiny pieces.
Gasping, I cover my mouth to stem the sobs coursing through me.
Ryder hugs her to him and stands, "I was waiting on them when I saw you." He tucks her head into his neck as he rubs her back.
He grimaces, "Figured I would take the chance to try and apologize."
Anna closes her eyes for a few seconds, lowers her gun and signals the others to do the same.
They comply immediately! Why can't I command that much obedience?
She narrows her eyes at Ryder. "Ryder McKennon right?" She looks at the woman, "Dahlia." Then she glances back at the little girl, " And sweet Samantha."
His eyes widen in shock!
Anna smirks, "I know everything about you. Right down to the last minute detail."
She puts her gun into her waistband. "You're flight leaves in two hours to Lithuania. If you ever come near my family again, you'll wish you were never born."
He gulps fearfully and moves towards the woman quickly. She clings to him like a second skin, crying hysterically.
Ryder mouths a quick thank you then they walk run to their car across the street. We watch as he deposits Samantha unto the backseat and dumps the suitcases in the trunk.
They waste no further time and speed off into the moving traffic.
We all visibly relax before Anna slaps the back of my head. "Next time you do something so stupid I'll knock your front teeth out!"
The others chuckle while I rub the spot in pain, groaning. "Ooowww."
She rolls her eyes then approaches the Police who are just arriving.
Dem ever late!
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