Surprise! I'm in Hawaii but still managed to write a new chapter for y'all!
I also got some evil plans for the next chapter and I'm really excited.
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Arthur's POV
"I can't believe they haven't returned yet, is she insane?!" I huff, clenching my fists angrily. Charles sits across from me on a log, crafting some arrows.
"As long as they comes back with Nyx by her side, then I don't care how long they're gone for." The Native replied, taking a deep breath in order to remain calm. I let out a groan, rubbing a calloused hand over my face. It's only been a day, and no one has seen or heard from Harley or Kieran since they left camp to find the missing bounty hunter.
I just hope whatever Harley has planned, she's playing it safe.
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Harley's POV
"Over here fuckers!" I shout, waving me arms in the air wildly as I stand in the middle of a dirt path. Yells ring out around the O'Driscoll camp, drawing attention to my very vunerable position. They aim down their barrels hesitantly, unsure of what to do since I did not have weapons out. I smirk, sending the boys a suggestive wink before calling over my shoulder. "Now, Kieran!" The brunette peeks out from behind a tree and fires multiple rounds as I duck and roll behind a rock, pulling out my pistol.
Gunfire echos through the trees as bullets fly left, right and center. Kieran draws more and more attention to himself as I sneakily slip by most of the men, taking out a few silently from behind. My brown eyes scanning the area, eventually falling on a staircase that led down into a cellar. I recognized it instantly, pushing back all the horrid memories that flooded my mind. After making sure the coast was clear, I creep along in the shadows before darting down the staircase.
The cellar was dark and cold, the only light came from a flickering torch that hung from the wall. I squinted, forcing my eyes to adjust to the darkness. "Nyx?!" I whisper-shout in shock and horror dropping my gun on the floor and sprinting over to the unconscious figure that limply hung from the stone wall. "Holy shit, what did they do to you?!" I mumble, taking out my knife and slicing through the thick ropes. There were terrible blisters that covered her wrists, most likely from her struggling. Her torso was bare other than her bra, her skin coated in thick blood. The signature braid she usually had was a tangled mess at the side of her head. I angrily blinked away tears, Nyx's figure sank into my arms as I finished cutting her loose. Footsteps approached behind me as I swung to girl over my shoulder.
"Hello, my dear Harlott." A raspy voice purred. My eyes narrowed at the sound of the voice.
"Colm, what an unpleasant surprise." I greet, turning around to face him. He looked like he had aged 100 years since the last time I saw him. "Sorry to disappoint, but I'll be taking my leave now." I say, attempting to walk passed him. The man grabs my wrist roughly, hard enough to create small bruises. I pull away from him but freeze as I hear the click of a gun.
"Make any sudden moves and your friend here dies." I curse, realizing he had scooped up my gun and that it was to Nyx's temple. Throwing my hair over my shoulder, I look back at the grey-haired man.
"You're lucky I don't kill you where you stand from taking her in the first place." I growl angrily. Colm merely smirks at my tone.
"It was my boys who hurt her, not me." He stated, shrugging nonchalantly. I glare harshly before spinning swiftly and planting my knife into his chest, unfortunately missing his heart.
"Doesn't matter who hurt her. What matters is that you messed with my family. " I spit, watching the blood pool out of his wound as I yank the blade out. Colm furrows his brows and groans, his index finger shaking as he pulls the trigger of my pistol.
Click.
I smirk in amusement, grabbing the pistol from his hand before he falls to his knees in pain, clutching his chest. "Good thing I didn't reload it yet, huh?" And with that, I hurried out of the cellar with Nyx on my shoulder.
"Where— whaaa—?" A slurred voice spoke.
"I got ya, Nyx. You're safe now." I told her as I ran back to where Kieran was. "Let's go!" I announce, shoving Nyx up onto Sterling before climbing in front, making sure her arms were secure around my waist. The feeling of blood soaking through the back of my shirt made my nose crinkle as we took off, the sound of gunfire becoming distant the further we ventured. "How's your wounds?" I ask Nyx as we gallop along.
"Bleeding pretty bad." She mumbled, her forehead resting between my shoulder blades.
"Just hang in there!" It was a pretty far distance to cover. As it was, Kieran and I had to camp out last night. But I was determined to get Nyx back to safety. "Kieran, you got medical supplies?"
"Yes ma'am. Here!" He rode closer to me and handed me a health cure. I nod in appreciation and hand it back to Nyx, who hums gratefully as she chugs it.
"Thank you for saving me. I didn't mean to burden anyone." She said softly. Kieran glanced over at her with a kind smile and I pat her hand lightly.
"You're no burden to anybody, ya hear me?" I state sternly, wiping sweat off my forehead.
Eventually, we begin to near the area where Kieran and I had camped. "Alright, let's stop here for the night." I instruct, climbing off Sterling before turning to help Nyx off. Kieran and I pitched tents while Nyx sat on the ground getting a campfire ready. At last, some peace and quiet.
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Charles' POV
"Where is she?!" I demanded, my fist gripping the man's collar roughly. He whimpered.
"I swear, Mister! I don't know!" I let out a growl, pushing the man away in frustration. Currently, Arthur and I were out interrogating the people of Valentine, asking if anyone has seen Nyx, Harley and Kieran. "Anything?" I call, watching Arthur shove a drunken feller against a wall.
"Nothing!" He shouted back, landing a harsh punch on the man, knocking him out instantly. "Someone has to have seen something!" The brunette grumbled, clenching his fists. "I swear if Harley doesn't come back in one piece—"
"Oh believe me, I know. Once Nyx is back, I'm out for blood." I inform as we mount our horses and leave Valentine.
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Nyx's POV
"Fuck!" I hiss as Harley stitches up the deep slash that trailed across my torso. I squeeze Kieran's hand, who sits calmly and patiently next to me. My blonde partner rocks sits back, looking at her work before taking a deep breath and looking away.
"Sorry, the sight of blood makes me sick." She sighs, motioning for Kieran to clean up the blood.
"You do know we kill for a living, right?" I question, giving her a playful smirk. Harley rolls her eyes, but shoots me a small grin.
"Touché." She comments, pushing herself off the ground. "Well, I think it's best to get some sleep, god knows we need it. Especially you, Nyx." I nod, allowing Kieran to help me up. Once I was settled in mine and Harley's tent, I let out a long sigh.
As the sun began to peek over the horizon, we started to pack up camp. Kieran kindly changed my bandages and checked up on my stitches as Harley kicking rocks and dirt into the fire.
"Charles is very worried about you. Practically tore the camp apart in a fit." Kieran said, a childish smile on his face. My heart skipped a beat at the sound of Charles' name roll of his tongue.
"I've missed him." I grin, warmth rushing to my face as I look down at the ground. "He's gonna hate seeing me like this, won't he?" The brunette nodded.
"He'll be glued to your side, that's for sure." Harley piped up, motioning us to saddle up. The blonde hoisted herself up on Sterling's saddle and held out a hand for me. I roll my eyes, grabbing her hand. And with that, we we're on the road again. Destination? Horseshoe Overlook.
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Harley's POV
Strolling into the camp was the most liberating feeling I have had in the past 2 days. I felt badass; I felt that I had just proved everyone — especially Arthur — wrong. The gang members, including Dutch, stared in awe as the three of us hopped down from our mounts covered in dirt, blood and sweat. Arthur and Charles stepped forward out of the crowd, they're expressions softening as their eyes met ours. Charles rushed over to Nyx, pulling her into a gentle passionate kiss.
"I've missed you so much, my love." The Native murmured to her, peppering her face with small kisses. I smiled warmly at the pair as I avoided Arthur's intense stare.
"Harley." He spoke, his voice was music to my ears. My chocolate eyes find his baby blue ones. Arthur's hand traced my jawline before tilting my chin upwards. My breath catches in my throat as his chapped lips brush against mine, capturing them in a sweet bliss.
"Hey, cowboy." I hum against his lips, enjoying as our mouths molded together. We pull away slowly, his eyes fluttering open with a look of euphoria.
"I underestimated you, Doll." He sighed, pressing a small kiss on my forehead. "I'm sorry." In response, I tug him into a warm embrace, sighing as my cheek brushes against his. "Come on, let's get some dinner."
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Nyx's POV
Charles and I lie down in his bed, our arms around each other. I giggled as he kisses my cheek, before wincing. The Native man pulls back, giving me a worried look.
"Am I hurting you?" He asked, tucking loose hair behind my ear. I shake my head with a weak smile, shifting my position to be more comfortable. Charles' head faces mine, his eyes studying every detail of my face before flickering down to my lips. "Can I kiss you?"
"Please." I whisper, allowing him to connect our lips for the second time. It was gentle and soft, only applying a little pressure on my busted-up lip. Eventually, we pull away and snuggle together. "Night, Charlie."
"Charlie?"
"Yeah, it's your new nickname." I inform with a playful smile. He chuckles, his chest rumbling beneath my head. "Night, Charlie." I repeat, closing my eyes.
"Goodnight, my love. You're safe now." The Native whispers, pressing a sleepy kiss on my temple before drifting off.
Oh, it feels so nice to be home.