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“Pleasure doing business with you, Nicolas. Now let’s talk about the last time we saw each other.”
Nico tilts his head to the side. “You mean when I shot you twice and then killed all your men? Sure, what about it?”
“Like I told you over the phone, I forgive you for that. You and I were played. I lost and I’m trying to be the better man here.”
“I applaud your effort,” Nico drawls, clearly growing tired of the conversation.
“But I also hate winning so easily, so how about we have another match?”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
Santiago steps toward Nico, squaring his shoulders.
“You and I have a fight. No guns, no weapons. If you win, I’ll let you and your wife walk out of here, no problem. But if I win, I get to cut up your face and throw your wife out the window. How loud do you think she’ll scream as she falls down to the ground?”
My stomach heaves. Nico’s eyes darken at the threat.
“You really want to fight me?”
“Sure,” Santiago shrugs, pulling a gun from under his shirt. He gestures for Nico to do the same. I’m surprised he was allowed to walk in here with his weapon. It shows how cocky Santiago is.
Both men place their guns on the floor a few feet away. I continue to watch the insanity with bated breath.
“Let’s see if you’re as tough as you think you are, big guy,” Santiago taunts.
Without warning, he lunges at Nico. They collide, fists flying, grunts and the sound of flesh hitting flesh filling the room. I watch in horror, my heart in my throat as they grapple, each trying to gain the upper hand.
Nico is winning, his strength and skill evident as he lands blow after blow. But then, suddenly Santiago pulls out a knife, the blade glinting ominously in the dim light. My breath catches in my throat, fear surging through me.
Nico’s eyes narrow. “Fuck you, bastard. You said no weapons.”
“And you believed me? That’s cute.”
Santiago slashes at Nico, who narrowly avoids the blade. The fight becomes more desperate, the stakes higher. I glance around the room, my eyes landing on one of their guns. My heart stops when the knife lands on Nico’s arm, slashing his skin. Blood drips down onto the floor of the room.
“No,” I breathe, fear gripping me.
I have to do something. I reach for the gun, my fingers closing around the cold metal. I can’t believe I’ve found myself in the same position I was in so many years ago. Surprisingly, my hands don’t shake as I hold the gun this time.
I already saved him once and I’d do it again and again and again.
“Nico!” I call, needing him to move out of the way as I take aim.
Both men look at me and Nico’s eyes flash with anger when he notices the gun in my hand.
“No! Drop the fucking gun, Aurora,” he growls.
His command is sharp, punctuated by rage. Before I can react or do anything, he turns back to Santiago who has an amused expression on his face. With a powerful punch, he knocks the knife out of Santiago’s hand, sending it clattering to the floor.
Nico tackles him without hesitation, pinning him to the ground. He lands a final, devastating blow, and Santiago goes limp, unconscious.
Nico stands, breathing heavily, his eyes still fierce. He rushes to me and rips the gun from my hand.
“You’re not fucking doing that again!” he yells. “Do you understand?!”
“I was…I was just trying to save you,” I breathe, my heart racing in my chest as I’m filled with the overwhelming need to touch him.
“I don’t need you to save me, Aurora. I’ll take all of the darkness upon myself. I’ll be the monster if it means you get to keep your soul. Okay?” he asks softly, placing his hand on my cheek.
