Chapter 5
520words
The attackers who weren't bleeding on the pavement had scattered like rats.
They shoved me into a squad car while paramedics loaded Dominic into an ambulance.
As they carried him past me, he locked eyes with mine.
"You've ruined everything."
My chest clenched. I wanted to tell him I was terrified they'd kill him.
But the words died in my throat.
In the interrogation room, harsh fluorescents burned down on me.
"Whose piece is it?"
"Mine."
"Olivia Blackwood, you understand the penalty for illegal firearms possession? Come clean now, and the DA might cut you a deal."
I lowered my eyes, Dominic's last look burning in my memory.
My voice stayed steady. "It's mine."
"Where'd you get the gun?"
"I paid someone to buy it for me."
"Who?"
"Marcus Bennett. Everyone calls him Marcus. He sold me the gun. He's also into loan sharking and dealing."
"Who else was in on it?"
"Nobody. Just Marcus and me."
They tried to squeeze me for info about Dominic, but I gave them nothing.
When the gavel fell, I got eight years.
Right up until they locked me away, not a word from Dominic Hayes.
I figured he must be badly hurt. Once he recovered, he'd come for me. He had to.
I waited six long years. He never showed.
Jack Wilson, though—he visited twice.
First time was right after he finished his own stint.
He'd gotten six months for the fight. After getting out, he told me Dominic had caught charges too.
Even with me taking the fall, the cops had still uncovered some dirt.
He didn't know how much time Dominic got.
Second visit came during my second year inside.
He started with, "Liv, has Dom been to see you?"
I froze. "Is he out?"
Jack's face darkened. He said nothing more, and I didn't push.
In my sixth year, still no sign of him—but I got word of early release.
I called Dominic, my hand trembling so badly I could barely hold the phone.
Thank God the number I'd memorized still worked.
I told him I was getting out. Asked if he'd come pick me up.
The silence stretched so long I thought he'd hung up.
No promise. No refusal. Just: "I'm in Atlanta now."
His meaning was crystal clear, but I still pushed.
"When are you coming back? I'll wait."
"I don't know."
That's when I knew—whatever Dominic and I had was over.
But I couldn't let go.
Besides him, I had no one else in this world.
I'd still be his weapon, even if I couldn't be his woman.
As long as I could stay near him, I'd take anything.
So I didn't dare dig into what "I don't know" really meant.
I pretended not to understand, forcing cheer into my voice. "That's fine. I'll come to Atlanta to find you."
"Liv, don't—"
"Time's up. Gotta go. Wait for me, Dom."
I cut him off and slammed down the phone.
Tears were already streaming down my face.
I couldn't bear to hear him say the words "don't come."
