RESTLESS HEARTS

CHAPTER 23

•JULIANA•

I waited, and what felt like minutes turned into hours, and Shawn was still a no-show. A nagging feeling settled in my gut, but I brushed it aside and glanced around one more time.

The celebration was still going strong, people having a blast with more dancing and singing, but no sign of Shawn.

Where the hell did he go?

I mean, seriously, why were they taking forever at Miriam's place? It's like a three-minute walk from here. They should've been back by now.

"Hey, girlfriend, having fun?" Neilani shouted over the music, trying to make herself heard.

"Yeah, yeah, I am," I replied quickly, my eyes scanning the crowd once more.

"What's up? Who are you looking for?" Neilani asked with a hint of concern, and I turned to face her.

"Have you seen Shawn and JoJo anywhere?" She shook her head, a worried look crossing her face.

"They headed back to your place, but it's been an hour already. I can't find them anywhere."

Neilani decided to join the search, grabbing my arm, and we wandered through town together.

Thirty minutes later, we gave up and returned to the spot where Shawn had insisted I stay put. I had hoped to find him there, but my heart sank when he wasn't.

Where could he have gone? Without our jeep, he couldn't have just returned to our cabin. Who would be generous enough to give him a ride at this hour during the festival? Everyone was in high spirits, and I doubted anyone would want to miss out.

Could he have left the island?

It didn't make sense. He wouldn't have made secret plans to leave without me. He depended on me to get us back home. Besides, after the way he kissed me tonight and told me to wait for him, he wouldn't just leave me hanging like that, would he?

No, I needed to stay positive.

I knew he wouldn't abandon me like this. He was enjoying the festival, so he wouldn't leave in the middle of it all.

But something felt off. I had to find him and get back to the cabin.

Just as I turned to leave, a hand touched my shoulder, and I instinctively reacted, twisting their arm in the process. The person let out a small groan of pain.

"JoJo!"

I quickly released his arm, and he caught his breath, rubbing his sore limb.

"Are you okay? I'm so sorry, I didn't realize it was you."

He straightened up and took a moment to catch his breath before looking at me.

"Shawn... he's in trouble," he blurted out between heavy breaths, and a wave of worry washed over me.

"What are you talking about?"

"Kula and his gang took him. They forced him into a truck and headed East. They've taken him. I'm sorry, Juliana. I tried to help him, but there were too many of them."

I placed my hand on his shoulder and nodded slowly.

"Don't blame yourself. It's not your fault. Do you have any idea where they might have taken him?"

He shook his head slowly, and disappointment coursed through me. I was so going to deal with that son of a bitch Kula. He obviously hadn't taken my warning seriously this morning, and he'd pay for that.

On the bright side, this news erased the doubt that had crept in, suggesting that Shawn might have left me behind.

He was in trouble, but I was relieved to know he hadn't left, even though he had the opportunity.

"There you are, you nuthead! We've been looking all over town for you," Neilani exclaimed when she joined us.

JoJo repeated the story about Shawn, his expression subdued.

"Oh my God, what are we going to do? We need to tell my mom. Maybe she can inform the mayor, and he can send the local sheriff after them. That Kula guy is in for it."

I tuned her out and started to weigh my options. I didn't want the Sheriff or the mayor involved. They'd only complicate things once they discovered who we were and how we'd ended up on this island.

As angry as I was, I couldn't go after them right now. It was late, and it was dark, and I couldn't afford to get lost on the island at night when I had another problem to deal with.

"Did you say Kula has a gang?" JoJo nodded quickly.

"Yeah, they're like the toughest, scariest-looking folks around here. Nobody dares to mess with them or question any of their bad decisions that cause trouble for us. They used to lay low and only create occasional problems, but since Sima and his friends went missing a few days ago, Kula and his gang have been acting out and causing more trouble."

They weren't a gang, just some unemployed local wannabe thugs who thought they ruled the island. I could handle them.

"Who's Sima?" JoJo began to describe Sima and the guys who had gone missing, and it didn't take long for me to connect the dots. 

Sima and his friends were the same people who attacked Shawn and me that night, and they were now six feet under.

Well, they'd never be found now.

JoJo, Neilani and I headed back to Miriam's house. I accepted Neilani's offer for me to stay at their place because I wanted to start searching for Shawn early the next morning. I couldn't afford to waste another minute. I had to find him before they hurt him, and I'd deal with those idiots one by one, especially Kula.

I tried to close my eyes and sleep, but my anxiety kept me awake, my thoughts consumed by Shawn. I'd never felt this worried about anyone before, but I couldn't deny it any longer, especially after our kiss tonight.

I had feelings for Shawn, and he clearly felt the same way about me. I would do whatever it takes to save him and bring him back.

I just hope he's okay.