Shadow Of The Past | ✔️

76| "Put the gun down."

Ace:

As chaos erupted within our home, my heart raced with fear and urgency as I frantically searched for Naomi and Amara amongst the choas. The sight of amongst amidst the chaos struck me to the core, her distress palpable in her wide eyes and trembling voice.

"Hey, hey, hey," I called urgently, halting Amara in her tracks and lowering myself to her eye level.

"Where's your mom?" I asked, dread tightening my chest as I realized Naomi was not with her.

"They took her. Someone took her, and she told me to run. I'm scared, Dad. I'm so scared. They were hurting her, Dad," Amara's words cut through me like a knife, fueling a storm of rage and determination within.

With unwavering resolve, I swiftly guided Amara to safety, where Luca and Tristan stood ready.

"Take her far from here. Only bring her back when they've left. They're here for Naomi, not her," I instructed firmly, passing Amara into Tristan's care.

"Dad, please be careful," Amara pleaded, her worry etched across her face.

"Okay, but no promises," I reassured her with a smile, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead before turning away.

My focus shifted instantly back to Naomi, my determination sharpening as I spied the car, carrying her, speeding away. Ignited by a fierce determination to bring Naomi back unharmed, I leaped into my own vehicle and swiftly pursued them, the urgency of the situation propelling me forward with unwavering resolve.

~

AUBREY:

Tristan's name lit up the screen, and I picked up with a sense of urgency.

"Hello?" I said, my voice tinged with concern.

"Aubrey, we need you to come and take care of Amara. We've taken her to a safe house, but it's far from here. Can you come?" Tristan's urgency was palpable.

My heart raced as I processed Tristan's words, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Of course, I'll be there right away," I replied, my voice steady despite the underlying worry.

Gathering my essentials in a rush, I prepared to depart for the safe house where Amara was being sheltered. The weight of responsibility settled heavily on my shoulders as I focused on the task ahead, determined to provide comfort and stability for Amara amidst uncertainty and danger.

Hurrying to the safe house, my mind was consumed with worry and anxiety. The urgency of the situation weighed heavily on me as I entered the house, greeted by Amara rushing into my arms.

"Hey sweetie," I said softly, kneeling down to hug Amara tightly and kiss her head, offering what comfort I could.

As we embraced, Luca and Tristan approached me, their demeanor serious and focused.

"Thank you, Aubrey. We have to go back," Tristan said urgently.

"Okay, go. I'll keep an eye on her," I replied, my expression determined as I reassured them of my commitment.

"If anything happens here, call immediately," Luca instructed before they departed, leaving me with Amara.

Cupping Amara's face gently in my hands, I sought to offer reassurance amid the uncertainty. "Everything's going to be fine, okay? Your mom will come back, just like Ace brought her back last time."

Standing up, I held Amara's hand and led her to the living room, putting on a movie to distract and comfort her.

Despite my outward strength, my thoughts were tumultuous and filled with concern for Naomi's safety. Deep down, I harbored fear and worry, hoping and praying for Naomi's swift return and the restoration of our fractured sense of security.

Yet, I remained steadfast in my determination to protect and comfort Amara, knowing that my role in this moment was vital for the young girl's well-being.
~

ACE

My arrival stirred up a tense standoff between me and Xavier, his sinister confidence palpable.

Xavier's smug demeanor grated on my nerves, the simmering animosity between us undeniable. His complicated history with Naomi added layers of complexity, his lingering desire evident in his gaze.

"Cut the theatrics, Xavier. What do you want?" I demanded, my voice laced with restrained fury.

Xavier's smirk widened, seemingly unfazed by my hostility. "Oh, just a little chat with Naomi here. You know how it is."

Naomi stood resolute beside me. "I have nothing to say to you, Xavier. Just end this."

Xavier's eyes narrowed, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "Always the stubborn one, Naomi. But don't worry, I'm not here to cause trouble... yet."

My jaw tensed, patience wearing thin. "Threats won't get you what you want, Xavier."

Xavier's smirk returned, a calculated glint in his eyes. "We'll see about that, won't we?"

After Xavier's menacing words, my mind raced back to a dark chapter in our past, where Xavier had used similar tactics to manipulate Naomi's choices.

The weight of that history hung heavy as Xavier's gun pointed ominously at Naomi, his intent clear.

"No, Xavier, don't," I interjected sharply, concern evident in my voice.

Naomi stood firm, defiance unwavering. "I'm not going anywhere with you, Xavier."

Xavier's gaze hardened, tension thickening. "You're making a mistake, Naomi. This is your last chance."

I moved protectively closer to Naomi, my resolve unwavering. "Put that gun down."

Naomi's gaze met mine, a silent understanding passing between us. We had faced adversity before, and we would stand together against Xavier's coercion.

Xavier's smirk widened, relishing the tension. "Ah, Ace, always the protector. But you know how this goes. The choice is hers."

Naomi's voice was firm. "I'm not going anywhere with you, Xavier. You lost any claim you had long ago."

Xavier's expression darkened momentarily. "Very well, Naomi. But don't say I didn't warn you."

My voice was firm, cutting through the tension. "Put the gun down."

Xavier's response was chilling. "Now why would I do that?" he retorted, his grin unsettling.

I felt a surge of adrenaline as Xavier's finger tightened on the trigger. Without hesitation, I positioned myself between Xavier and Naomi, instinct overriding fear.

The gunshot rang out, the impact searing through me as I shielded Naomi from harm.