WHY ME

Running f

s Point

pounded so loud I could barely hear the screams in the park. The loud bang still rang in my ears, like a firecracker but scarier.

rted around like he was looking for something. Another bang came, and I flinched, pressing

of the park. The man with sunglasses leaned out the window, holding something shiny, a gun. My s

es. My legs were shaking, but I ran, my belly bouncing with every step. Kids were screaming, and parents were grab

Dante crouched low, his eyes scanning the park. "Stay

my fingers digging in. I didn't want him to

pulling his arm free. "Just s

efore. I huddled behind the slide, my hands over my belly, trying to breathe. The baby

lack car was gone, but my heart didn't slow down. Where was Dante? What was happening? I thought about Celeste'

Finally, I heard footsteps crunching on the gravel. I tensed, ready to run, but it was Dante. H

said, his voice low

ok, but I didn't care. "Someone just shot a

dark. "I don't know y

ou show up out of nowhere, offer me some crazy deal, and

, his hands up like he was calming a scared animal. "I swear, E

s. I didn't know who to trust. "You said my father asked you to protect m

father didn't know it would

g. "Then tell me everything. Right now.

sman. A good one, but he made enemies. He gave you up to keep you safe.

hest tight. "Enemies?

e said. "I didn't think they'd come a

her didn't want me. Now he was the reason I was in danger? "You s

you," he said, his eyes m

ack. "I don't want your pro

d in the distance. Dante grabbed my arm gent

e a drum. "I'm not going anywhere with

ease. I'll tell you more, but we can't stay here. The

his hand on my back. We walked fast, my belly aching with every step. He took me to a sleek black car parked on a side

ely saw it. My mind was stuck on the gun, the car, and Celeste's warning. I

e said. "It's

Celeste showed up, and now this. I clutched the contract in my pocket, its edges c

ng my stomach flip. The doors opened into a huge apartment, all glass and shiny floors. It w

nting to a couch. "I'l

deep breath, trying to calm down. Dante came back with a

shook, and some spilled on my shirt. "

ace serious. "I won't let anyt

acing. "You keep saying that. But you're not telling

face going pale as he read the screen. He stood, his hand ti

g?" I asked,

pounding. The screen showed a security camera feed in the hallway, maybe in this

here?" I whispered

"I don't know. But I

ed for the door. "Stay here, E

mera still showing Celeste. She wasn't alone anymore. A man stood with her, the same man from the park,

as that a bomb? Were