Bedmates Soulmates novel Chapter 760

‘Okay, sure, no problem. Isabel took in Kira’s nnen varantee and falt lam. 

Time To WakeUp 

Austy glanced at the sleeping kids, his eyes hath L 

He pested blaske and told her about the vile, 

Isabel ware under her breath. 

As thephus who treated Kira’s depression four yves ago, tabel understood, wist–hand knowleder, has traumatie telaud’s devel was to her. 

Krawould how wasted away the year Justyn disappeared if not for the kids 

She spent the next three years busying herself with work and with raising the children, occupying every waking moment so she wouldn’t have time to think about her father, to 

tubel knew it was develdance, a coping mechanikantor gilet. 

She didn’t approve, but at least it was better than the alternative of watching Bra sink deeper into the black abyss that was depression. 

When Austen returned to Standard, Isabel was both overjoyed and concerned. 

Overjoyed that Kira’s search had finally yielded by red 

Concerned that his peappearance would tripper the scaming trauma buried deep in Hira’s memory. 

Isabel watched with uneasiness as Austyn regained his memory and reunited with his family. 

She had just allowed herself to relax when this happened. 

Taking along, concrmed breath, she told us about Kira’s depression. 

‘I’m afraid she’s withdrawn into herself, she whispered, ensicus, atraid. “Kira never truly got over her father’s death. She only held on to her sanity and maintained a semblance of normality for the sake of the kids Det now. It’s a good thing you are back. She needs your help! 

Austyn nodded, his face grim. “I’ll do everythingtean‘ 

Isabel sat on the belt to Fira, watched her friend’s star–like posture, and sighed. 

Shelled out to her gently, bot Kira did not register her presence. 

Isabel held Kira’s hand, reassured by its warmth 

mura, I know you can hearme. Listen, what happened in the past belongs to the pot. You hune to move on. You have a new life now, with the kids, with Austyn. Don’t let yourself be trapped in the past come out, plone! 

Krashowed no response, as expected. 

She was in full catapy, where her body would maintain the position she was arranged in 

She wouldn’t moneless someone med her. 

bed to hold back her personal Belings and assess Kiracinically. 

Kurasullered from mitism, negativism and stupor 

She did nacrespond to stimuli,even painfulones The being pinched. 

Gown what she knew about Kira’s past, tabel speculated that the cause for her cats mostly a recurrence of her depressive disorder, with the video as the trigger She would tato kira’s doctor tomorrow and arrange for anurolygical examination. 

If medications didn’t work, they might have to consider electroconvulsive day, but Isabel haped Kia would wake up before that 

Lucacate over and took label and the kids away 

“The kids need a proper bed,‘ he said when abellased to leave the hospital 

1sabel took a leave of abrumer from her work 

She showed up at the hospital early the next morning. 

Austyn was hoping kira’s lace with a wetted towel. 

His movements were gentle, as if aid of hurting her. 

His were bloodshot, but below the tenderness in them. 

The lower part of face was covered by men than a five o’clock shad 

He was wearing the same shirt he had on yesterday 

it was clear that he never left Kira’s bedside the entire night. 

Mabel sighed. 

She knocked on the open door before walking in 

“Kat took the kih in school,‘ she said.. 

‘I brought you some breakfast.” Tubel set down a brown paper bag on a bedside table. 

‘Thanks.” 

Dother a high dose of lam,” he and in a hoarse veier. “She’s not cosponding to medication‘ 

hablock in the IV needle stuck in thermook of Kira’s left arm. ” ver.” 

Time To Wake up 

Austyn wiped Kira’s face and hands. 

Then he stood up and headed into the bathroom with the towel and washbasin. 

Isabel took his place. 

Kira’s eyes were closed. 

“Time to come out of your shell, Kira‘ Isabel held Kira’s wrist. ‘You can’t keep running away from your problems, like you did four years ago. Jennie cried herself to sleep last night, did you know that? she threw a tantrum this morning, refused to go to school, said she wanted to come here to see you,‘ 

Isabel squeezed Kira’s hand. “But how can I let her see you like this? It’s only going to make her more scared. Joshua’s doing a good job hiding his tear, but I know he’s just as frightened. He asked me if you were ever going to wake up. What was I supposed to tell him? 

Kiralay perfectly still in bed. 

If not for the almost imperceptible rise and fall of her chest, she could be mistaken for a corpse. 

Isabel cast a look in the direction of the bathroom. ‘Austyn’s worried about you. So are the kids. So am L. You are not alone anymore, Kira. You don’t have to run away or hide. Whatever it is, we can get through this together. Don’t torture yourself, okay? 

Isabel stayed with Kira as a team of neurologists came in to give her another examination. 

She read the disappointing news on the doctors‘ faces before they said anything. 

In the afternoon, she had to leave to pick up the kids. 

Austin saw her off. 

He got into bed next to Kira, his hand on her shoulder. 

“Kira, the kids are asking for their mother. What am I supposed to tell them?‘ 

He placed a hand over her chest, feeling her slow, weak heartbeat. 

“I’m scared, Kita. The kids are scared, too. I saw the video. But we can get through this together, if you would only give me a chance to.” 

He buried his head in her short hair, seeking solace in her warmth. 

“I know how much the video hurt you 1 know how much you loved your father. I’ll get justice for him, I promise. Henry, Gideon, the men who took your father away–I’ll hunt down every one of them, and I’ll kill them for you. Kiza, I promise they won’t get away with murder. But none of that means anything if you are not there to witness it. Come back to me, please.” 

His tears fell onto her neck, dripping into her collar. 

“at that’s not enough, voscan come after me,‘ Austyn murmmerdd. ‘Twas an accomplice. Before I met you, I wanted to harvest Leland’s organs for my nonther I’v Henry to him. I’m responsible. Please, Fire, if you hate me, if you want to kill me, wake up and do it I’ll give you the knife, I’ll give you the gun, I’ll help your poll have to wake up! 

He dwhen into his arms, rare to wood touching the needle. 

He kept two fingers on her wrist, taking her pulse, needing the resume that her feat was still beating 

Hellal, estansted, nighimar Illledsleep, until he felt something stering beside him. 

Austyn snapped awake and felt a hand on harm. 

He swiched on the bedsble lamp 

Kina’s eyes shone in the yellow light. 

They were open. 

And they were looking right at 

“ral‘ Austyn’s heart thumped with joy, ‘Can you hear me? 

He wreed a hand in front other Lace 

Her eyes tracked his movement 

He saw tears flowing down her check. 

she moved her head and gave him a barely noticeable ned, 

He reached for the call button 

“Gideon…” Her vore was a hoarse whisper. 

“I know, I know.” Austyn patted her hand, placating, ‘I saw the video. 1’ll track him down. I’ll kill him, I promise.” Hemurdered my father! 

tears and hamed. 

Kira stared at the ceiling, her eyes filled with tears 

“I knew. I’ll kill him. I will 

Austyn looked into her eyes and made a sole pro 

Isabel got the good news the next morning 

She sped to the hospital after dropping the kids off at school. 

Kira still appeared sluggish and sickly, but she was definitely awake and alert. 

“Thank god you are awake. You’ve been out for the days. The kids are getting frightened.” 

Get Cashed across Kira’s eyes. I know, I’m sorry” 

What are you apologising for? tabel squeezed her hand. “They are just worried about you 

‘Thank you for taking care of them.” 

‘No problem‘ 

“Can they stay with you for a while longer?” 

‘Sure. Why, though? 

Kira shifted her gaze away. “The doctors said I may have to stay in the hospital for a few more days.” 

‘Okay, sure. Fil bring them by this adterngon, 

“No. I don’t want them to see me like this. I’ll. I’ll see them soon, when I get better,” 

Isabel sighed and relented. 

Austyn returned to the word alter tabellell, bearing a tray of food. 

draforced herself teaten though she could tastenothing 

“Have you found Gideon? She sat up in bed, pupped by two pillows behind her back. 

she knew Austyn had stopped away to 

hour call 

Austin’s eyes were downcast. ‘I’m still working on it‘ 

He set Kal and Hyan to ask around and knock on doors, but Standed one had more than renty–six million people, not to mention uhlana, Gident’s home base Loca pitched in with his police soLTAL 

Basin tried to reach out in Damian, but he was out of contact, probably may on another overseas mission. 

Clean hak menry and contortions and wiles. 

Herould be hiding anywhere 

Unknown Caller 

All Austyn knew for sure at the moment was that Gideon was still definitely in the country. 

Kira gripped the blanket. ‘Did you get in touch with Gwen? She and Gideon go way back. Maybe he went to her.! 

Austyn nodded. ‘Thave thought of that. Gwen’s back in Rinion. I’ve got men taling her. If Gideon shows up anywhere near her, I’ll Imow,” 

He was keeping another possibility to himsell–Gideon could already be dead. 

The man held incriminating evidence against plenty of the city’s rich and powertol, who would have spared no effort in making sure Gideon could not speak up against them. 

Austyn had men checking the city more every day, waiting to hear the news of an unidentified corpse getting fishedout of the river 

But so far, nothing 

Kira flung the blanket aside and tried to get out of bed. 

“What are you doing?” Austyn placed a restraining hand on her shoulder. 

“I want to checkout‘ 

“But the doctors sad- 

“I don’t care what the doctors said!” Kira yelled. “Twant to leave the hospital, now!” 

Austin was stunned by her sudden outburst. 

Realising that, Kira softened her voice, pleading. “I don’t want to stay here anymore. I hate hospitals. I want to go home. Please, Austyn, take me home.” 

He stared foxedly at her for a long while. 

He arranged for Kira’s discharge with his usual brisk efficiency 

Half an hour later, Kira stood on the front steps of the hospital’s entrance, scanning the anonymous crowd. 

Audrove her home 

“I want to see the kids,” she said as Austyn fucked her into bed. 

“They are at school 

“I want to see them now 

Austyn checked the time. 

School would be out in another forty minutes. 

He was reluctant to leave Kira’s bedside. ‘I’ll get Kal to pick them up! 

“No. You should go. The kids are scared. They’d better when they see you 

Kira brought Austyn’s hand up to her face and kissed it. I’ll be fine 

She nodded. “I just stay home and wait for yo 

[ you” 

“Okay” Austyn relented “Don’t go anywhere‘ ‘1 promise! 

Kira locked the door after Auslyn left 

got dressed, headed into the kitchen, found what she needed, stuffed it into her pants pocket. Then she sat, staring at her phone, waiting 

Kira looked at the screen which said “Unknown caller, but of course, she knew who was calling. 

She answered the phone “Gideon.” 

*Kira, how are you feeling” 

just got out of the hospital, but I’m sure you already knew that‘ 

Kira gripped her phone. 

She heard blood pounding in her ears. 

Gideon paused, then he chuckled “Right, I do know. But how did you know? 

The Fatal Meeting 

The Fatal Meeting 

‘You palony to keep tabs on me at work, Kira said. “Stands to reason that you do the same thing after I left Globe Today” 

Kiranewadon would never give up on her, no matter how many times she spumed him. 

She couldn’t see the man or the woman lurking in the shadows, but she just knew that Gideon had someone following her around. 

which was why she stood outside the hospital entrance for a full ten minutes, giving her stakker a full view. 

As expected, Gideon’s call came soon afterwards. 

“What happened? Are you okay? 

“You don’t 

‘I don’t. Should 

why I ended up at the hospital?” 

Kira answered his question with one of her own. “Where are you right now?! 

Is the call on speakerphone” Gideon asked. ‘Is Austyn standing right next to you? Or the police? Are they tracing the call? 

“No.“To convince him, she switched to videochat. Tat home, alone.” 

“Kina, you’ve lost weight” Gideon examined her gant face onscrEETI 

He sounded concerned 

‘Tintine” Kira took in Gideon’s empt appearance. 

Her eyes widened when she recognised the background. 

‘Ah, I see you know where I am, Gideon said as he reached out a hand to touch her face screen. 

‘Stay there. I’m coming to you.” 

Are you bringing the police with you? 

‘I’m not, I promise Kira shot to her feet. If you don’t believe me, keep the videochaton! 

She let the apartment with just her phone and her wallet, and the thing in her pants pocket, keeping Gideon on the 

She jumped into the first tax that stopped. 

Twenty minunes later, she was dropped off at the Restlaum Cemetery and Columbarium Complex, her father’s final resting place. 

“Where are you?” She held up her phone. 

Gideon gave her instructions for directions 

She was lived when she saw him standing in front of a nameless grave 

She did not want to see him anywhere near her father. 

Kahung up the phone and walked up to him. 

It was mid–afternoon, but the cemetery was shrouded in eternal darkoseL 

Gideon’s face was hidden in the shadows as he stood under a yew tree. 

‘Hello, Kira‘ 

His cheeks were sunken. 

His hair was a mess, but his eyes retained the sharp, calculating, manic gint that Kira was so lamiker with 

Kira stopped three metres in front of him. 

Gideon smiled as he closed the distance. I’m surprised you want to see me.” 

He frowned when he took in her pasty.complexion. “You don’t look so well 

Kirasaw him checking behind her. “Don’t worry, I didn’t call the police or tell anyone you are here! 

Gideon smiled. “It’s not that i don’t trust you. I don’t trust Austyn. You know he wants me dead! 

So do 1,‘ thought 

“Aren’t you curious to know why I wanted to see you?” she said instead. 

“Isn’t it because you miss me? 

He flasheder another smile 

Thesesmie that used to make her heart flutter 

The same smile that used to make her think, he was the most handsome boy in the entire school. 

Kira stared at Gideon’s hollow–cheeked face and saw the boy she first met on the street eleven years ago. 

It’she had known everything that would happen later, would she still take him home? 

“Kirara?” Gideon waved hand in front of her face. “What’s wrong?” 

Kirblinked and brought her mind back to the present 

She looked at her father’s murderer, the man she used to love. 

The something to show you.‘ She removed her phone, clicked on a file and handed the phone to him 

drock II,wany. “What is it? 

The Fatal Meeting 

‘You paid Rony to keep tabs on me at work,” Kira said. “Stende de mason that you’ll do the same thing after Left Globe Today” 

Kknew Gideon would never ghee up on her, na mater how many tin 

She couldn’t see the mud or the womanhuking 

be shadows, but sher just 

ow that Gideon hal someone following her around. 

which was why she stood outside the hospital entrance for a full ten mäures, għang ber stalker a full vorm. 

As expected, Gideon’s call came soon allowanbu 

“What happened? Are you okay? 

“You don’t know why ended up at the hospital? 

1 don’t. Should I 

Kira answered his question with one of her own. “Where are you right now? 

“Is the call on speakerphone?” Okden asked. “Is estyn standing right next to your the police? Are they tracing the cal 

“No ‘To comince him, she switched to videochat, “I’mat hume, done;” 

*Kia, you’lasi wright Gideen examined hergantie onscreen. 

He saided concerned. 

Tifine‘ Stratoch in didiva’s unkempt appearamer, 

Her eyes widened when she reca gilsed thebackground. 

“Ah, I see you knowhere tam, Gideon said as he reached out and touch her face ensemen. 

“Stay there. I’m coming to see you 

“We you bringing the police with you?” 

I’m not, I promise Hirashot to her feet ‘If you don’t bellewe me, keep the wideschut on.” 

She let the apartment with just her phone and her wallet, and the thing in her pants pocket, keeping Gideon the in 

She jumped into the firsttal that stopped. 

Twenty minutes later, she was dropped off at the Restlawn Conelery and Columbarium Complex, her father’s finalresting place. 

“Where are you?” She held up her phone. 

Gideon gree her instructions for directions. 

She was relieved when she saw him standing in front of a nameless point. 

She did not want to see him anywhere near her the 

Kinabung up the phone and walked upto him. 

twsold–diemoon, but the cemetery was shrouded in eternal darkness. 

Gideon’s face was hidden in the shadows as he stood under a yet free, 

His chocks weresunken 

His hair was a mess, but his eyes stained the sharp, calculating, manic glint that was so familiar with 

Kastopped three metres in front of him. 

donmiled as he closed the distance. T’m surprised you want lə see mur, 

He drowned when he took in her party complexion. “Youdon’t look so 

Kira saw him checking behind her. ‘Don’t worry. I didn’t call dhe police or tell anyone you are here.‘ 

Giden smird’s not that I don’t trust you. I don’t trust Austyn. You know he wants me dead! 

“Sedel, Krathought… 

“Aren’t you curs to know why I wanted to see you?” she sold instead 

Henheder another smile. 

The same smile that used to make her heart flutes. 

The same sinile that unl to make her think, be was the most handsome boy in the entire school 

Krastared at Olden’s hollow–choked face and saw the boy she first met on the sine eleven yous ap 

If she had known everything that would huppen later, would she still säelim bane? 

“Kara calon waved a hand in front of her lace. “What’s weg? 

Klinkend brought her mind back to the present 

She looked her ther’s underce, the man she used to love. 

The something to show you‘ she removed her phone, cliched on a file and handed thephone to han 

Glen fork, mary, “What is 117 

The Fatal Meetina 

312 

His gaze travelled downwards to the screen, then it froze, 

He watched himself walk to Leland’s ward, saw his hand move upwards to plug the breathing tube, saw himself standing there, motionless, as Leland gasped for his last 

breaths. 

His hands shook Kira, I can explain… 

“No Kirashook her head 

Her voice was deadly calm 

Her eyes were dry. 

Thave been such an idiot.” 

She remained unmoved when Gideon grabbed her hand. 

‘I can explain!! 

‘Twas so, so stupid.‘ She stared into space. “I thought you were just a little obsessed with me. I tolerated it, tolerated you. Austyn and I fought because of you. He couldn’t stand how indulgent I was being towards you You are just lonely, I told myself‘ 

Gideon felt his blood turn into ice at her words.. 

She wasn’t looking at him. 

She spoke in a low, slow monotone, devoid of emotions. 

‘Even after I stopped loving you, I never stopped being fond of you. You were my brother. You gave me four of the best years of my life. Dad was often away. You were there for me for everything. You picked me up after I fell. You walked me home when I was lonely. You sang me to sleep when I was afraid of the thunderstorm. 

We can still have that, Kiral‘ Gideon’s heart was filled with dread. ‘Come with me. We can start over!! 

“I thought you were my friend, my family. Even after everything you did to hurt me, I made excuses for you. You were just lonely, I said to myself. You had no one else in your life. You only cling to me because you were afraid of being alone. I was all the family you had left.” 

She shifted her unfocused gaze to him. “Is that why you tried to kill my babies? is that why you murdered my father? You couldn’t stand the tact that I have other people in my life You want me all to yoursel 

Gideon nodded. “I do. I want you. You belong with me.‘ 

‘So you killed my father,” 

“No, Kira, I didn’t. Leland was He was never going to wake up anyway. He 

Gideon looked down when he felt a blast of cold in his abdomen. 

Then came the searing pain. 

Red seeped out slowly from the wound where Kira stabbed him with a fruit knife, staining his shin, his coat, his hands 

Attempted Murder, interrupted 

Gideon staggered backwards. 

Kira’s face remained impassive as she pushed the ke all the way in, burying its hilt into his stomach. 

‘Kira! 

Blood gushed out, spreading, weakening, carrying heat and life out of his body. 

Bra’s hands shock. 

Her knees almost buckled. 

Gideon saw Bertor in her eyes. 

Hesmiled weekly. ‘Fira ” 

“Dust don’t come any close!” 

Kira’s eyes were wide open with shock 

The knife was still buried in his stomach. 

Her hands were wet and slick with blood. 

His blood. 

It was warrn, alckeningly so. 

Kira retched. 

“It’s akorp! Gideon moved cloare. ‘It’s a normal reaction. This is your first time stabbing someone, right?” 

ira shuddered at the calmness in his voice. 

He pulled out the knife and tossed it aside with a cold–blooded nonchalance, paying no attention to the blood that was still squirting out. 

“It’s okay. I’m not blaming you.” He held her hands, covered in blood. “You picked the wrong spot, kira.” 

He guided her limp hands to his stomach. A stab here will hurt, debilitate, but it will not kill. Iwon’t die, Kira. It’s just a flesh wound. 

a’s throat went dry 

He caressed her face, smudging her cheeks with blood. “It’s okay. You just need practice. I’ll teach you how to kill someone with one stab,! Kir heard his devilish whisper and couldn’t bele her ears. 

Her mind had shut down to protect her against the horror of realising she’d just stabbed someone with the intent to kill 

She’d just become a murderer, a fated one, but still a murderer. 

“Why shemumered. ‘Why are doing this?” 

‘Because I want you, Gideon mums red. 

He ran a hand lovingly over her pale face. Because l 

He loved her with an all–consuming passion, with a driving obsession. 

she was his everything. 

He wanted her all to himselt 

Things like family and friends and work and babies were a distraction 

They distracted her way from him. 

Which was why they had to go. 

Gideon tolerated the twins existence because Kira would have collapsed without them. 

Eventually, he grew to like them, even showered them with gifts and fake affection, 

But not a day went by without him wishing they were never born. 

He was patiently biding his time, waiting for Kira to realise that they were lated to be together 

He sent flony to work alongside her, not so much to keep tabs on her as to chase away any potential sultors. 

He didn’t want any other man to discover how special she was. 

Leland was like a father Doce to him, sure, but Leland was also taking up a lot of Kira’s time. 

The man’s medical bill were what drove Kira to marry Busty in the first place. 

If Leland had died at the scene of his car accident, Kira would not meet Austyn, would not marry him, would not fall for him. 

Guden just did what be should have done year ago. 

When he pulled the plug on Deland’s lile support system, he was thinking- 

-one less distraction for her. 

He thought he was kiling two birds with one stone–Hira would be relieved of the burden of hiring to take care of a vegetative father, and she would grow to hate Austyn and Henry for Taking Leland’s organs. 

The first goal was accomplished, but the second wat 

ra hated Henry, but she didn’t hate Austy 

Gidros prashed his terili 

Abempted Muadet, Interueted 

Austyn McCarthy was the last obstacle he had to overcome. 

Austyn was dead, Kira would return to him. 

She had to 

‘Kira.‘ Gideon touched her face. 

she collapsed to the floor. 

“Come with me.‘ He bent down to pick her up 

That was when he heard the whoosh right over his head. 

Half a second later, a tombstone behind him exploded. 

‘Get down!” Gideon threw himself over her body, shielding her from the next shot. 

Kira was tackled to the ground, having the wind knocked out of her 

‘Let go of me!‘ She screamed, thrashing violently. 

‘Shh ‘Gideon pinned her in place. “Don’t move.” 

He ignored the throbbing pain in his stomach as blood pumped out from the open wound. “Someone’s here.‘ 

He raised his head and risked a 

aglance 

Before he could identity the shooter, another bullet zinged over him. 

Gideon kept his head down, grabbed Kira’s waist and rolled. 

The darkness and scattered tombstones provided cover, for now. 

He scrambled to his feet, bent at the waist and crab–walked towards the nearest tombstone, dragging Kira with him. 

“We have to get out of here.” 

Kira’s senses returned long enough for her to register what was happening. 

She tossed a panicked look over her shoulder and spotted three men sprinting this way, guns dram 

*Kira, run!‘ Gideon clasped her wrist and started running 

Kira tried her best to keep up, stumbling over the uneven ground. 

Jennie’s and Joshua’s faces flashed before her eyes. 

She couldn’t die here 

She had to go home to her kids. 

Kira gritted her teeth and picked up her pace 

Austyn tried to ignore the funny feeling in his heart as he drove to the kindergarten 

The sun was out, yet he felt chilly inside the car 

The air was stilling and made difficult to draw breath. 

Austyn strapped both kids in and sped his way home 

He called Ryan on the way. 

‘Are you at the apartment?‘ 

He’d texted Ryan when he left the house, asking him to come over to keep an eye on Kira. 

‘Not yet. Just left a meeting with a contact. No news about Gideon Gamer. I’m on my way to the apartment. What’s wrong?” 

“Just get there, fast. Astyn hung up and accelerated. 

He got there before Rywn 

When he unlocked the front door, he was greeted by an ominous silence. 

With a sinking feeling Austyn dashed into the bedroom. 

It was empty. 

So was the bathroom 

He came back out, hands shaking. 

I Won’t Let You Die 

‘Daddy?” Jennie stood in the living room, rubbing her sleep–filled eyes. You said you had a surprise for us What is it? 

Austyn had wanted to prise the kid with Pura’s retum. 

even “Sorry, honey, the surprise is gone.” 

Heclosed the bedroom door and fought to keep his voice even 

Jennie pouted. “Can we go visit Mummy at the hospital? 

Austyn bent down to hug the little girl Mommy needs to rest. Doctors said she shouldn’t be disturbed” 

He tumed on the TV. ‘Why don’t you watch some cartoon while I get started on diener?” 

Joshua looked up at him. 

Austyn saw concem in the boy’s era. 

He squeezed Joshaw’s shoulder. “Keep your sister company, will you? Daddy has things to do? 

He went into the kitchen, polled the door shut, called Kira’s phone. 

When she didn’t pick up, he switched on the tracking app 

Abinking red dot indicated Kira’s location 

Austyn stared at the map onscreen. 

What was she doing at the cemetery? 

Hecalled Ryan, who picked up after one sing 

Austyn left the kitchen and opened the door for Than. ‘Stay with the kids,‘ 

“Where are you going?” 

Austyn sprinted into the lin before its doors slid shot. 

Kira felt as it her lungs would explode. 

She stumbled, fell, scraped her knees, cut her hands on a rock, but had to pick herself up and keep running 

Butets whooshed pasther 

Shed Wood and mud 

The cemetery was now completely shrouded in darkness, which worked to their advantage. 

Gideon never loosened his grip on her wrist 

as they tripped and staggered 

Kira had no idea where they were right now. 

They were still somewhere inside the cemetery, but the tombstones were getting mare chipped and weather–beaten. 

The ground grew more uneven. 

The weeds were Laber. 

sirapanted and heard nothing but her own laboured breathing. 

Gideon tackled her to the ground when another bullet zipped past overhead. 

‘Don’t move!‘ be hissed, pricking up his ears to listen for the sound of footsteps. 

There were at least four, tree men after them. 

Gideon had noise to guess who sent them. 

He knew he’d made plenty of enemies in the past four years. 

Now that his company was brought down, they were afraid he would drag them down with him… 

Kita lay on her back and felt the jagged edge of a rock cutting into her flesh. 

She had no idea who tried to kill them. 

Www they after Gideonor her? 

The only one she know who would be capable of something like this was Henry McCarthy. 

Thinking of him, Mira forced herself to sit up 

shestruggled to her feet. 

What are you doing? 

She jerked her hand free of Gidren’s grasp. I’m not staying here with you” 

“They are right in front!” 

Kūra heard a mun’s shooting, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps… 

“Shit” Gideon grabbed her had. Come with me.‘ 

Jha was den fired to put up a struggle as she let herself be hauled along 

They had felt the cemetery grounds and were heading deeper to a patch of dense woods. 

I Wont Let You Die 

The trees with thick follage blocked out the last of the daylight and offered much–needed cover. 

Kira bit back a moan as she belsted her ankle on a protruding rock. 

Their pursuers were relentless. 

could hear men’s voices shouting 

She kept running, having no idea where she was going or how the chase would end. 

She wondered ifestyn had found out she was missing. 

Would he come looking for her? 

He would, of course 

A glimmer of hope came into her eyes when she recalled the tracking app he installed on her phone, but it was soon extinguished when she realised where her phone was 

It was left at the gravesite where Gidron tossed it away. 

Would Austyn be able to track her from there? 

Kira prayed fervently for Austyn to findber. 

She did not regret coming here to see Gideon–she wanted to kill him. 

That determination had not changed. 

But she wished she’d brought something bigger than a fruit knife to a gunfight 

Kira heard Gideon’s ragged breathing and smelled blood on him. 

She wished she’d twisted the knife in deeper. 

Soon, they ran out of road 

Gideon pulled up abruptly at the edge of acliff. 

He spam around, shielding Kira with his body, 

Three men emerged from the woods, guns drawn Two of them pointed their weapons at Gideon. 

The third was covering Kira. 

Fra stood on the edge of the precipitous cliff, her heart filled with despair. 

Gideon still kept his vice–like grip on her wrist as he faced down the men, 

Less than three kilometres away Austyn picked up Kira’s phone, hidden among the overgrown weeds in front of a nameless grave. 

Behind him, Kal and two bodyguards swept their flashlights over the ground. 

That was when Austyn saw the knife, 

He picked it up, recognising the pink plastic handle. 

Kira kept the fruit knife in a cupboard in the kitchen, out of the kids‘ reach. 

Why did she bring it here? 

Austyn’s pupils constricted when he saw blood on the blade. 

Boss, they are headed that way.” Hai shone the flashlight on a trail of trampled grass. 

Austyn pushed the panic out of his heart and followed his assistant 

‘Mr Garner, the man in the lead said. ‘Youneed to come with us. 

“Who sent you?” 

‘You’ll find out soon enough.” 

‘ow what you want, Gideon snarled at them. ‘Lean give it to you, but you’ll have to let her go.” 

The man shook his head. “You know that’s not gonna happen. She’s a witness” 

He gestured at the other two men. 

The trio advanced, slowly. 

Gideon turned to look at Hire, ‘Do you trust me 

She said nothing, her eyes trained on the gun barrels pointed her way. 

didn’t see the smile on Caron’s face 

The next thing she knew, she was flying through the air, falling backwards over the clit with Gideon’s and around her waist. Me screamed. 

Two Months 

Two Months 

‘‘The man in the Inad rushed forward and took will shots into the dark 

Kha’s scream pierced the still night and reached Austyn’s ears, 

“Stop!” Austyn rabed a hand. 

Hellstened intently. 

His heart almost stopped when he heard multiple gunshots. 

“This way!‘ he started cunning 

Kai and the bodyguards followed close on his heels. 

Austyn had never nun so fast in his life, but he was still too late 

He arrived at the cliffside finding nothing but spent shell casings and a shoe 

Kira’s shoe. 

Austyn held the trainer in his hand 

He looked into the dark abyss.. 

Then he started walking.