Stolen by a Sinner (Sinners #3)(69)

“Jesus, someone talk to me,” Gabriel growls.

“Allah Allah,” is all Nisa can get out.

“Lara’s guarding us,” Alya Hanim’s quivering voice sounds up behind me. “She’s waiting. It’s quiet.”

There’s another loud bang against the door, then a muted gunshot.

When my hands threaten to start trembling, I suck in a deep breath and let it out slowly.

You’re okay.

You’re all okay.

Just keep them alive until Gabriel gets here.

You can do this.

You’ve survived worse.

“It sounds like they’re trying to get past the cabinet,” Alya Hanim whispers.

“What cabinet?”

“The one Lara and Nisa pushed in front of the door. Lara had to shoot the door open so we couldn’t lock it behind us.”

“Good.”

The worry in Gabriel’s voice makes a tremble shudder through me. Once again, I focus on keeping my hands steady, pushing any fear trying to surface back down.

You can do this.

Stay calm.

Shoot anything that comes through that door.

Protect your loved ones.

I hear glass breaking somewhere behind me and swing around. The moment I see movement, I pull the trigger.

Nisa lets out a shriek that is drowned out by the sound of the shot.

“Almost there,” Gabriel shouts. “I see the smoke.”

Slowly I inch a couple of steps forward. A dark shadow moves, and I instantly fire a shot. Dust sprays into the air as the bullet hits a wall.

“We just want you, Lara. If you come willingly, we’ll let the old women live,” a man shouts.

“Don’t you fucking dare, Lara!” Gabriel snaps. “I’m here.”

“Allah Allah,” Nisa wails softly. “Hurry, Gabriel Bey.”

“Move in,” I hear the man command. “Don’t kill the target.”

More glass shatters, and bodies pour into the store. I just open fire, trying to aim as best I can.

All hell breaks loose. Bodies drop to the floor. Nisa and Alya Hanim sob.

I hear the cabinet give way and fall over.

Then the gun clicks in my hand, all out of bullets.

God, help us.

I’m grabbed from behind. “I’ve got you,” Daniel’s voice sounds in my ear. He shoves me behind him, then his arm lifts, and he opens fire, not missing a target.

Flashes light up the dimly lit room, the smell of gunpowder filling the air.

Movement by the door draws my attention, and when I see Murat leaning against the doorjamb, blood staining his shirt, I break out into a run.

“I’m okay,” he grinds out as I reach him.

Lifting his shirt, I find the bullet hole and press my palm to it as hard as possible. “Shit,” he groans.

Silence descends around us, then I hear, “Where is she?”

My head swivels to the side, but I struggle to see anything through the cloud of smoke.

“Lara!”

“I’m here. By the door.”

I hear his footsteps before he appears through the smoke.

“Murat’s been shot. He’s losing a lot of blood.”

Mirac is right behind Gabriel, and he comes to help. Mirac pulls Murat’s arm over his shoulders so he can lean on him.

“Where’s Nisa and Alya Hanim?” I ask, moving back into the store to check on them.

“Emre and Daniel have them,” Gabriel answers as he grabs hold of my bloody hand. “Let me just hold you!” He yanks me to this body and wraps his arms around me. “Jesus, woman.”

I hear him suck in deep breaths of air, then the realization sinks in.

It’s over.

We’re safe.

“What the fuck are you made of?” Gabriel grumbles. He pulls back and frames my face, pressing a hard kiss to my mouth, then he grins at me. “My badass woman. I’m so fucking proud of you.”





Chapter 42


Gabriel



I’ve just lost ten years of my life.

The moment we stop in front of the house, Lara darts out of the SUV and runs up the stairs. “Nisa! Alya Hanim!” she shouts as she runs inside.

I set after her, and I’m just in time to see her hug the older women. “Thank God,” she breaths with intense relief. “I was so scared.”

I stop and stare at the three women I love more than life itself, so fucking thankful Lara was able to ward off the attack.

Fuck, she’s incredible.

I need to give her shooting lessons.

I glance at Emre, who’s on a call. He’s probably making arrangements for the injured men and those we lost.

Then Lara mutters, “I’m sorry you couldn’t get your supplies.”

I rub a hand over my face. My phone vibrating in my pocket has me pulling it out. Seeing an unknown number, I answer, “You don’t train your men very well.”

“That’s just the start, Demir.”

“We can meet right now and end this. I have some time available before dinner.”

“Do you think this is a joke?” he snaps, clearly upset that he failed. “Just give me the girl, and no one has to die.”

My eyes flick to Lara, who’s staring at me.