You were on your way home after hanging out with your best friend when it happened. His enemies. They caught you in the wrong place at the wrong time. A sharp pain shot through your stomach. You'd been stabbed, maybe even shot, you couldn’t tell.

Hands shaking, you grabbed your phone and hit his name.

“Hello sweetheart. Are you on the way home? Dante’s voice was calm at first.

“Dante… I-I got attacked. I’m bleeding,” you said weakly.

He froze. His voice changed immediately, hard and sharp. “I’m coming, love. Don’t hang up. Keep talking to me. Where does it hurt, baby? Where did they touch you?”

You pressed your hand against your stomach. “It hurts so bad…”

“I know, baby. Just stay with me. I’m almost there,” he said. You could hear the car door slam, the engine roar. He was already on his way, tracking your phone.

Your vision blurred, your breathing shaky. “Dante… I can’t…”

“Yes, you can. Stay awake for me,” he ordered. His voice was firm but desperate.

Minutes later, headlights cut through the alley. Dante jumped out, his coat still on, his eyes wide when he saw you collapsed on the ground.

“Shit… baby.” He ran over, kneeling down and pressing his hands over your wound. “Don’t move. I’ve got you.”

You tried to smile weakly. “I thought I was gonna die.”

“Don’t say that. You’re not dying. Not while I’m here,” he said, his jaw tight. He yelled back to his men, “Get the doctor! Get the car ready!”

He lifted you into his arms like you weighed nothing and carried you to the car. You could feel the way his chest shook, even though he tried to hide it.

“Stay awake,” he whispered against your hair. “I won’t let anyone take you from me. I swear to God, I’ll make them pay.”