The Subtle Art of Love and War 3

Chapter 31: Take Care of My Moon

HERO

"Take Luna. Take her away from here, please."

Without waiting for a response, Claire hands Luna to me with purpose. I frown in confusion for a second whilst gently cradling Luna who's evidently agitated by the tension radiating off her mum.

With a frown, I ask, "What do you think you're doing?"

She lifts her eyes to me, conflict hardened by determination evident in them. "You won't be able to leave this boat if they see you with me, if they even think I'm with you guys. They only want me. I'll go with them so you guys can go home."

"Are you fucking insane? You're going to sacrifice yourself just like that? All your efforts to escape will be for nothing if you give yourself up now. And what about Luna? You're just going to leave her to me, a complete fucking stanger?"

For a fleeting moment, the corners of her lips twitch as she gazes down at her daughter, but her eyes shine with sadness and grief. "I'm gonna have to cash in on that favor for saving your life in the middle of the ocean, stranger. Take care of my moon for me."

With a kiss on Luna's forehead and a resolute nod to herself, she walks out whilst I remain standing to my spot, stunned and speechless. My attention gravitates to my wife just as her eyes meet mine from trailing behind Claire's back who disappears through the sliding glass door and the night swallowing her. That magnetic pull we share is as strong as ever although tainted with envy in her fiery gaze. She can think the worst of me, she can be boiling mad at me, she can throw her fucking tantrums, but one thing's for sure-we belong together. Her and I. Josephine and Hero. Always. Forever.

I reckon we don't share the same sentiments as of the moment though because she quickly peels her furious gaze from me and storms after Claire. It takes two seconds for my body to connect with my brain before I'm handing a crying Luna to mum and running after Jo.

"No one leave the room," I instruct sternly and I catch a glimpse of my best friend nodding his head in understanding as I pass by him.

Dread washes over me at the thought of Jo out there with those fucking goons and their guns and the unspeakable things they're willing to do to get their hands on Claire and Luna. My long and hurried steps carry me out to the deck, my footsteps hitting the floor vibrate up my legs and throughout every inch of my body.

Why can't she let this go? For once, why can't she just listen to me and trust me when I say it's not what she thinks? It's not even just about Claire and Luna anymore. They're out here, and I don't think they're the kind of filthy cops who care about collateral damage. I can't have Jo anywhere near that tension, that mess.

Right as Josephine's about to climb down the stairs after Claire, I pull her by her arm and spin her around so she's facing me.

"Jo, what the hell do you think you're doing?" I snap, my jaw about to break by how hard I'm gritting the words out.

Get her inside. Get her to safety. Get her the fuck away from here.

She doesn't say a word and for a moment, I just glare at her until I finally fully take her in. Tears track down her face that glint under the moon's illumination. Her lips pull down at the corners into an anguished frown and her chest heaves as if catching every breath escaping her. Wind blows her hair and some strands stick to her wet, clampy lashes and cheeks. She shakes my hand off her, anger and jealousy twisting her beautiful face along with my gut and my heart.