Titanium Promises

Nine

Gunshots aren't like they are in the movies. They crack through the air like lightning, loud enough to send my heart shuddering. The bullet whips so close to me, I can feel the heat radiating from it as it shoots by. Luke's already hauled me further behind the structure of the building, away a black car with tinted windows that waits further down the street.

I would be a panicking mess on the floor if not for Luke hold me up. It's taking everything in me to fight back the panic attack rising in my chest. He grabs my shoulders and forces me to look at him. 

How is he so calm? He's not terrified, he's... determined. And it sends fear radiating to my core.

"What the fuck?" is all I manage to blurt out. My pounding heart sends chills ripping through my body.

"Listen to me," Luke says, his voice keeping me anchored. "They're here for me. There's no way they can know who you are, so you're safe. For now. You need to get out of here now."

"Who–Who are they?" I ask, making sure I don't pass out from hyperventilating. I'm shaking so much, Luke has to tighten his grip on my shoulders.

He sighs, knowing we're running out of time. "My father's business isn't what you think. Shit, I—"

Another gunshot sends a chunk of the stone flying. I almost scream.

"Look at me," he snaps. "He's...he's part of the Mob, okay? He disowned me when he found out I liked guys and flew me out to LA. He didn't tell his mob boss friends that I was kicked out, but they still managed to find out. They want me out of the picture."

"They're gonna kill you?"

He shakes his head. "I won't let them. God, I didn't want you to get involved in this. Listen to me, right now, you have to run like hell, okay? You don't have much time."

"I'm not some damsel in distress or some shit." Though I couldn't be shaking any less. "I'm not leaving—"

"You have to. You said you trusted me, remember? Please, I don't want to make you. You know I will if I have to."

"I know."

"Remember the bullies?" he asks, giving me a smile. "I told you I wouldn't mess with them, that I would do nothing. Can you trust me on this like I did back then? I swear I'll be fine. I know how to deal with people like these."

"Okay."

He runs his hand through my curled hair and makes sure I'm listening. "Go to the park. I'll find you, I promise. Titanium, remember?"

I hate that I'm leaving him like a helpless child. I can fend for myself—none of the bullies have even looked at me for the past while. Granted that's because of Luke, but still. I can't just run and hide while Luke is being hunted. He could be getting killed, and I'm just sitting in a corner and waiting?

But he's asking me to do it. He's making the choice for me, so I don't have to. He's being brave and giving me an opportunity to leave while I still can.

My hands are still gripping the ends of his leather jacket. He grabs my hands and aids them up to my chest. 

"Go."

I do. I turn away and run as fast as I can. No gunshots follow me, no cars try to run me over as I dart across the street. After gaining enough distance, I risk looking back, making sure to hide myself behind a thick bush in the parking lot behind the building.

Luke stands there, his hands curled into fists at his sides. The person in the car must be standing in front of him, since Luke puts on a charming smile and starts speaking to someone hidden by the building. I swallow the bile in my throat when I see the man's arm raise, a gun clasped in his fingers and aimed right at Luke's heart. Luke's hands are up, but he remains calm, talking to the man and keeping his face placid.