Just a Soldier

Chapter 52 - 12 Minutes

Scarlett's POV:

I couldn't believe the shit that was coming out of this guy's mouth. Though it became very obvious that he's the one that has been taking those photos from inside venues. What's worse, he's clearly done it to create the negative press surrounding us. I'm so angry as I hear him talk to Y/n like he does. My grip on her shirt gets tighter every time he talks.

As we try to leave for a second time, he grabs a gun from a holster, and I can't help but gasp when he starts to point it at us. I find myself rooted to the spot. It's not until Y/n slowly pulls me behind her that I move. I look at Lizzie and place a hand on Ava's back. Thank God she can't see what's going on right now, though she can hear everything.

It amazes me how calm Y/n is being, though I'm sure she isn't on the inside. Her military training coming to the front. She talks with him calmly, even when he speaks so harshly about her. When she suggests breaking up, for a moment my heart skips a beat. I know she's only saying it to please him, but after everything we've been through the last couple of days, it's really a worry for me.

"No, the only way to make sure you're not together is by taking one of you away." Those words turn my blood cold. My body reacts without thinking and I move forward so I'm next to Y/n. "Don't hurt her." It comes out as a whisper, but it's a plea.

My eyes are locked on the gun as he raises it and points it at me. It then all happens so quickly. I see a burst of orange from the gun before I hear the sound of the shot. The next thing I know I'm on the floor, watching as the police storm in shooting him dead. I check myself over and see that I'm ok and slowly stand up to see Y/n looking at Ethan's body on the floor.

I quickly turn to check on Ava and Lizzie, but Lizzie nods for me to go to Y/n. Just as I turn around, I see Y/n stumble a little. Before I can reach her, she drops to the floor. "Y/N!" I scream when I see crimson start to saturate her shirt. I rush towards her and drop to my knees. "Y/n, babe. You're going to be ok." I try to reassure her as my eyes find the bullet wound to her upper chest, almost at her shoulder.

I quickly place my hands over it and push down as hard as I can to stop the bleeding, causing Y/n to wince and let out a groan. "I'm sorry babe." I apologise. I look up and see Lizzie with her eyes full of tears, still holding Ava in her shoulder. Though she's crying and wiggling to try and get to her mom.

A police officer comes over and calls for an ambulance over the radio. She then instructs another officer to grab the first aid kit from their cruiser. "Ava." Y/n croaks out. "She's with Lizzie, she's safe." I reassure her. She turns her head to look at me and she's so pale. I feel the warm tears falling down my cheeks. "Mummy!" Ava calls when she hears her voice.

"I'm ok bug. Stay with Lizzie. I love you. I love you so much." I can see that every word is a struggle for her to say. She's trying so hard to sound ok for Ava. "Lizzie, s-she, sho-shouldn't see t-this." Y/n stutters as breathing becomes hard for her. "Save your breath bella." I instruct her.

A police officer attempts to guide Lizzie and Ava away, but Ava is fighting against it, calling out for her mom. "I won't leave my mummy!" She yells. "Don't take me away!" Lizzie tries her best to calm her but seeing her like this is breaking my heart even more. "I'm, ok bug." Y/n reiterates her voicing seeming to calm Ava. "I love you." She says again and Ava nods, mumbling an "I love you too."

As Lizzie and Ava move away, the officer returns with the first aid kit and quickly rips it open, grabbing as much gauze as he can. I look down at my hands and see the blood just seeping through the cracks between my fingers. I press harder but it doesn't seem to be working. The officer hands over the gauze and I quickly lift my hands to place it against the wound before pressing down again.