Gangster's Girl

Aren't You Scared?

NO ONE'S POV:

Lana turned back sharply at the sound of gunfire. Jax staggered, clutching his bleeding arm. Their eyes locked for a brief, intense moment before Jax turned to face their assailant, Mike Drarry. The room erupted into chaos as Drarry's men poured in.

Gasping, Lana sprinted to a nearby wall where she had earlier positioned a ladder. With adrenaline coursing through her veins, she scaled the ladder and perched on the wall, scanning for a way out.

Jax's bodyguards engaged Drarry's men in a fierce exchange of gunfire, buying precious seconds. "She's making a break for it. I need to find cover before Drarry gets a shot at her," Jax thought grimly, his injured arm throbbing. He scanned the room frantically, oblivious to a looming threat closing in behind him.

BANG!

Jax whipped around at the noise, only to see Lana swinging a heavy flower pot, knocking down one of Drarry's men. For a moment, surprise flickered across Jax's face before Lana grabbed his hand and pulled him into motion. They dashed into the sanctuary of the house.

"Is there a safe room, a hidden place?" Lana panted, her eyes wide with urgency. Jax, still reeling from the chaos and pain, struggled to focus.

"Say something!" Lana's voice trembled with fear. Jax snapped out of his daze.

"To my room," he managed, urgency tinged his voice as they hurried down the hall and slammed the door shut behind them. Jax made a move towards a drawer but winced in pain, his wounded arm impeding his movements.

"Grab the gun from the drawer," Jax instructed, his voice strained. Lana hesitated, incredulity flickering across her face.

"What?" Her voice cracked with disbelief.

"No time to argue. Just do it," Jax's tone was forceful, determined. With one hand, he fumbled for his phone in his back pocket, dialing Alex's number. As the call connected, Jax's voice was clipped, urgent. "It's an emergency. Don't come here. Send your men—fast," he demanded, then ended the call with a terse nod.

In the charged silence that followed, Lana stared at the gun in her hands, her fingers trembling. The weight of the situation settled heavily on her shoulders.

"What am I supposed to do with this?" Lana's voice trembled with uncertainty, her eyes darting between Jax and the firearm.

"If anyone comes through that door, you shoot," Jax's gaze bore into hers, unyielding. Lana's breath caught in her throat, overwhelmed by the gravity of the moment.

"I've never—I don't know if I can," Lana's voice wavered, her fear palpable.

"Focus," Jax's tone softened marginally, his eyes narrowing with pain. Before Lana could protest, a sharp knock shattered the stillness, sending her heart racing. Instinctively, she raised the gun, hands quivering.

"Don't let fear control you," Jax's voice was a whisper, a plea laced with urgency. The door swung open—

BANG!

The shot rang out, missing its mark as Lana's hand shook violently. The intruder stumbled back, wide-eyed, a mix of confusion and apology etched across his face.

"Sir, my apologies if I startled you," the man stammered, recovering quickly.

"Did you eliminate the threat?" Jax's voice was measured, his eyes never leaving Lana.

"Yes, sir. Drarry escaped," the man responded, a hint of frustration in his voice.

"Clean up this mess," Jax's command was curt, authoritative. The man nodded and swiftly exited the room. Lana set the gun down on the table, her hands trembling uncontrollably.

Turning to Jax, Lana's eyes softened with concern. "Where's the first aid kit?" Her voice was steady, a stark contrast to her trembling hands.

"Are you hurt anywhere?" Jax's concern was evident, his eyes scanning her face.

"No, but you are," Lana's voice was gentle, yet determined.

"We don't have time—" Jax began, but Lana cut him off sharply.

"Where is it?" Her tone brooked no argument, her resolve unwavering.

"In the top right shelf of the first cupboard," Jax's voice softened slightly, his gaze holding hers. Lana retrieved the kit, hands steady now as she tended to his wound with practiced care.

"I'll stop the bleeding first, then you can get proper treatment," Lana's voice was matter-of-fact, her movements precise as she cleaned and bandaged his wound.

"Why did you save me?" Jax's voice was quiet, his gaze searching hers. Lana met his gaze, her expression softening with empathy.

"I could have left, but I saw a chance to help. I couldn't just walk away," Lana's voice was sincere, a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes.

"Are you afraid of me?" Jax's question was unexpected, his gaze probing.

"Yes," Lana's admission was immediate, unflinching.

"But I believe you can change," Lana's voice held a quiet strength, her belief unwavering. Jax studied her for a long moment, silence stretching between them.

"Her compassion—her courage," Jax thought, a mixture of admiration and curiosity stirring within him.

"The doctor will be here soon. You should leave," Jax's voice was softer now, a hint of reluctance in his tone.

"Are you sure?" Lana's concern was palpable, her eyes searching his.

"She shouldn't be here," Jax's internal conflict wrestled with his protective instincts.

"Maybe I kept her here because she reminded me—of her," Jax's thoughts were conflicted, memories stirring.

"I can't risk her safety, but I don't want her to leave," Jax's internal struggle continued, uncertainty clouding his expression.

"She reminds me of her, but she's different—special," Jax's thoughts lingered on Lana, a newfound sense of intrigue and appreciation growing.