Heartbreakers: The Journey Through Darkness- Book 2

Chapter 1

Bullets whizzed past us as the screams of the gunfire echoed through the empty roadside. Men collapsed onto the ground and torrents of blood washed over the wet cobbled paths, painting the moment for the future to see. The roadside had now become a warzone. Men shooting at men, the blood curdling last screams echoing, floating in the air, promising to haunt me for the rest of my life. Distant thuds surrounded me as the roads piled up with more bloody corpses. Sounds of metal ripping and tearing flesh apart violently filled my ears as I tried to block it all out, my hands moving to cover my ears as much as possible. The sound of metal entering flesh made me want to throw up. Images of my own torturous past began to flash in my head, bringing back the memories as my mind planned on what would happen once they took me back to that hell hole, readying myself for the pain that they would put me through again.

The sound of someone screaming my name could be heard but for some reason I couldn't tell who it was. The voice so familiar yet strange at the same time. I couldn't focus on even one thing, my thoughts were just racing through my mind and threatening to split it in half. Someone began to shake me violently and shout at the top of their lungs before squeezing my chin and forcing my gaze to drift upwards. It was Elijah, he was still here just for me. He didn't bother running away from the firing and danger, instead he was staying with me amongst the deadly war that was taking place before us. Elijah had pulled me out of the car and was now carrying me onto the long, damp grass, hiding the two of us behind a thick but beautiful tree and surrounding us in the depths of nature, away from the horror.

He was cupping my face and whispering in my ear, his nose brushing past my ear and cheek as I sat in the grass, completely fazed by the whole encounter. I couldn't believe it, I actually saw people being brutally murdered in front of me, with my own eyes. I just witnessed men collapsing onto the ground and get trampled on ruthlessly by their own friends as though they were nothing more than mere rag dolls. I was literally in the middle of a battle that, initially, I had caused. Because of ME people were dying. Because of ME people were injured. Because of ME there were people who couldn't even give their families a last goodbye.

I couldn't take it any longer, the hot tears that I had held back began to fall, rolling down my cheeks rapidly like a never ending waterfall, staining my cold, pale face. I knew I looked like a mess, but now I couldn't imagine how much worse I looked. My temple was throbbing in pain after making contact with the thick window of his car, I felt the bump forming as it burned me, forcing me into a wave of agonising pain as my heart clenched tightly, cutting my air supply briefly. My hands instinctively came crashing onto my head as I hurled fists at myself. The pain of realising that I was the cause for all this trouble, a useless girl running from every direction. More fists were hurled at myself before someone gripped my wrists tightly and held them behind my back. A pair of huge, muscled arms wrapped around me, pulling me against a well-built, hard chest. He rested his chin on the top of my head as he took long, slow steady breaths. Gripping his arms tightly, I began to sob uncontrollably into his chest and soaking his expensive suit, the ugly kind of sobbing where you just feel like giving up because you have no idea what to do anymore. He began to rub my back soothingly, his hand moving up and down as he cooed me, his voice soft and comforting, a stark contrast to his dark, unnerving voice. My hands trailed back up to grab a fistful of my own hair but he quickly pushed them back down, hugging me tightly so I couldn't move my arms.

"Shhh. It's okay, Yulia. I got you. I won't let anything happen to you, baby." He pressed his face into my hair, inhaling the scent and sighing in content. His huge hands were still rubbing my back, his thumbs forming small circles on my lower back as he held me close with a firm grip.

I balled my fists before grabbing the hem of his shirt and squeezing it in my curled fists, seeking comfort in the hug and the small move of holding the hem of his shirt. My sobs finally quietened down and I pulled back slowly out of his grasp slightly to wipe my tear stained face. His fingers moved to my chin, slightly pulling it up so I could meet his worried gaze. He cupped my face before kissing me softly, his warm lips pressing against mine as he kissed me briefly. My eyes fluttered shut as I savoured the sweet taste of his lips moving against mine, the shape perfect like he was made for me only.

We were like that for a few minutes, just seeking comfort with the little gesture as the sounds of shooting melted away, leaving the two of us in our own separate world. His hands trailed down to my hips as he pulled me onto his lap and held me there firmly. My hands had a mind of their own and the next minute, I realised I was cupping his face and tilting my head as I deepened the kiss. I quickly broke the kiss and wiped my tear stained face again, making sure I was now completely dry. I sniffed a few times as I tried to pull myself together while I stifled any further sobs. Standing up and dusting my clothes, my gaze darted off to Elijah who was also getting onto his feet and dusting himself.

I managed to straighten up finally and force my voice out. My throat was now dry and I had to clear my throat a few times before actually speaking.

"What are we supposed to do now?" My gaze drifted up to his as I waited for him to reply honestly. When I looked up at him, I saw the concern and uncertainty etched into his face as he brushed his fingers through his hair. He forced a small smile before a loud roar sounded through the streets, towards the ongoing battle.
"They're here." Quickly grabbing my arm and dragging me behind him, he set off towards the sound. Once we got closer, I saw the huge army of men completely armed making their way towards the danger. A car sped towards us before stopping before us, the window rolling down. It was a guy around the same age as Elijah with dark, smooth skin and pouty, chocolate brown lips. His eyes were huge round balls, bulging in their sockets and he spoke with a slightly softer tone.

"Sir, Liam's back. But with more men than before." As the man said that, my eyes widened in horror, he had already refused to listen to me and came back with men to follow me but now he had brought more men to fight over something so uselessly ridiculous. A loud roar of frustration vibrated from Elijah and I knew he was getting impatient. He turned to me quickly and squeezed my arms.

"Get into the car. We'll get you to my place for now." He opened the door and began to lead me to the inside before a series of gunshots came rushing towards us, smashing the glass on the car. Elijah grabbed me and threw us both onto the ground, cursing under his breath before screaming at the driver to drive off. As soon as the car left, the shooting that had been aimed at us had stopped and instead five figures all dressed in black emerged from the thick mist towards us. From behind us, Omar and two other armed, huge men ran towards us, helping me up and waiting for Elijah to get up. As the figures drew nearer, I could see the outline of the figures clearer and I knew who it was.

Liam.

That fucking bastard! Did he seriously have to be stupid as fuck?! I wanna punch him right in the face, then we'll see who's in charge of the decisions.

He was with four other men I was not familiar with during my time with the gang but here they were, walking towards us with guns aimed at Elijah while his own men aimed their guns at Liam and the other strangers. As they inched closer, Liam lifted his hand to his men, signalling for them to stop coming closer.

"So. You're Elijah? Didn't expect a mafia madman." There was a hint of anger but mainly jealousy in his voice as he glared poisonous daggers at him.

This was definitely not going to be any better.