26 | RETURN FROM PARADISE

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His eyes fluttered open, and he let out a groan, slowly sitting up, disoriented

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His eyes fluttered open, and he let out a groan, slowly sitting up, disoriented. Avery extended her hand, relief washing over her as he took it, pulling himself to his feet. She exhaled shakily, her voice shaking with urgency. "We gotta go before it sinks."

John B kicked open the door, gasping for air as he surveyed the situation. There was a couple of men rushing to shore, eyes trailed on the plan they just got out off. "Oh no. They don't look friendly." His words sent a chill down Avery's spine.

Pope's voice was hoarse as he added, "No, they look very unfriendly."

The situation had gone from bad to worse. One by one, the Pogues jumped out of the sinking plane, diving into the water. Avery hesitated, rooted to the spot. The weight of the decision was heavy on her, but she knew they couldn't leave Jimmy in the plane as it went down. Despite everything, she couldn't bring herself to let the man drown. He had gotten them this far, after all—no matter how suspicious his actions had been.

"Princess, get out before it sinks!" JJ's voice sliced through the tension, urgent and raw. She could feel the heat of his gaze on her, the unspoken worry pulsing between them.

Avery paused, a breath caught in her chest. She knew he was right, but her gaze flickered back to the cockpit. She couldn't just leave Jimmy to die, not after what had happened. She turned and ran back toward the front of the plane, her heart pounding in her throat.

"No, no, no, Ave! Come on!" John B's voice was frantic as he swam around the plane, calling out to her.

"Come over here. Get to the pier!" JJ shouted from the water, his voice strained but steady. He knew they had to get away, fast, before the men on shore saw them.

"Avery, come on! You gotta hurry!" Sarah's voice trembled with worry, and Avery felt her heart crack. She knew her friend was scared for her.

Avery reached the cockpit, her hands shaking as she grabbed Jimmy from his seat. His body was limp, unconscious, and she wasn't sure how much time they had. Gritting her teeth, she pulled him out of the plane, dragging him into the water. Every stroke felt like it took everything from her—her breath coming in ragged gasps as she fought against the current, keeping herself and him above water. Her muscles screamed, but she couldn't stop. Not now.

Two young men appeared out of nowhere, rushing to her aid. They took Jimmy from her, and Avery couldn't even manage a thank-you. She watched as Jimmy coughed up water, groaning as he came back to consciousness.

"Thank you," he croaked, his eyes blinking in confusion.

Avery's chest tightened with anger and disbelief. She couldn't let it go. "You lied to us. Who are you?" Her words were sharp, filled with the frustration and fear she could barely hold back. Jimmy groaned again, turning his head to the side. Avery's gaze followed his, her heart sinking as she saw an ATV engine revving in the distance.

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