MAFIA'S WRONG TARGET

25: NIGHTMARE'S SILENT GRIP

AUTHOR'S POV

Elitestone Hospital,
07:47 a.m.

Zoe bumped into the door as she rushed into Evan's cabin, her heart racing at the sight of Dash. The moment felt electric, stirring a whirlwind of emotions inside her. It's been super awkward between them ever since that kiss.

Evan glanced up, noticing her panting heavily, a hint of concern etched on his face. "Him again?" he asked, setting his pen down and watching her lean against the wall, trying to catch her breath. "How long are you gonna avoid him?" His voice was calm as he sighed.

"I don't know. I just... I never know," she sighed, frustration bubbling to the surface. Her heart felt heavy, torn between her feelings for Dash and the darker reality of his life.

"Give him a chance," Evan urged, his tone shifting to one of encouragement. His eyes searched hers, as if trying to pull her back from the edge of her doubts. "I know it's not easy, but that guy... he won't let anyone get near you as long as he's around." He continued, "I can tell he's genuine despite-

"Despite the fact that he kills people, drugs them, works for a mafia, is a gangster," she interrupted, her voice rising with indignation. The weight of his choices pressed down on her, making her chest tighten. "How can you even suggest that?"

"Say less. Despite all that, you kissed him back." He cut her off, then sighed at her reaction, his expression softening. "He cares about you."

"I never denied, He cares about me, ONLY ME, but not the innocents he murders." Her voice trembled, a mix of anger and sorrow spilling out. The thought of Dash's violent world clashed violently with the tenderness she felt for him.

" Don't you see him visiting the hospital every day for King?" Evan pressed, trying to bridge the gap between her heart and mind.

"Exactly, for King. The monsters." Her voice was laced with bitterness, the name leaving a sour taste in her mouth.

"We all have different circles; he gets to have his, and he's loyal." Evan's words were steady, but Zoe felt a storm brewing inside her.

"No, he chose to." She shook her head vehemently, her emotions swirling. "You say he cares, but he does until he has to choose between me and King."

"Then don't make it complicated for yourself and him. One second you're hating him, the next you're-"

"That was just the flow of the moment." She broke eye contact, looking away, her heart racing with uncertainty. The kiss had been a moment of weakness, a fleeting escape from the chaos around them.

"I dare you to say that kiss was a mistake?" he challenged, watching her struggle for the right words, his gaze unwavering.

The door suddenly slammed opened. "King isn't breathing." Dash came rushing breathlessly.

Evan rushed towards the ICU followed by them both, and burst into it, his heart racing as he approached King, who lay motionless on the bed. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the air, but all he could focus on was the lifeless body before him. With urgency, he assessed the situation. There was no time to waste; he had to act quickly.

Without hesitation, Evan tore open King's shirt, exposing his chest. The sight of the still body filled him with a sense of dread, but he pushed that aside. He placed his hands firmly on King's chest, positioning them correctly for CPR. With every thrust, he felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him. He pushed down hard, the rhythm becoming a desperate plea for life. He could hear the faint beeping of the monitors, each sound a reminder of the urgency of the situation.