Bullet In A Bonfire

10

Max:
I knocked on the door to Taryn's apartment, and waited for her to answer. When Brantley called me, I hauled ass here. Just when I raised my first to knock again, the door was yanked open, and I was on the business end of B's 9mm. "Oh fuck! It's me Taryn! It's Max! Brantley sent me." I tried to explain before I ate lead. "Brantley said he would call me when you got here. Until I hear from him, you aren't coming in. I was told to empty this clip and ask questions later. Stay put." She snarled, her hand trembling as she grabbed her cell phone and dialed B. Shit, this girl wasn't fucking around. "Smile for the camera." She said. I looked up and saw that she had face timed B. "Yeah Baby, that's Max. He's a good dude." He said after I waved. "Yo Boss, you weren't kidding, she's a firecracker." I chuckled nervously. "You guard her with your life, understood?" Brantley growled. I nodded and gulped. "Yes sir." Brantley scared the shit out of me. After they hung up, we headed inside and locked the door. I put my hand on Taryn's shoulder, and she spun quickly, catching me in the nose with a right hook they made me see stars. "Don't touch me. No one touches me but Brantley." She growled and sniffled. I put my hands up and stepped back. "I'm sorry! Shit! Are you ok?" She asked. I nodded. "It's fine." I winced. Taryn paced the apartment for hours waiting on Brantley. She refused to check her phone, and kept glancing out the window at the strange car. Taryn was so closed off I was beginning to worry, she wasn't saying anything, and she refused to eat the takeout I picked up for supper. Just when I got up the nerve to try and make her sit, someone started banging on the door. Taryn drew that damn 9mm again, and though her entire body trembled, her hand never wavered as she pointed it at the door. "Open the goddamn door before I break this motherfucker down!" Someone roared savagely.

Brantley:
"Brantley!" I heard Taryn before I saw her. Max stepped aside after he opened the door, then my baby girl came flying at me. I caught her and cradled her close, closing the door behind me. Taking the pistol out of her hand, I set it aside and moved to sit with her on the couch. "She refused to eat.." Max said cautiously. I nodded. "Baby... you ok?" I asked softly. "I am now." She whispered and snuggled in closer to my chest. She was trembling. "He still out there?" I growled. Max nodded. "Good... stay here Baby." I rumbled and stood, setting Taryn on the couch. "What's up B?" Max asked. "Keep an eye on Baby, in gonna pay this little fucker a visit.." I growled and stormed out the door. I heard Taryn calling after me, but I was on a mission. Just as I got in eyesight of the car, it took off, tires squeaking as it sped away. "Fuck!" I exclaimed and headed back inside. Soon as I was through the door, Taryn was glued to me again. "Please don't leave me." She whimpered. "Never Baby." I promised her. It broke my heart to see such a strong woman so afraid. One way or another, I was going to make sure this ass hole paid for putting that fear in my Baby's eyes.