Multiple gunshots went off downstairs followed by screams and yelling. I heard a gun being loaded next to me letting me know Callum came prepared.

I was shaking hoping whoever it was that was attacking us wouldn’t find us or hurt anyone that I cared about. Hands being held against my cheeks brought me out of my daze.

“Right I need you to listen to me carefully, I want you to stay in this room and lock the door as soon as I leave okay? Do not come out no matter what.”

I was gripping onto his top with all my strength shaking my head from side to side.

“Please don’t go, you could get hurt. Anyone could be down there.” My voice came out shaky trying to hold back tears, the thought of anyone hurt or even worse brought a lump to my throat which I could not swallow.

“Don’t worry about me freckles, I can protect myself but I can’t do my job if I have to worry about you too.” He brought his face closer to rest his forehead against mine.

“I would never forgive myself if something happened to you.” His words made my heart skip a beat.

Our eyes locked on to one another and without warning, he slammed his lips against mine nearly knocking the air out of my lungs. I hardly had a moment to react before he pressed his tongue to the seam of my lips, and at my grant of access, delved inside my mouth. It felt right like we belonged together, the built-up attraction was poured into this kiss. My arms reached up and tangled around his strong neck, and his hand ran along my spine causing me to let out a moan into his mouth. We finally broke apart, both of us out of breath. Before I could say anything he turned and headed out the door.

Everything seemed to be quiet downstairs, too quiet for my liking so before I could talk myself out of it I opened the door slowly hoping no one was outside it.

Making sure it was safe I stepped onto the landing looking left and right but no one was there. So I tiptoed downstairs towards the door that leads to the living room. I heard shouting coming from the room, voices that I didn’t recognize.

What do I do now? I can’t exactly run in there cause I don’t know how many men were actually in there, and I haven’t had any training. There’s no way I could protect myself in there.

Whilst I was rambling on to myself in my head I heard the loading of a gun right behind me making my whole body stiffen.

“Well well, what do we have here.”

I gulped. Maybe I should have listened to Callum.

____________________________________

West’s Pov.

Great just what I needed after trying to sort out this deal I have made with Hope and tracking down the guys who owed us money for a long time. Numerous men stood right in front of me from the Head Hunters gang.

A gang whose leader is still unknown. Some of my men were behind me whilst Jace and Callum were by my side.

“I thought I told you last time Michael not to bump into me again or they will be consequences.” I barked at him losing any patience I had.

“We gave you the money back Shaw, we are here for a totally different reason. Bosses orders”

I balled my fists up ready to give them everything I have, no one ambushes me in my own home. Not whilst I am alive. Just as I was about to pull my gun from my pocket, the one I use for every life I take, the doors burst open banging hard against the walls.

A man came in holding Hope tight against his front with a gun pointed at her head.

I have never cared about another woman since a certain bitch broke me a few years ago but when I saw the look in her eyes I felt sick, my heart was beating so fast seeing her in this position.

“I will tell you once and once only, tell this idiot to let go of the girl right now” my eyes didn’t leave hers as she just stood still looking straight at us.

“West I can’t believe you were hiding such beauty away from us, weren’t you going to share.” I heard my brother pipe up with so much anger coming from his voice.

“Get the fuck off of her or I will make sure you can never use your legs again” he tried to step towards her but I put my arm out holding him back.

“Oh I see, she’s important to you which means you would do anything to protect her,” He said amusingly before walking up to her and caressing her cheek. His finger trailed along her lips making my anger rise up, clenching my fists together.

Hope then bit his finger making him yell in pain. I smirked seeing him yell whilst holding onto his hand, but then the man holding her gripped hold of her neck making it hard for her to breathe.

Shit, what am I supposed to do, if I make one wrong move he could blow her head off right here.

When I was about to propose an idea and try to beg them to let go of her, Michael turned to me with a pained face.

“I will make a deal with you, a race tomorrow night.” He stepped forward looking round.

“Jace against one of my best guys, if you win we leave you be and we stay out of your territory.”

Jace mumbled something in Spanish sounding scared and angry at what was happening to Hope right in front of our eyes and we couldn’t do anything about it.

“But if we win, we get the girl.”

“No fucking way.”

“Hell no.”

“Over my dead body.”

“usted no está teniendo su” (you aren’t having her)

He had the nerve to just laugh but then he smirked and grabbed hold of Hope putting a knife to her throat.

“I will give you one more chance to answer wisely, if not I will slit her throat right in front of you.”

Her eyes looked terrified but she didn’t want them to know, she didn’t want to show them any fear.

Brave girl.

“FINE!” I glanced behind me and nodded towards Jace.

Looking back at Michael and the rest of his men.

“Jace will race one of your men at 7 pm at the usual place, now give me the girl and get the hell out of my home.” Michael pushed Hope forward and she fell against my body and I immediately wrapped my arms around her shielding her from their perverted eyes.

“I’m looking forward to it, come on guys we are done for now.”

When all of the men finally left my house I could feel Hope starting to shake and wetness soaked through my shirt damping my chest. In one swift motion, I scooped her small body up and held her tightly against me.

“Get everything ready for tomorrow whilst I take her to her room.”

As I found a room for her to stay in I gently laid her on the bed seeing her puffy red eyes.

No matter what happens I can’t let them have her, no matter what.

I brushed some of her hair away from her face and looked into her blue eyes. I’ve never had a proper look at her cause she just pissed me off most of the time but she’s absolutely beautiful. She doesn’t need all of that crap on her face to make her glow. Her lips looked so kissable now but I refused to, especially with her feeling so vulnerable.

“I promise you I will not let anyone hurt you, baby girl,” I stood up to leave and prepare for tomorrow when I felt a hand grip around my arm. Looking down towards her she looked so scared.

“Please, can you stay with me, until I fall asleep at least.” Without giving it a second thought I slid under the covers next to her, wrapping my arm around her waist bringing her closer to my body.

“Goodnight Hope.”

“Goodnight Shaw.”

God, what is this girl doing to me?