I smirked, but there was no humor in it. "Yeah, I have." My voice was like steel, firm and unyielding. "But I don't kill kids. And I don't pull this kind of reckless shit that puts everything I've built at risk."
Victor's lip curled, and he sneered, "She's not going to stop, Dominic. You think she's going to let you off the hook just because you saved her precious son? She's coming for all of us, including you."
"Good," I said, my voice icy. "Let her come for me. But if she does, it'll be because of you. This mess? It's on your head, you fucking idiot."
Victor stumbled toward the exit, leaving a trail of blood behind him. "You're going to regret this, Dominic," he spat over his shoulder. "That bitch will burn us all. You'll see."
"Victor." He stopped in the doorway, turning to glare at me."Let me make this clear, you slimy piece of shit," I growled. "If you ever go near Detective Lexi or her kid again, I'll put a fucking bullet between your eyes myself. And don't think I'm bluffing—I'll enjoy doing it."
Victor smirked, but I caught the flicker of fear in his eyes. "Big words, Dominic. Let's see if you can back them up."
"Try me," I snapped, my hand twitching toward the gun holstered at my side.Victor limped out into the night, leaving me standing alone in the dim warehouse.
I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair. That bastard was going to be the death of me. Lexi was relentless, and Victor was reckless.
Together, they were a fucking powder keg waiting to blow.But one thing was certain: if Victor ever pulled a stunt like this again, he wouldn't live to regret it.
Lexi's POV
The moment I stepped into the house, the air was thick with chaos. My mom was pacing back and forth, her hands clutching a tissue that looked like it had been through a war.
Ava, standing by the couch in her signature ripped jeans and crop top, looked like a mix of worry and exasperation.
Before I could say a word, my mom rushed to the door, scooping Max up in her arms like she hadn't seen him in years.
"Oh, my baby!" she cried, her voice cracking. "Grandma's so sorry, Maxie. I couldn't protect you, my sweet boy. Oh, I'm so, so sorry!"Max, his little face still pale from the ordeal, buried himself in her embrace.
He didn't say a word, but the way he clung to her broke me all over again."Lexi," Ava's voice snapped me out of my daze.
She was already moving toward me, her eyebrows furrowed. "Jesus, girl, you look like you've been dragged through hell.
What the fuck happened out there?"I opened my mouth to answer, but my voice caught in my throat. "I—I almost lost him, Ava," I choked out, my hands trembling.
"But you didn't," she said firmly, gripping my shoulders. "Look at me, Lexi. You didn't fucking lose him. He's here. He's fine. You did what you had to do, okay?"
I shook my head, tears welling up. "If it wasn't for Dominic Conti…" My voice wavered as the weight of the night pressed down on me. "He saved Max. He showed up and saved my son when I couldn't."
Ava's eyes widened slightly, but her grip on me tightened. "Dominic fucking Conti? The mafia guy?"
I nodded, the tears spilling over. "If he hadn't been there, Ava…"
"Stop," she said sharply, cutting me off. "No fucking 'what ifs.' Max is alive, Lex. He's alive, and that's because you're a badass mom who didn't give up. Dominic or no Dominic, you kept your shit together and did what you had to do."
I shook my head again, my body trembling. "It doesn't feel like it. I feel like I failed him."
Ava let out a frustrated groan and pulled me into a tight hug. "You're so goddamn hard on yourself. Listen to me: you're not perfect, Lexi. None of us are. But you love that kid more than life itself, and you're here. He's here. That's all that fucking matters right now."
My mom pulled away from Max just enough to kiss the top of his head. "Grandma's going to give you a nice warm bath, fix you some dinner, and tuck you into bed, okay, sweetheart?"Max nodded silently, still clinging to her like she was his lifeline.
She looked at me, her eyes full of worry. "And you, sweetheart, you need to rest. You've been through so much tonight."
I gave her a weak nod. "Thanks, Mom."As she led Max toward the bathroom, Ava turned back to me, her hands on her hips. "And you," she said, pointing at me, "need to get your ass in the shower before you collapse. You look like you've been rolling around in a goddamn dumpster."
I let out a shaky laugh despite myself. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Ava."
"I'm serious, Lexi," she said, her tone softening. "You've got dirt, sweat, and who-knows-what-else all over you. Let's get you cleaned up before you catch something."
I hesitated, the weight of the night still pressing down on me. "I don't know, Ava. I don't think I can—"
"Bullshit," she interrupted, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward the hallway. "You're stronger than this, Lex. You've always been a fucking warrior. Now let's go, before I drag your ass in there myself."
"Ava—"
"Nope," she cut me off again, spinning around to face me. "Listen to me, bestie. You're not going to fall apart. Not tonight. Not when your kid needs you to be strong. And not when you've got me here to kick your ass if you even think about it."
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I felt a tear slip down my cheek. "Thanks, Ava," I whispered.She smiled, her usual cocky smirk softening into something genuine. "Anytime, bitch. Now get in there and wash off the crazy. I'll be right here if you need me."
I managed a small smile as I stepped into my room. Ava might be a foul-mouthed party girl, but she was my rock. And tonight, I needed her more than ever.
To Be Continued...