FIFTY-THREE

OLIVER

I did not see it coming. I was so focused on her—my enchantress and did not see the bastard no paid attention to it. I only realized what happened when Ellen’s legs wobbled, and I caught her immediately while she hugged me tightly. Tears pooled up in her eyes as she stared at me.

I gently removed my hand from her side and my palm was stained with blood.

“I am sorry,” she muttered.

I was confused. I looked at the receding motorcycle and could not make out who it was or the plate number. I quickly lifted Ellen in my arms and almost ran back to the parking lot. I spoke to Dante and the others through my device. My voice was unsteady, and I could barely make out words.

I charged my driver to take me to any nearby hospital. Ellen was losing a lot of blood and she was growing pale every minute. I contacted men to follow that rider up immediately, even though I doubt they will catch up with him. This was the second time Ellen was attacked— no, she took this