What is going on?

Why do men always assume women are fragile? Bella wondered as she rolled her eyes. She went along with Lucas’s relentless training, though, because apparently, he was determined to turn her into a one-woman army. Every morning, they ran two miles, followed by shooting practice three times a week. Kickboxing? Sure, why not. Lucas was basically prepping her for WWIII.

They spent every waking moment together, practically attached to the hip. The boys were growing up fast, and her thirtieth birthday was creeping up on her. Family gatherings were reserved for board meetings and company business. No one dared to challenge her anymore, except Damon, who always watched her with that look, like he was dying to ask her something. Bella didn’t care. She was head over heels for Lucas. Life was good, happiness was back, but that nagging voice in her head whispered. Too much of a good thing, never lasts.

Lucas was pacing, his face set like stone. She wanted to grab him, stop the restless movement, and kiss that serious look right off his face.

“What’s going on? Don’t leave me in the dark,” she said, crossing her arms.

“There’s a new crew. Ruthless. They’re hitting shipments, stealing, killing. We’re worried about the docks. They move fast, hit hard, and disappear. But they need someone on the inside.”

“Money buys a mole,” Bella shot back. “So, you’re going tonight?”

“I must be there, Bella. To make sure it goes smooth.”

“Can’t you send someone else? I need you too,” she said, stepping closer.

He was close the distance, kissing her hard. “I love you, but a job’s a job.” And then he was gone.

Something was off.  She grabbed the handgun he’d bought her, slapped an extra clip, tucked her knife into her pocket, and followed him to the port.

She spotted Lucas talking, or arguing, with Damon. Then she saw them: shadows moving in the dark. She cocked her pistol softly, took aim, and dropped one with a shot to the leg. Chaos erupted.

Bella sprinted toward Lucas, but at the last second, she saw him, a guy with a gun aimed at Lucas’s chest. She jumped in front of him, her bullet hitting the guy just as he fired. The shot meant for Lucas tore into her arm instead.

She hit the ground but pushed herself up, ignoring the pain. “Watch your back!” she yelled, firing as she moved toward them.

“Left!” Lucas and Damon shouted in unison.

She spun and shot the guy coming at her, feeling the warm trickle of blood down her arm. The shadows of men scattered, and Lucas finally reached her. She grabbed his belt and cinched it tight around her arm.

“Crazy woman,” Lucas growled. “What the hell were you thinking? Jumping in front of me like that!”

Damon ran up, eyes wide. “Are you out of your mind?” staring at her bleeding arm.

She felt the blood loss hit her, her legs buckling. Lucas caught her before she hit the ground.

“Drive, Damon! Faster!” Lucas yelled, holding her close as he kissed her forehead. “We’re almost there.”

They wheeled her into the ER, and Lucas was back to pacing, his hands gripping his hair like he was trying to pull it out.

“Next time, maybe just lock her up,” Damon said, trying to lighten the mood.

Lucas let out a shaky laugh. “Don’t tempt me.”

The doctor finally emerged. “We got the bullet out, but she lost a lot of blood. She needs to rest until tomorrow. You can see her now.”

Lucas bolted through the door, rushing to Bella’s side. He kissed her hand, his heart sinking at how pale she looked. The image of her jumping in front of him played on loop in his mind, her fearlessness, her sacrifice. That bullet was meant for him. Tears streamed down his face as he whispered, “I love you,” repeatedly.

Damon lingered in the doorway, watching quietly before slipping outside to call his parents.

“Don’t come and screw this up,” he warned them. He stayed outside, giving Lucas and Bella their moment.

Lucas wiped his tears as Bella’s eyes fluttered open. She smiled weakly at him.

“Hey, beautiful,” he whispered, kissing her lips. “Try to sleep.” Her eyes closed again as she drifted off.

His parents showed up unannounced.

“Why are you here? More insults?” Lucas snapped.

“Son, we’re sorry. What we did wasn’t right,” his dad said.

“Kind of late for that. You almost lost me tonight if she hadn’t jumped in front of me.”

His mom started crying, but Lucas barely noticed as the cops walked in.

“Fuck,” he muttered under his breath. “Need a story, fast.”

He told them the gun accidentally went off, grazing her arm. “I’ll be more careful next time,” he promised, his voice steady despite the chaos in his head.

He fell asleep beside her, his hand gripping hers like a lifeline. The door creaked open, startling him awake.

A nurse poked her head in. “Sorry, time for her meds.”

He glanced at Bella, noticing the color slowly returning to her face. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open.

“Morning,” his voice rough from sleep.

“Morning,” still half-asleep, until a sharp twinge of pain made her wince.

“Nurse just gave you meds,” Lucas said, reaching for a glass of water. “Want some?”

She nodded, taking careful sips.

“So,” he started, leaning back in his chair. “What possessed you to show up at the port like that?”

“A gut feeling,” she admitted. “Something felt off. I couldn’t let you go without me. I don’t know how else to explain it.”

“I’m pissed at you, just so you know,” Lucas said, crossing his arms. “But I promised I wouldn’t yell.”

“Pissed?” she pouted, looking genuinely hurt.

He leaned in, kissing her softly as Damon and Lucas’s parents walked in.

Bella reached for Lucas’s hand, squeezing it like a silent plea for backup.

“Hey, Bella,” Tom said, his tone awkwardly cheerful. “Get well soon.”

His mom moved to her side, wrapping her in a tight hug. “Thank you,” she whispered. “For saving my son.”

Doctor walked in. Okay, let me check on her and she can go home.

Everyone went out. And in less than an hour they left the hospital.

He leaned against his bike, watching as they stepped out of the hospital. Her arm was bandaged, but she still looked stunning, like she always did. Her gaze stayed locked on Lucas. He let out a quiet sigh, swung his leg over the bike, and revved the engine, speeding off into the distance without looking back.