Page 59 of Mayhem

“30,” I sit back on my heels waiting to go again if I have to.?

“Check her pulse.” Jay checks and shakes his head. He slices down her shoulder and nothing. No blood.?

“I’m not giving up,” Dario says, blowing two breaths into her mouth. “Come on Jade, come back to us, please, just breathe, baby,” Dario pleads. I start chest compressions again.

“Jade, I love you, please take a breath. Just breathe Babygirl, please, I beg you, just breathe.” Taking her wrist, I place a gentle kiss over Harper’s tattoo.

I hear the crunching of gravel as the sound of footsteps get closer to us. I look up and lock eyes with dark narrowed ones.

“I should have killed her when I had the chance, save us all the misery we endured, She’s a fucking coward.” The words come out with such disdain as if Jade were a nobody, dead on the ground before us.

Tears stream down my face. I can’t save her. She’s gone. I don’t know what to do, I can’t think, I just keep hearing the same song over and over in my head.

“Ruby lips above the water, blowing bubbles, soft and fine; But alas! I was no swimmer, so I lost my Clementine.”

Dario pulls Jade’s lifeless body into his arms, squeezing her tight. Whispering into her ear. “I’m so sorry, please come back, don’t leave me. I didn’t give you permission to leave Kitten. We didn’t have enough time together, please come back.” He rocks her in his hold. I put my hand on her chest, praying for a beating heart; there is nothing. I hang my head. I wanted so much more for us, a life filled with kids and happiness. Not this. I feel defeated, lost, my heart hurts so fucking bad. We failed her. Just like we failed Amelia. Another woman we couldn’t save, just like our own mothers. I growl.?

Looking at Jameson, I don’t think. I grab his knife and stab him in the chest, letting his blood pour over my fingers. His eyes widen, tears drip down his cheek, and I smirk.?

“This is your fault. You broke my heart and now I’ll take yours. If she’s dead, then so are you.”?