#Chapter 125: A Moving Target

Aria Darren collided with me, knocking me to the floor before I could even comprehend the sound of the gunshot or the screams. The impact knocked the breath from my lungs, but I barely registered it. All I could focus on now was the sting on my cheek, the warmth of the fresh blood that was now trickling down my skin. Had I been hit? My fingers fluttered across the stinging sensation on my cheek, my eyes widening as they came away red. Then, I turned my head to see the crack in the wall, the silver bullet embedded in the ornate wallpaper. “Aria,” Darren whispered, pulling me close and kissing my cheek so that his lips became stained with my blood. “I’m so sorry. This is all my fault…” I shook my head, my hands reaching up to grip his wrists. “I’m okay,” I managed. “It’s just a scratch.” But Darren didn’t seem to hear me. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me upright and into his lap as if he could shield me from the world. I could feel his hea