If my chest could’ve heaved, it would’ve.
But I did not possess such strength.
She pulled in a shuddering breath. “He thought I was d-dead, but I heard her s-screams, followed by the firing of the g-gun. Then the s-silence came before I blacked out. I didn’t wake up until Clyde”—she sneered weakly—“dumped us here, in the s-swamp. But A-Ash… I can’t find her. I’ve t-tried, but…”
One sob after another wracked her body as she pressed down onto my belly harder, fighting to staunch the blood freely escaping my wounds.
Lungs crying out, my heart slowed.
I was dying once more.
“Dominic killed the only s-sister I had, and I couldn’t stop him. But I’m going to save y-you. “Her tears fell onto my chest, further wetting my skin. “Even if it’s the l-last thing I do.”
My hope, which had flourished upon seeing Little One’s beautiful face once more, leaked out of me, where it dissipated into the night air after learning of my sweet Chiquita’s death.
I’d try to save her the only way I knew how, and yet I’d lost mi chica, anyway. The torment, the ache, the agony—it would never end, not without her by our side.
Splintering, I could not bear such a truth.
“Jade…” Her eyes met mine as the world slowed, then faded. “I’m so… so s-sorry.”
Emotionally breaking, she wailed in sorrow as the sounds of approaching sirens echoed in the background.
They reminded me of James, along with words mi madre had spoken minutes earlier, before my soul had plummeted back to the place where I now laid.
I would become either his damnation or his salvation. For me, the choice was simple. Though I would never taste salvation for myself, I would fight to ensure that he did. But first, I had to refuse to slip away.
So that’s what I swore to do.
It wouldn’t be easy, but for him, I would hold on. And when I was strong enough once more, I would fight to find my way back into his arms, just as I’d promised him I always would.
“Come on,” Jade growled, tugging on my arm with more strength than she should have possessed in such a state. “I’ve gotta g-get you further out of the w-water.”
A frustrated sob, followed by a grunt escaped her as she tried—and failed—to pull me from the mud where I laid, slowly sinking…
And quickly dying.
“Little One…”
Dry lips parted, my heavy eyelids began to droop as bone-chilling numbness worked its way through my limbs, stealing what little life remained in me.
My waning pulse jumped as a deep, masculine voice, one I’d never heard before, echoed through the darkness, cutting through the sounds of Jade’s labored breaths.
“Help is coming!”
Little One’s palms found my face. “H-Help is coming,” Little One said, repeating the man’s words. “Hold on for me, C-Carmen! You do not leave m-me! Please!”
Her demand was one I didn’t meet.
As hard as I tried, I couldn’t stay.
Because just then, everything went black.
To Be Continued…
Ready for part 2 of James & Carmen’s duet?
If so, preorder Every Wound We Mend* now!
*Releasing July 16th
Also by J.E. Parker
Redeeming Love Series
Every Moment with You (Hendrix & Maddie)
Every Breath You Take (Shelby & Anthony)
Every Promise You Made (Evan & Hope)
Every Tear You Cry (Brantley & Clara)
Every Time We Touch (Kyle & Carissa)
Every Wrong You Right (Ty & Heidi)
Every Kiss You Steal (Chase & Ashley)
Every Sin We Erase (James & Carmen #1)
Every Wound We Mend* (James & Carmen #2)
*Releasing July 16th. Preorder Now.
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About the Author
J.E. Parker is an American romance author who was born and raised in the great state of North Carolina. A southern belle at heart, she’s addicted to sweet tea and peach cobbler.
Not only is J.E. married to the man of her dreams (albeit a total pain in the rear), she’s also the mother of a herd of sweet (sometimes), and angelic (only when they’re sleeping) children. Despite their occasional demonic behavior and bottomless stomachs, J.E. loves her little tribe more than words could ever express.
On the weekends, you can find her sitting on the couch, cheering on (or cursing) her favorite football team, stuffing her face with junk food, and guzzling a bottle of cheap red wine.
When she’s not busy making sure her husband doesn’t burn the house down or acting as a referee for her fighting children, J.E. enjoys reading, writing (obviously), and listening to a wide variety of music.
