Love Is a Liability
Jason’s POV
“What?” I exclaimed. “No, it can’t be. The Marinos can’t know the location of our private hospital.”
“I don’t know how it happened,” Lucas replied, his voice tense. “Maybe it’s the same way they got into the mansion. But Jason, they’re here, and we need to act fast. You know very well they’re here for you.”
I exhaled heavily, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. “Give me a gun,” I demanded, but Lucas shook his head.
“If you want to go and face them, my friend, I don’t think that’s a good idea. You’re still injured,” he said.
“Do I look like I care? I’ve taken on far worse, and in worse shape, if I should remind you!” My voice thundered through the room, filled with defiance and adrenaline. Every fibre of my being was screaming for action, refusing to succumb to fear or doubt.
Lucas hesitated, his gaze shifting between me and the door, where the impending threat lurked. “Jason, this is different. They came with an army. Do you want to serve yourself up on a platter?” Lucas’s voice echoed through the room, laced with urgency and fear.
“Lucas, give me a fucking gun. It’s an order,” I demanded, my voice cracking with frustration and desperation.
“I’m sorry, my friend, I can’t do that,” Lucas said, his tone unwavering, but his eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. I knew I wasn’t going to win this battle.
With a heavy exhale, I asked, “Do you have a plan to get us out of this?” My heart raced as I awaited his response, hoping for a glimmer of hope amidst the impending chaos.
“Finally, it’s not every time you go gun blazing. Sometimes you can use your brain,” Lucas remarked, his tone measured as he walked over to a spot in the room. With deliberate movements, he removed the rug, revealing a hidden compartment beneath.
“I never knew that was there,” I admitted, marvelling at Lucas’s foresight, and he smirked in response.
“Sometimes it’s good to be tactical,” he remarked, his tone carrying a hint of satisfaction.
“So are you trying to say that I don’t think?” I retorted, pulling on my shirt as I spoke.
“Yes, sometimes,” Lucas admitted bluntly, and I couldn’t help but frown at his candidness.
“I won’t sugarcoat the truth. Come on, let’s go. This will lead us to the underground parking lot,” Lucas declared, taking the lead as we ventured through the underground tunnel.
As Lucas had said, the tunnel led us to an underground parking lot. With practised ease, Lucas unlocked a sleek black SUV, and within moments, we were speeding away from the hospital, evading the Marinos undetected.
The car ride was silent, the only sound was the low hum of the engine and the occasional squeak of the car's leather against my cloth fabric. Despite the adrenaline still coursing through my veins, the pain in my body was unbearable.
“We need to find this mole,” I said, breaking the silence. “They’ve bitten off more than they can chew. How did the Marinos find my private hospital? They’re responsible for the shooting at the mansion. They just came to finish the job.”
“You’re right, but first, we need to get you home,” Lucas interjected, his voice filled with concern, and I nodded in agreement.
“Emily must be worried, and I want to see my little Aurora,” I added, a hint of longing in my voice. Lucas glanced at me, a smile playing on his lips.
“I like this look on you. Even though you’re busted up, I like seeing you like this, different... something you haven’t been ever since Amara died. And it’s all thanks to your feelings for Emily,” Lucas remarked warmly.
“You’re right. I will not deny it any longer. I have feelings for Emily—feelings that became clear with that kiss we shared. But the question is, isn’t our relationship already complicated enough? Wouldn’t these feelings just complicate it further?” I let out, the weight of uncertainty heavy in my words.
Lucas scoffed, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Complicated? Jason, your life has always been a whirlwind of complications, so nothing will change. Just give in to your feelings, my friend.
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, the image of Emily’s face flashing through my mind, a mix of concern and affection. “What if she doesn’t feel the same?” I admitted softly.
“You took a fucking bullet for her, so you won’t know if you don’t ask her,” Lucas retorted bluntly, his words cutting through the air with a mix of frustration and conviction.
His words hit me like a punch to the gut, a stark reminder of the risks I had already taken for Emily. I knew he was right. The only way to find out where my feelings truly lie was to confront them head-on.
As we pulled into the driveway, I grimaced in pain, the ache in my body intensifying with each movement. With a heavy groan, I struggled to get out of the car, my muscles protesting every step of the way.
“My love, you’re back?” Helena exclaimed, rushing towards me as I entered the house.
“As you can see, Helena,” I replied curtly, gently pushing past her to make my way into the house, with Lucas trailing behind me.
The house was already cleaned up, showing no signs of the chaos that had unfolded earlier.
“Do you want to rest a bit before we move to the safe house?” Lucas whispered, concern evident in his voice. I shook my head firmly.
“No, I want to see my daughter and talk to Emily. Then we’ll head to the safe house. Here is not safe anymore,” I asserted.
“Okay, I’ll prepare,” Lucas replied before walking away immediately to attend to his task.
As I made my way toward Aurora’s room, I heard my father’s voice.
“Jason? Why are you home? You’re not fully recovered,” he asked, concern etched in his features as he approached me.
Seeing my dad reminded me of the tumultuous situation he had put me through, so I simply looked at him with a frown on my face, the memories of past conflicts stirring within me.
“Are you deaf or dumb? Answer me, son,” he demanded, his voice sharp with impatience.
Taking in a deep breath, I steadied myself before responding.
“The Marinos attacked the hospital,” I stated firmly, the weight of the truth heavy in my words.
“How? That can’t be possible,” he exclaimed, disbelief evident in his tone.
“It happened. Lucas and I managed to escape, and I’m sure they’re responsible for the shooting that happened here on my birthday. So get ready. We’re moving to a safe house,” I declared, turning around to leave. But before I walked away, I couldn’t resist adding, “Don’t forget to tell your favourite son. Unfortunately, I have to protect him as well.''