CHAPTER 6: Her Safety

RUBY

"Oh, dear Lord!" I exclaimed as I heard the gunshots, I was beyond scared. Did some Mafia end up coming to the wedding venue? What about my friends and family?

"What the hell are you doing there?!" a voice yelled behind me, turning around I found the handsome guy from before, Vexon, approaching me. Stopping before me, he grabbed hold of my hand.

"What are you doing?" I asked frantically, trying to release myself from his grip, but the result was a glare.

He asked incredulously, "Didn't you hear the gunshots?"

"You mean those really were gunshots?" I questioned but before he could reply, I heard another bang and let out a fear-filled scream.

"What are y—" he paused as he put his hand over my mouth, preventing me from screaming any further. "Shh. They might notice us."

As we heard footsteps nearby, Vexon pulled me behind a pillar. It was so big that if you hid behind it, no one would be able to spot you. That's what I loved about this venue. There were plenty of hidey-holes.

As soon as we heard the footsteps drifting away, he started to speak again, not removing his hand from my mouth, "We have to get out of here." I stared at him as I couldn't talk. All I could think of was my sister and mother — and also the others stuck in the venue. "Let's go," he mumbled, as he grabbed my hand after releasing my mouth.

"Where are we going?" I questioned, while walking — running away.

"I don't know. We have to hide somewhere," he replied casually as if people attacking him were nothing new.

"Where are others?" I finally asked about what was bothering me as my tension increased. "Where are mom and Pearly? Pearly just got married. What—"

"They all are hiding here and there."

"We have to find and rescue them. Why are they hiding here and there?"

He stopped for a moment and narrowed his eyes at me before he started walking again as I kept trailing behind him. "Because no one wants to get shot," he answered and I shook my head.

"I mean, why are they hiding here and there when I know a place that can fit everyone?" I mumbled making him stop dead in his tracks. "I picked this venue because of the secret rooms here. Just in case, something happened or there was an emergency, so we could hide in the secret room. After all, I didn’t want to take any risks on Pearl’s special day," I explained, with a shrug like it was no big deal that I was this cautious.

He looked at me for a long time before he said sarcastically, "Wow! You should have told me this after a few people were lying dead on the floor and there was blood everywhere instead of flower petals."

I rolled my eyes. "I didn't know I would need to use the room. It was just a precaution. But it looks like I have to use it now. Besides, I was busy smelling my triple cheeseburger," I spoke up, with my nose in the air.

Bang!

He grabbed my waist and pulled us down to the floor. I was taken aback at the impulsive action, so I kept my eyes closed. When I opened them, I saw him looking at me with pure concern.

"We have to find the others and move them to the secret room. I have to go check on my mom and Pearly too. I am scared, Vexon," I whispered.

Vexon started checking my back, to see if I got shot or something, but I swear, I saw him wince. Then he said, "I know, don't worry. I am here and I will save all of them. I promise."

We were very close, our lips mere inches apart. When I realized how close we were, I got up faster than I ever had, somehow managing in my gown.

He got up as well, fixing his tux and clearing his throat before speaking.

"Everyone is scattered here and there, trying to find a place to hide. You tell me the location of the safe room and go straight there. I'll tell my guards and they will bring everyone else to the safe room too. Now, shoo!"

He used his left hand, indicating me to go away. "Am I a dog? You’re seriously telling me to shoo?" I asked, staring in bewilderment at his audacity.

He just glared at me. "Don’t argue with me, just go."

I didn't want to sit in the safe room alone, plus the guards would take a lot of time. An idea popped in my mind.

"Or—"

"Nope. No chance. Forget that idea of yours," he cut me off, making me furrow my brows in confusion. "I know you want to help guide people to the safe room. But, there’s no chance of that," he spoke up, giving me a pointed look.

My eyes grew wider than before. How did he even know?

"Now, go!" he snapped at me.

"Pretty please?" I pleaded, batting my eyelashes, and hoping he would agree.

He let out a deep breath before speaking, "If this was any other day, I would have considered. But not in this situation. People are shooting everywhere and we are under attack, your safety is my first priority."

I stomped my foot in anger before I turned and headed towards the safe room.

Stubborn guy! He doesn't understand. What if I get killed on my way to the safe room? That would be his fault. If I die today, I'll haunt him forever!

"Wait!" As soon as I heard Vexon's voice, I turned towards him. Maybe he’s changed his mind and— "Message me or call me when you reach the safe room. And uh... Take care," he mumbled before walking away, leaving me dumbstruck.

I exhaled a deep breath and started walking while crossing the dressing room, I realized that I never gave him the directions to the safe room. Also, I didn't even have his number.

Hats off, Ruby!

I stopped with a smile, this meant I didn’t need to go to the safe room, and no-one would know the better. I had to save my family first anyway. I reached the hall. I thought there would be hitmen or something, but the entire hall was empty and dead silent.

Weird. Where are all the guests and the attackers?