My private-security boyfriend disappeared for seven days and nights protecting a superstar at an internationally love hotel in Malibu.
On the eighth day, he stumbled back covered in love bites, eyes bloodshot, kneeling with his service weapon to his temple.
Kate, they spiked my drink. I broke our promises. I deserve to die!
He pulled the trigger without flinching. The bullet tore through his ear, leaving permanent hearing damage.
Seeing the raw despair in his eyes, the self-hatred consuming him, my heart broke. I forgave him.
Nine months later, our wedding proceeded without a hitch.
Then the celebrity was exposed heavily pregnant. A depressive spiral sent her to the rooftop of a nineteen-story building, threatening to jump.
Once again, Shane knelt before me, gun pressed to his temple.
Kate, just this one last time. Let me save her.
I swear, this ends it. Clean break.
Ten years together. He thought I'd cave again.
My voice was eerily calm.
Her or me?
Choose her, and we're through. For good.
Kate, I know this is my fault, but I'm responsible for Luna Rossi's unborn child.
I can't abandon her now Shane remained kneeling, his sharp gaze intense, though concern for Luna tinted his eyes crimson.
I stood frozen, my heart having already turned to ice.
Kate, you wouldn't actually make Shane shoot himself, would you?
He almost died saving you back in the day! He's been loyal all these yearsisn't that enough?
Luna's so gentle, never makes demands. Why can't you be more like her?
Shane's teammates muttered their judgments from the sidelines.
My ears buzzed. All I could process was like her.
A hard lump formed in my throat. My heart contorted painfully.
I looked down at Shane, remembering that night ten years ago when my parents were killed.
Shane, fresh off his first major operation, held me tight, repeating,
Kate, don't be scared!
I'll protect you with my life!
That night, flames had seared his left shoulder permanently. He never once complained.
Now, I saw those flames again.
But the man who vowed to always shield me was gone.
Kate, let me go!
I'll trade you thisfor your understanding.
He produced a red string bracelet intertwined with golden symbols.
Tears finally fell, hot and fast.
Shane you'd trade this for Luna Rossi?
I snatched the bracelet with trembling fingers, then wrested the gun from his grip.
Pressed it hard against his temple.
Are you absolutely sure?
Three years ago, Shane nearly died on an overseas mission.
I crawled up the steps of St. Patrick's Cathedral on bleeding knees, praying at every one.
I sanctified this protection bracelet with my own blood.
The day I tied it around his wrist, I'd said lightly,
If you ever truly screw up, trade this for one forgiveness.
I never dreamed he'd use it for Luna.
My heart clenched like a fist. Every fiber of my being screamed.
Suddenly, his teammate shouted,
Boss! Luna's hemorrhaging badly!
Shane shot to his feet, impatience flashing across his face.
Kate, it's just a damn bracelet! Do you have to be so difficult?
Fine. Have it your way!
A bitter smirk twisted his lips. He grabbed the gun from me, aimed at his own arm, and fired.
BANG!
The bullet tore through his right bicep. Blood streamed down his wrist, staining the white calla lilies at our wedding altar.
Bullet's out. Happy now, Kate?
Good. Wait for me. We'll finish the ceremony when I get back.
Cold detachment in his eyes, he tossed the gun aside and strode out.
The lily-filled hall emptied. I stood completely alone.
I pulled out my phone and made a call.

Dr. Evans, it's Kate. Please schedule the procedure for me, please.
I ended the call. Stood completely still for a long moment. Then my legs gave way.