Week 378 – Without looking back she stopped and said, “Tony, please take care of the trash.”

She did it.

Natasha had fired her weapon and she’d actually managed to hit her brother right in the middle of his forehead.

It seemed Brandon was as shocked about that as he was, because the man’s eyes had widened and his mouth formed an O as he dropped to the floor. Dead. The expression on his face would be the last one he ever made.

Pride flushed through him. Natasha was a true warrior, she was a survivor, she was going to find her way through the darkness her brother had plunged her into and come out the other side stronger than before.

“You did it, honey,” he said gently, pushing to his feet and taking a cautious step towards her.

Her gaze was locked on her brother’s body and the growing puddle of blood around him. At his words her eyes did a slow blink and then her gaze lifted to meet his. A small smile curled up her lips and her arms dropped, letting go of the weapon which clattered to the floor.

Turning back towards the kitchen, Natasha started walking. Without looking back she stopped and said, “Tony, please take care of the trash.”

“Happy to, sweetheart,” he told her as followed her, grabbing her shoulders and turning her to face him. “You’re amazing. Don’t ever doubt that. You are stronger than him. You won. You not him.”

“Because of you. You helped me find my strength.”

“No. It was you. All you. You’re a survivor and the strongest person I’ve ever met.” Leaning in he brushed his lips against hers then nudged her towards the kitchen. “Call for help, honey. Garret needs and ambulance and I need to let my boss know its over, that Brandon is gone.”

It was over.

Finally.

And now Tony wanted to look to the future, building a life with the beautiful woman who had captured his heart and now held it in her hands.