I find Ethan holed up in one of his hidden safehouses on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by the subtle hum of encrypted laptops and men who look ready to disappear at a moment’s notice.
He knew I’d come. And from the way he leans against the table, watching me with that familiar smirk, I can tell he’s already rehearsed his excuses.
I push the door shut behind me with more force than necessary. “You’re leaving.” My voice cuts through the tension like a blade, cold and sharp.
Ethan doesn’t flinch. He never does. “I knew you’d hear something.”
“Hear something?” I take a step closer, my fists clenched. “Don’t insult me, Ethan. I’ve got people inside your organization. They told me you’re preparing to run.”
He sighs, running a hand through his dark hair, frustration shadowing his sharp features. “I’m not running.”
“Really? Because it looks a lot like running from where I’m standing.”
“It’s not what it seems.” His voice is low, deliberate, the kind of tone he uses when he wants me to doubt my own instincts. “This isn’t an escape. It’s the setup for the final move against Xavier.”
I laugh bitterly, shaking my head. “The final move? Right.” I fold my arms, refusing to give ground. “And you didn’t think to tell me? What was the plan, Ethan? Leave me twisting in the wind while you play hero from a private jet?”
He steps closer, his expression softening in that maddening way of his-like he thinks charm will get him out of this. “Alyssa, you know I wouldn’t do that to you.”
“You already have.” The words come out harsh, but I don’t care. I need to know if this is another one of his games, or if-against all odds-he’s telling the truth.
His eyes search mine, and for a moment, I see something that looks like regret. “I didn’t tell you because I needed you safe.”
“Safe?” I let out a harsh laugh. “That’s rich coming from the man who dragged me into this mess in the first place.”
Ethan exhales sharply, frustration flickering in his eyes. “I’m trying to protect you.”
“No, you’re trying to protect yourself.” I take another step toward him, until there’s barely a breath of space between us. “And you think I’m stupid enough to let you.”
He holds my gaze, the tension between us like a taut wire ready to snap. Part of me wants to believe him. Maybe he really is setting up a final strike against Xavier. Maybe, in his twisted way, he’s trying to protect me.
But the other part of me knows better. Ethan’s a survivor-always calculating, always looking out for number one. And if that means leaving me behind? He wouldn’t think twice.
“Tell me the truth, Ethan,” I whisper, my voice low but deadly. “Are you planning to leave me behind?”
For a moment, something flickers in his eyes-something almost too quick to catch. Guilt? Regret? Or just another lie waiting to take shape?
“I’m not leaving you,” he says softly, but the words feel too smooth, too rehearsed. “You have to trust me.
Walking Away… Into the Trap
I swallow hard, my instincts screaming at me to walk away-to cut him loose before he drags me down with him. But I can’t shake the feeling that, no matter what choice I make, I’ll regret it.
“This better not blow up in my face,” I mutter, turning away from him. “Because if it does, Ethan, I’ll make sure you regret it.”
I don’t wait for his response. I can’t stay in this room any longer, with his lies and half-truths choking the air.
I pull open the door and step into the dim alley outside. The night air is cool against my skin, but it does nothing to ease the storm swirling inside me.
That’s when I hear the footsteps.
The shadows shift around me, and before I can react, I feel cold steel press against the back of my neck.
“Don’t move,” a low voice growls.
I freeze, every muscle locking into place. Xavier’s men. I should have known they’d be watching-waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
“Easy,” I say, slowly raising my hands. “No need to get rough.”
A second man steps out of the shadows, his grin a flash of teeth in the dark. “Boss wants to see you.”
“Of course he does.” I grit my teeth, my mind racing. Ethan must’ve tipped them off-or maybe it was someone else in my organization. At this point, it’s impossible to tell who’s playing who.
The man behind me shoves me forward, and I stumble, biting back a curse. There’s no point in fighting. Not yet. I need to see where they’re taking me-to Xavier.
The ride to Xavier’s hideout is short and silent, tension filling the cramped car like a loaded gun.
I can feel the weight of their stares, their hands hovering too close to their weapons. They’re ready to put a bullet in me at the slightest provocation.
When we arrive, they drag me through a side entrance, down a narrow hallway that reeks of old smoke and fear. The door at the end swings open, and there he is-Xavier, waiting like a king on his throne.
His dark eyes gleam with a dangerous mix of fury and amusement. “Alyssa,” he says smoothly, his voice like silk over a blade. “How kind of you to join us.”
I force a tight smile. “Wish I could say the pleasure’s mine.”
He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “You’ve been busy.”
“You know me,” I say, keeping my tone light despite the pounding in my chest. “Always stirring the pot.”
Xavier’s smile sharpens, and I feel the noose tightening around me. He knows.
“Let’s cut the bullshit,” he says, his voice dropping into a dangerous whisper. “You’ve been playing both sides. And now you’re going to prove where your loyalty lies.”
I meet his gaze, forcing myself to stay calm. “What do you want, Xavier?”
His smile widens, but there’s no warmth in it. “It’s simple, Alyssa. Bring me Ethan.” His eyes gleam with dark promise. “Or I’ll make sure you regret ever crossing me.”
The room feels too small, the air too thick. I’m trapped between Ethan’s lies, Xavier’s threats, and the FBI’s deal. No matter which way I turn, the walls are closing in fast.
Xavier leans back, his smile never faltering. “Tick-tock, Alyssa. Time’s running out.”
And as I stand there, weighing my impossible choices, I realize that the clock isn’t just ticking for me-it’s about to run out for everyone.