Xavier’s office feels like a pressure cooker, ready to explode. The tension is suffocating, every breath heavy with the promise of betrayal and violence. He knows everything. I can see it in his eyes, that cruel gleam of satisfaction as he watches me squirm.
“You’ve been busy, Alyssa.” Xavier’s voice is smooth, calculated, each word delivered with a razor-sharp edge.
He stands slowly, pacing with the casual grace of a predator who knows his prey has nowhere left to run. “Teaming up with Ethan. Plotting behind my back. Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”
I swallow hard, masking my panic. I don’t show weakness-not now, not ever.
“You’ve always had eyes everywhere,” I reply evenly. “I’m not surprised.”
He chuckles, a low, dangerous sound that sends a chill down my spine. “Smart girl.” He moves closer, stopping just in front of me.
His scent is expensive cologne mixed with something darker-like danger and inevitability. “But not smart enough.”
Xavier leans in, his gaze locking onto mine with unnerving intensity. “I’ve been patient, Alyssa. Watching. Waiting. I could’ve killed Ethan a hundred times over, but I let him play his little game because I was waiting for you.”
I arch a brow, keeping my expression neutral even though my pulse pounds in my throat. “Waiting for what?”
“For this.” He smiles, all teeth. “The moment you realize that you belong with me.”
I can’t help but laugh-a short, bitter sound. “And what makes you think I’d ever choose you over Ethan?”
“Because I can give you what Ethan never will.” He steps closer, close enough that I can feel the heat radiating from him. “Power. Real power. And protection. No more running, no more looking over your shoulder. If you betray Ethan and come to me, everything you want will be yours.”
The words hang in the air, heavy and dangerous.
I should say no. But Xavier’s offer is more tempting than I want to admit. He’s offering me something Ethan never could-security. The promise of control. A seat at the table instead of constantly being someone else’s pawn.
I narrow my eyes, stalling for time. “What’s the catch?”
Xavier’s smile sharpens. “No catch. Just loyalty. Show me you’re with me, Alyssa. Bring me Ethan-or, if you prefer, I’ll let you watch while I tear him apart.”
I feel the walls closing in. If I betray Ethan, I walk away with my life-and the power Xavier is dangling in front of me. But if I side with Ethan… Xavier will make sure I pay for it.
I clench my fists at my sides, my mind racing. Can I really trust Ethan? After everything he’s done? And if I say no to Xavier, will I even make it out of here alive?
“What’s it going to be, Alyssa?” Xavier’s voice is soft, but the threat beneath it is clear. “Tick-tock.”
My heart slams against my ribcage as I force myself to meet his gaze. This is it-the moment everything hinges on. One word from me could change the game entirely. Or end it.
I open my mouth, ready to make my decision-
And that’s when the door explodes inward.
The room fills with chaos as Ethan storms in, gun drawn, his eyes blazing with fury. Behind him, two of his men fan out, weapons at the ready.
“Get away from her, Xavier.” Ethan’s voice is ice-cold, a deadly calm that sends shivers down my spine.
Xavier doesn’t even flinch. If anything, his smile widens, as if he’s been waiting for this exact moment. “Ah, Ethan. Right on time.”
“You should’ve killed me when you had the chance.” Ethan levels the gun at Xavier’s chest. “But now? It’s too late.”
“Is it?” Xavier’s voice is silk-smooth, completely unbothered by the weapon pointed at him. “Or is this just another one of your desperate attempts to stay relevant?”
The tension is electric, every second stretched thin with the threat of violence.
I stand between them, caught in the crossfire.
“Stop!” I shout, raising my hands. “Both of you, stop!”
Neither man listens. Their hatred for each other is too deep, too consuming.
Ethan pulls the trigger-just as Xavier lunges. The bullet grazes Xavier’s shoulder, and in the next second, they’re locked in a brutal fight, fists flying, the room erupting into chaos.
I stumble back, heart pounding as the two men tear into each other like wild animals. Ethan’s rage is raw, relentless, but Xavier is faster, more controlled-and far more dangerous.
“You always were a coward,” Xavier snarls, driving his fist into Ethan’s ribs. “Hiding behind lies and stolen power.”
Ethan grunts in pain but doesn’t back down. “And you’re nothing but a glorified thug with delusions of grandeur.”
They crash into the desk, sending papers flying, and I know I have to do something-fast.
My eyes dart to the gun lying on the floor, just a few feet away. If I grab it, I can end this right now.
But who do I shoot?
Ethan, the man who’s lied to me at every turn but claims he still cares? Or Xavier, the monster offering me power in exchange for my soul?
There’s no good choice. Only survival.
Before I can decide, the sound of distant sirens pierces the night. They’re getting closer-too close.
Ethan and Xavier freeze, both of them breathing hard, covered in blood and rage.
“Time’s up, Alyssa,” Xavier says, his voice low and dangerous. “Make your choice. Now.”
Ethan’s eyes lock onto mine. There’s no more charm, no more lies-only raw desperation. “Alyssa,” he whispers. “Don’t do this.”
And in that split second, everything comes crashing down.