Alyssa’s POV
“Tick-tock, Alyssa,” Ethan said, the tension in his voice razor-sharp. He loomed closer, his eyes drilling into mine like he could see every crack forming in my defenses. “You’re out of time, and I’m out of patience.”
I forced myself to stay calm, even though my mind was screaming. Every escape route I considered ended in disaster, but stalling was my only option now. If I made one wrong move, I wouldn’t just lose control-I’d lose everything.
“I need more information,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “If you expect me to work with you, I have to know your plan. What happens to Xavier? To the third player?”
Ethan’s jaw tightened, his frustration barely contained. “Nice try, but you’re not getting details until you commit. This isn’t a negotiation, Alyssa. It’s a lifeline, and it’s slipping fast.”
A knock on the door startled us both. Ethan’s hand instinctively moved to the gun tucked beneath his jacket.
“Who is it?” he barked, his eyes never leaving me.
“It’s Isabella,” came her muffled voice from the other side.
Ethan didn’t relax, but he gestured for me to open the door. My legs felt like lead as I crossed the room, every step measured. When I finally opened it, Isabella slipped inside, her face pale and tight with tension.
“We have a problem,” she said, her eyes darting to Ethan.
“Not now,” Ethan growled.
“Yes, now,” she shot back, her voice edged with urgency. “Xavier’s men are circling the area. They’re looking for you, Ethan. And Alyssa.”
The air in the room turned electric. Ethan straightened, his hand still hovering near his weapon.
“Why didn’t you lead with that?” he demanded.
“Because I needed you to know what I’ve found first,” Isabella snapped. She turned to me, her eyes narrowing. “Alyssa, we don’t have much time. I’ve uncovered something about Ethan’s operation-something that could give us an edge.”
I blinked, caught off guard. “What are you talking about?”
“His offshore accounts,” she said quickly. “I traced them. There’s a flaw in the encryption. If we exploit it, we can drain his funds and dismantle his empire from the inside.”
“What the hell are you doing, Isabella?” Ethan growled, stepping toward her. “Are you trying to turn her against me?”
Isabella didn’t flinch. “I’m trying to save her life-and mine. If you weren’t so blinded by your ego, you’d see that we’re all targets right now. Xavier’s not going to stop until we’re all dead.”
Ethan’s eyes flicked between us, his suspicion deepening. “You think I’m going to stand here and let you plot behind my back? You’re both playing a dangerous game.”
“I’m not playing anything,” I said, cutting in. “I’m trying to survive, just like you. And if what Isabella’s saying is true, maybe we should be working together instead of tearing each other apart.”
Ethan let out a bitter laugh. “You really think draining my accounts is going to stop Xavier? He’ll just find another way to come after us. You don’t understand how this world works, Alyssa.”
“Then enlighten me,” I snapped. “Because from where I’m standing, your way isn’t exactly foolproof either.”
The tension between us crackled like a live wire. Isabella stepped between us, her voice sharp.
“Enough,” she said. “We don’t have time for this. Xavier’s men are closing in, and if we don’t act now, none of this will matter.”
Ethan’s phone buzzed, and he pulled it from his pocket, his expression darkening as he read the message. “Damn it,” he muttered.
“What is it?” I asked, my stomach twisting.
“The FBI,” he said, his voice tight. “They’re making their move.”
Panic shot through me like a lightning bolt. “What? Now?”
“Yes, now,” Ethan snapped, shoving his phone back into his pocket. “They’re targeting Xavier, but they won’t care who else gets caught in the crossfire. We need to move.”
“Move where?” Isabella asked, her voice rising.
“Anywhere but here,” he said. He turned to me, his expression hard. “You’re coming with me.”
“No,” I said, stepping back. “I’m not going anywhere with you, Ethan. Not until I know I can trust you.”
“You don’t have a choice,” he said, his tone final.
“I always have a choice,” I shot back.
Before he could respond, the sound of tires screeching outside made us all freeze. A second later, the distant crackle of gunfire shattered the silence.
“They’re here,” Isabella whispered, her face pale.
Ethan pulled his gun, his movements quick and practiced. “Stay behind me,” he ordered, his voice sharp.
But I wasn’t about to let him call all the shots. I grabbed Isabella’s arm, pulling her toward the back of the room.
“There’s a fire escape,” I said, my voice low. “We can get out that way.”
Ethan glanced over his shoulder, his jaw tightening. “And walk right into their sights? Brilliant plan, Alyssa.”
“Do you have a better one?” I shot back.
Another burst of gunfire made the windows rattle, and Ethan swore under his breath.
“We don’t have time to argue,” Isabella said, her voice trembling. “We need to move. Now.”
Ethan hesitated, his eyes scanning the room like he was calculating every possible outcome. Finally, he nodded. “Fine. But if either of you tries to double-cross me, I won’t hesitate to end this.”
His words sent a shiver down my spine, but I didn’t respond. We didn’t have time for threats or second-guessing.
The three of us moved quickly, our footsteps muffled against the carpet. The fire escape was narrow and rusted, but it was our only option.
As we climbed down, the chaos outside grew louder. I could see the flashing lights of FBI vehicles and the dark silhouettes of agents moving in formation.
“We’re sitting ducks out here,” Ethan muttered, his eyes scanning the alley.
“Then let’s keep moving,” I said, my voice tight.
But before we could take another step, a group of armed men emerged from the shadows, their weapons trained on us.
“Don’t move,” one of them barked, his voice cold and commanding.
My heart dropped, and I instinctively raised my hands, my mind racing for a way out.
Ethan didn’t hesitate. In one swift motion, he raised his gun and fired, taking down the closest man.
“Run!” he shouted, shoving me forward.
Isabella and I didn’t need to be told twice. We sprinted down the alley, the sound of gunfire ringing in our ears.
My legs burned, and my lungs screamed for air, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t stop.
When we finally rounded a corner, I risked a glance over my shoulder. Ethan was still behind us, his gun raised, his face set in grim determination.
But the agents were closing in, their shouts growing louder.
“We’re not going to make it,” Isabella said, her voice trembling.
“Yes, we are,” I said, though I wasn’t sure I believed it.
Just as we reached the end of the alley, a black SUV screeched to a halt in front of us. The door flew open, and a familiar voice shouted, “Get in!”
Without thinking, I grabbed Isabella’s arm and dove into the vehicle. Ethan followed a second later, slamming the door shut behind him.
“Drive!” he barked, and the SUV peeled away, leaving the chaos behind us.
I slumped against the seat, my heart pounding in my chest.
“What the hell just happened?” I demanded, my voice shaking.
Ethan didn’t answer. He just stared out the window, his jaw tight, his eyes cold.
And for the first time, I realized just how deep I was in.
As the SUV sped away, my phone buzzed in my pocket. When I pulled it out, my blood ran cold.
You can run, but you can’t hide, Alyssa. We’ll find you.
The message was unsigned, but I didn’t need a name to know who it was from.