She yanks the rolling pin from between her legs, shoves it into my chest, and hastily pulls her clothes back into place. Then she’s gone—disappearing into the night, leaving me breathless, stunned, and standing alone in the alleyway with my thoughts spinning like a carousel I can’t get off.
And for the first time, I’m not sure if I’ve just lost her… or if I ever really had her at all.
“What do you think you’re doing to her?” the guy barks, puffing out his chest like he’s about to win some kind of prize for bravery. He steps in, making just enough space for Nell to slip past him, and then he’s right in my face, playing hero for the crowd.
But I don’t have time for this.
My phone’s blowing up in my pocket. Nell’s already out of sight. And this idiot thinks he’s going to slow me down?
Not tonight.
“Move,” I snap.
He doesn’t.
So, I don’t wait.
I drop my shoulder, twist just enough to build momentum, and slam my palm into his jaw—an uppercut that cuts off whatever threat he was about to make.
He stumbles back, dazed, blinking like he’s trying to remember where he is. But I don’t give him the chance. I drive my elbow into his temple, then follow with a sharp knee to the mouth before he can hit the ground.
He crumples.
And I’m already moving, because Nell’s out there, and I’m not losing her again.
“Nell!”
She’s already halfway down the street, running like distance will save her. Reckless. So fucking reckless. Breaking every rule we set like they were just suggestions. She has no idea what we’re up against, and it’s completely infuriating.
My phone buzzes again and I answer without looking.
Talia’s voice is tight with pressure. “Cam… I got it wrong. They’re coming for her. Tonight. Secure the perimeter, we’re en route.”
No.
No, no, no.
We’re not home.
A screech of tires cuts through the night. My head snaps up just in time to see a black van skidding around the corner, taillights flaring red.
And Nell is gone.
I run. Full sprint. My lungs burn, but I don’t stop. I can’t. I reach the house, heart pounding like a war drum. No time to gear up. No time to think.
I lunge for the bike in the driveway, fire it to life, and tear off into the dark—gravel spraying behind me like shrapnel.
I don’t know what I’ll do when I catch them.
But I will catch them.
Because I’m not losing her.
Not now. Not after everything.
Every move I’ve made—every line I crossed—was to protect her. And now the thought that my protection might’ve led her straight into their hands?
It makes me sick.
