Chapter 29
The Ally's Gift
Pov: Sloane
The threat of the ex parte order hung over me, a dark cloud promising disaster at any moment. I returned to my office, the fear of Daisy making it impossible to focus on anything else. I cannot let him win this way; I have to fight fire with a bigger fire, I resolved, pacing the carpet with restless energy.
Adrian had escalated the fight beyond law and reason, and I needed an equally devastating countermove.
Suddenly, Evelyn, who had always been a quiet supporter, appeared at my door. She looked nervous but determined, clutching a thin, nondescript flash drive in her hand.
Evelyn would never come here unless it was important, maybe even dangerous for her, I instantly recognized, motioning for her to close the door quickly.
She walked straight to my desk and placed the small drive on the surface.
"This is everything," she whispered, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and relief.
"Adrian didn’t just lie; he was bribing city regulators for years to get his projects approved." She explained that these were the genuine files he thought he had deleted, proof of his deep corruption.
This is not just a career ender; this is a criminal offense, I realized, a powerful sense of vindication surging through me.
I thanked Evelyn, assuring her that her risk would be worth it, and watched her hurry out of the office.
I immediately called Gabriel, knowing he was the only one I could trust to handle this kind of sensitive, high-stakes information.
He arrived quickly, his face serious and ready for action. He is my rock, my fixed point in this overwhelming chaos, I admitted, handing him the flash drive without a second thought.
We worked late into the night, sitting close together at my large conference table, analyzing the corrupted files. Gabriel quickly cross-referenced the illegal payments with Adrian's major investment partners and financial institutions.
We have to use this to hit him where it hurts most: his money and his power, I stated, outlining my plan to leak the information strategically. He agreed immediately, nodding at the ruthless efficiency of my attack.
As we discussed the exact timing of the leaks, Gabriel leaned over the files, his concentration intense. His eyes, dark and focused, suddenly locked on mine across the table, holding my gaze captive in the dimly lit room.
He knows exactly what I am feeling, the urgency, the danger, and the strange thrill of the fight, I thought, struggling to maintain my composure. My skin felt hot, burning under the intensity of his quiet, direct gaze.
The heat was more than just attraction; it was a deep, undeniable connection that made me feel fully seen and utterly desired. I want him to touch me again; I want the distraction of that comfort, I admitted internally, forcing myself to look back down at the spreadsheets.
His proximity made the crisis almost bearable, wrapping me in a powerful, protective cocoon of shared purpose.
A few hours later, my assistant interrupted us to announce that Victor was on the line, demanding an immediate meeting. I took the call in my private office, already knowing the reason for his sudden interest. Victor, sensing Adrian's weakness and my momentary distraction, was trying to capitalize on the chaos. He always sees a crisis as an opportunity for himself, I thought with a familiar weariness.
Victor proposed yet another merger, suggesting that combining our firms now would be the only way to "stabilize the market" and "protect my assets." I listened to his smooth, calculated arguments, finding them completely empty of real concern.
"Thank you for the offer, Victor, but the answer is still no," I told him, ending the call quickly and decisively.
I don’t need his protection; I have Gabriel, and I have my own strength, I reaffirmed.
When I returned to the conference table, I found Gabriel had made a small nest of blankets and pillows on the floor for Daisy, who was sleeping peacefully. He was watching her, a soft, almost tender expression on his face.
He cares for her naturally, without needing to perform for anyone, I observed, the sight strengthening my resolve about him.
Daisy stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open, and she saw Gabriel right away.
She smiled and immediately reached out a hand for him, a simple, pure gesture of absolute trust. He took her hand gently, holding it until her eyes drifted closed again.
She trusts him completely, faster than she has ever trusted anyone else, I realized, watching their quiet connection. Seeing that trust made the desire for him, which I had tried to ignore for so long, feel overwhelmingly real and right.
I walked over to him, standing close enough to feel the warmth radiating from his body. I can’t ignore this feeling anymore; it is more than desire; it is a promise of peace, I recognized, acknowledging the deep wanting in my core. I wanted the safety and passion that only his presence seemed to offer me.
The next morning, the financial markets reacted instantly to the strategic, anonymous leak of Adrian’s corruption files. His investors began pulling their money in huge waves, and his firm’s stock plummeted, effectively crippling him financially. The weakening has begun; he is wounded and exposed, I noted, feeling a surge of satisfaction. But as quickly as he fell, I knew he would try to strike back even harder.
Later that afternoon, a final, unsigned document arrived at my office via special courier. It was a cryptic note, just two lines, clearly written by Adrian himself: "You wounded the wrong animal, Sloane. Watch the school gates." This is not a legal threat; this is personal and dangerous, I realized, the blood draining from my face as I clutched the paper. His next move was clearly not going to involve lawyers.
Chapter 30: The Trust Broken
POV: Sloane Harper
I was sitting on the edge of the couch when Daisy walked in. She looked at me with that curious face she always had when she wanted to know something. I already knew what she was going to ask, but I waited anyway.
“So,” Daisy said, crossing her arms. “What’s going on with Gabriel?”
I froze for a second before answering. “What do you mean?”
She smiled a little. “You know what I mean. You’ve been acting weird every time he’s around. Do you like him?”
My stomach turned at the question. I didn’t want to admit it, but lying to her felt worse. “Maybe,” I said quietly. “I think I do.”
Daisy gasped. “I knew it! You like him!”
I shook my head quickly. “Keep your voice down. It’s not a big deal.”
“It is a big deal,” she said. “You never like anyone. What changed?”
I looked down at my hands. “I don’t know. He’s different. He listens to me.”
Her expression softened. “He makes you smile.”
“He does,” I admitted. “But it doesn’t matter. It’s complicated.”
Daisy frowned. “Why is it complicated?”
I hesitated. “Because people like Gabriel don’t stay. And I’m not sure if I can trust him.”
She sat beside me. “You have to give people a chance, Sloane.”
I wanted to believe her. “I did before,” I said. “And it didn’t end well.”
There was a pause. The silence between us felt heavy. I could feel her looking at me, waiting for me to say more.
“You’re talking about my dad, aren’t you?” she asked softly.
I was tense. “No. Not really.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You are.”
I stood up. “I don’t want to talk about Adrian.”
She raised her hands. “Okay, okay. I won’t push. But you can’t let your past stop you from living.”
I walked to the window. “It’s not that simple, Daisy.”
She sighed. “Fine. But if Gabriel really likes you, he deserves the truth.”
Her words followed me as I left the room. I didn’t want to think about truth or lies. I just wanted things to stay calm for once.
Later that evening, I found Gabriel outside near the porch. He was on the phone, his back turned. I almost walked away, but something made me stop. When he hung up, he turned around and smiled.
“Hey,” he said. “You okay?”
I nodded. “Yeah. I just needed some air.”
He leaned against the railing. “You’ve been quiet lately.”
“I’ve had a lot on my mind,” I said. “Daisy keeps asking questions.”
He chuckled softly. “About me?”
“About everything,” I said. “She doesn’t know how to stop.”
He tilted his head. “And what did you tell her?”
I hesitated. “That I like you.”
He smiled wider. “You said that?”
“Don’t make it weird,” I muttered. “It just slipped out.”
He laughed. “I won’t. I’m glad you did.”
Something in his tone made my chest tighten. I looked away before he could see the expression on my face. “It doesn’t change anything.”
He moved closer. “It changes everything.”
I shook my head. “You don’t know me, Gabriel.”
“I know enough.”
“You think you do,” I said. “But you don’t.”
He looked at me with confusion. “Then tell me what I don’t know.”
I wanted to. Part of me wanted to pour everything out right there. But I couldn’t. “Maybe someday,” I said quietly.
He frowned. “Sloane, I’m not here to hurt you.”
“I know,” I said. “That’s what scares me.”
He didn’t understand, but he didn’t push. We stood there in silence until I finally went back inside.
The next day, I ran into Adrian near the office. He was leaning against the wall, waiting for me like he always did. The sight of him made my heart beat faster, not in a good way.
“Long time, Sloane,” he said with that same cold smile. “You’ve been avoiding me.”
“I’ve been busy,” I said.
“Busy with Gabriel?” His tone was sharp, like he already knew the answer.
“That’s none of your business.”
He stepped closer. “I think it is.”
“No,” I said firmly. “It’s not.”
He laughed quietly. “You really think you can hide from the truth? You forget I know you better than anyone.”
“Not anymore,” I said. “You lost that right.”
His eyes darkened. “You think so? I still remember what you did.”
My throat tightened. “Don’t start.”
He leaned in closer. “Does he know, Sloane? Does Gabriel know what kind of person you really are?”
“Stop it,” I said. “You don’t know anything.”
He smiled again. “I know enough to ruin you.”
I walked away, but his words followed me. My hands were shaking when I got to my desk. I could still hear his voice in my head.
Does Gabriel know?
No. He didn’t. And he couldn’t.
Daisy came by later, bringing coffee. “You look pale. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I lied. “Just tired.”
She frowned. “You sure? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I said I’m fine,” I repeated. “Just drop it.”
She sighed. “Okay. But if something’s wrong, you can tell me.”
“I can’t,” I whispered under my breath.
That night, I sat alone in my room, staring at my phone. I wanted to text Gabriel. I wanted to explain everything before Adrian could twist it. But the words wouldn’t come.
What if Gabriel believed him? What if he looked at me differently after knowing?
The knock on my door startled me. “Sloane?” Gabriel’s voice.
I quickly put the phone down. “Come in.”
He walked in slowly. “You disappeared after work. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah,” I said. “Just tired.”
He sat on the edge of the bed. “You’re lying.”
“I’m not.”
He looked at me carefully. “Adrian talked to you, didn’t he?”
My chest tightened. “What makes you say that?”
“Because he stopped me in the hall earlier,” Gabriel said. “He told me something about you.”
My heart dropped. “What did he say?”
“He said you’re not who I think you are.”
I swallowed hard. “And you believe him?”
“I don’t know,” he said. “That’s why I’m here.”
I could feel panic rising inside me. “Gabriel, whatever he told you—it’s not the whole story.”
“Then tell me the whole story,” he said. “I’m listening.”
I shook my head. “I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because if I tell you, you’ll leave.”
He sighed. “You don’t trust me.”
“It’s not about trust,” I said. “It’s about survival.”
He looked confused. “Sloane, what are you so afraid of?”
I opened my mouth but no words came out. All the memories I tried to bury started rushing back. I felt dizzy, trapped between wanting to run and wanting to scream.
Chapter 31: The Secret Haunts
POV: Sloane Harper
I woke up feeling heavy. My head was pounding from everything that happened at the bridge. Gabriel’s face still flashed in my mind, that look when he asked if it was true. I couldn’t stop hearing the question.
I didn’t know what to say that night, and now it was too late. He probably thought the worst. Maybe Adrian had already finished what he started.
My phone buzzed early. A message from Adrian. Meet me. We need to talk. My chest tightened. I didn’t want to go, but I knew he wouldn’t stop if I ignored him.
When I got there, he was waiting with that same smile that made my stomach twist. He didn’t even say hello. “Still keeping secrets?” he asked.
I crossed my arms. “What do you want now?”
He leaned forward. “You know what I want. I want you to remember that I can ruin you whenever I choose.”
I forced a calm voice. “You’ve already said that.”
He smiled. “Not like this. I haven’t told Gabriel everything yet.”
My heart skipped. “What are you talking about?”
“The night after you left me,” he said slowly. “You think I forgot? The one-night stand you tried to hide?”
I froze. My mind went blank for a moment. I couldn’t breathe. “That has nothing to do with you,” I managed to say.
He laughed softly. “It has everything to do with me. You were mine. And then, what—one week later, you were in someone else’s bed?”
I clenched my fists. “Stop.”
“Why should I?” he asked. “You think Gabriel won’t care? You think he’ll still look at you the same once he knows what kind of woman you are?”
My throat burned. “You’re disgusting.”
He smirked. “Maybe. But I’m not lying. You can try to deny it, but I have proof.”
I stared at him. “You don’t.”
He reached into his pocket. “You want to bet?”
My heart pounded. “What are you going to do with it?”
“That depends on you,” he said. “Tell Gabriel the truth yourself, or I will.”
I turned away from him. “You wouldn’t dare.”
He stepped closer. “You really want to test me?”
I didn’t answer. My chest felt tight, my hands shaking. I wanted to scream.
He lowered his voice. “I’m giving you a choice, Sloane. You talk, or I talk.”
I didn’t look at him again. I walked away.
As I reached my car, I tried to steady my breathing. The past was supposed to be buried. I’d made peace with that night, or at least I thought I had. But now it was back, dragging me under again.
I sat behind the wheel, staring straight ahead. My mind went back to that night. I hadn’t meant for it to happen.
It was after the breakup, after the endless shouting, the slammed doors, the feeling of being small. I’d gone out because I couldn’t stand the silence in my apartment. I needed to forget.
The bar was loud, and I didn’t even remember his name at first. He said I looked like I needed to laugh. I laughed because I didn’t want to cry. He offered a drink. I took it.
One thing led to another. I wasn’t thinking. I wasn’t myself. It wasn’t about wanting him; it was about feeling seen, even if just for a moment.
When it was over, I felt empty. I left before he woke up. I never looked back. I thought that was the end of it.
Now Adrian wanted to drag it into the light.
I slammed my hand against the steering wheel. “He can’t do this,” I whispered. “He can’t.”
I went to see Evelyn that afternoon. She opened the door before I even knocked twice. “You look awful,” she said.
“Adrian knows,” I said. “About that night.”
Her eyes widened. “He’s threatening you again?”
“Yes,” I said. “He says he’ll tell Gabriel.”
Evelyn sighed. “And what if he does?”
I stared at her. “What do you mean?”
“What if he tells him?” she said calmly. “You made a mistake. You were hurt. You’re human.”
“It’s not that simple,” I said. “Gabriel will think I used him. He’ll think I’m lying to him, just like Adrian.”
“You can’t control what he thinks,” she said. “But you can control your truth.”
I shook my head. “You don’t understand. Gabriel’s not like the others. He actually believes in people.”
“Then let him believe in you,” she said. “Don’t let Adrian control you with shame.”
I wanted to believe her. But my stomach twisted just thinking about it. “You don’t know what it feels like to have someone use your past against you.”
“I do,” she said quietly. “That’s why I’m telling you—own it before he does.”
I sat down, holding my head in my hands. “What if it destroys everything?”
Evelyn put her hand on my arm. “Then at least it’s destroyed on your terms.”
I didn’t reply. Her words stayed in my head long after I left.
That evening, I saw Gabriel again. He was standing near the garden, hands in his pockets. When he looked up and saw me, his expression softened.
“Hey,” he said quietly. “I wasn’t sure you’d come.”
“I wasn’t sure either,” I said.
He took a slow breath. “About last night—”
“I know,” I said quickly. “Adrian told you something.”
“He did,” Gabriel said. “And I need to know if it’s true.”
My hands trembled slightly. “What exactly did he say?”
“That you… were with someone else after you left him,” he said. “That it wasn’t just rumors.”
I looked down. “It’s true.”
He didn’t speak at first. I could feel his eyes on me.
“It wasn’t like that,” I said softly. “I wasn’t trying to hurt anyone. I was lost. I didn’t care about anything that night. I just wanted the noise to stop.”
He was quiet for a long moment. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because it didn’t matter anymore,” I said. “I wasn’t proud of it. I wasn’t ready to be judged again.”
“I’m not judging you,” he said.
I looked up at him. His eyes were kind, softer than I expected. That kindness hit me harder than anger would have.
“You should be,” I said. “You should hate me.”
“I don’t,” he said simply. “You were hurt. People do stupid things when they’re hurt.”
His words made my throat ache. I wanted to reach out and touch him, to tell him how much that meant, but my hands stayed frozen at my sides.
“You don’t know what you’re saying,” I whispered.
He took a small step closer. “I know exactly what I’m saying. I care about you, Sloane. That doesn’t change because of your past.”
Something inside me cracked. My chest felt tight again, but not from fear this time. I wanted him so badly it scared me.
“Don’t say that,” I said quietly. “You don’t understand. Every time someone says they care, they leave.”
“I’m not them,” he said.
I looked away. “That’s what they all said.”
He reached out, his fingers brushing my arm. The touch made my body tremble. I hated how much I needed it.
“Let me in,” he said softly.
“I can’t,” I whispered. “I can’t let anyone in again.”
“Why not?”
“Because it never ends well,” I said. “It always turns into a weapon.”
His eyes searched mine. “I’m not here to hurt you.”
I wanted to believe that. Every part of me wanted to. But Adrian’s voice echoed in my head, cold and sharp. He’ll leave when he knows everything.
I stepped back. “You should go.”
He frowned. “Sloane—”
“Please,” I said. “Just go.”
He hesitated, then nodded slowly. “If that’s what you want.”
When he walked away, I felt the air leave my lungs. I’d pushed away the only person who made me feel safe, and I hated myself for it.
I stood there until the sun went down. Then my phone buzzed again. Another message from Adrian. Told you he wouldn’t stay. Ready to talk now?
Chapter 32: The Truth Wins
POV: Sloane Harper
I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my phone. The silence felt louder than my thoughts. I kept hearing Gabriel’s last words in my head.
I told him to leave because I was scared of what I felt when he was near. But now, the space he left behind made my chest hurt.
I pressed my palms against my knees and took a deep breath. “I have to fix this,” I whispered to myself. I had to take back control, even if my hands shook doing it. Adrian thought he could bury me with his threats. He thought shame would keep me quiet.
He was wrong.
I opened my email and typed quickly, my fingers moving before I could change my mind.
Subject: Interview Request — My Story, My Words.
The reply came faster than I expected. They wanted me on their live show tomorrow morning. My heart raced, but I didn’t stop to think. I sent another message before I could talk myself out of it.
To: Gabriel King
You said you believed in honesty. I’m giving it to the world. I’ll be on “Morning Truth” tomorrow at ten. If you still want to help, meet me there.
I stared at the screen for a long time before pressing send. My hand trembled.
“What if he doesn’t come?” I muttered under my breath.
But what if he did?
---
The next morning, the studio lights burned against my eyes. I sat in the chair, facing the host, while makeup artists hovered nearby. My hands wouldn’t stop moving. I wanted to run, but I’d already stepped into the fire.
The host smiled brightly. “Sloane Harper, you’ve made quite the headlines this week. But you asked to come here to share your truth.”
“Yes,” I said softly, “my truth.”
The red light on the camera blinked on. My throat felt dry. I thought of Adrian’s warning messages, his smug smirk. I thought of the photo he threatened to leak. I thought of Gabriel’s disappointed eyes the night I pushed him away.
I took a deep breath. “There’s something I need to say,” I began. “I made a mistake. I had a one-night stand with someone I shouldn’t have. It happened, and I’m not proud, but I won’t hide it anymore.”
The room fell silent. Even the cameras seemed to stop breathing.
“I’ve been blackmailed about it,” I continued, my voice shaking. “But I refuse to let anyone use my past to control me.”
The host leaned closer. “You’re saying someone tried to expose you?”
“Yes,” I said. “But I’d rather expose myself than live in fear.”
The words came out harder than I expected. Each one stripped away the fear Adrian planted in me.
“I’m human. I made choices. But I also learned. And I’m standing here because my mistakes don’t define me.”
The host looked impressed. “That’s brave, Sloane. Truly.”
I nodded. My pulse raced, but it was steady. “Thank you.”
The segment ended, and the lights dimmed. The crew clapped softly, whispering to each other. My chest felt light, almost floating.
When I stepped outside the studio, I saw him. Gabriel was waiting by the car, arms folded, his eyes locked on me.
“You really did it,” he said.
I swallowed hard. “I had to.”
He smiled faintly. “You’re insane.”
“Maybe,” I said, trying not to laugh. “But it worked.”
“Adrian must be losing his mind right now,” he said, pulling out his phone. “The story’s everywhere. ‘Sloane Harper Tells the Truth.’ You’re trending.”
I blinked. “Trending?”
He turned the screen toward me. There were thousands of comments flooding in—some harsh, but most cheering me on.
‘Finally, someone honest.’
‘She’s real. I respect that.’
‘We all make mistakes. She owned it.’
My lips parted slightly. “They don’t hate me?”
Gabriel laughed quietly. “They love you. Honesty sells better than lies.”
I felt a strange mix of relief and disbelief. “I didn’t do it for fame.”
“I know,” he said, his tone softening. “But the truth wins, Sloane. Always.”
The way he said my name sent a shiver through me. I met his gaze, and the space between us seemed to shrink.
“Gabriel…”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
He stepped closer, his voice low. “You don’t have to thank me. You did this yourself.”
But the look in his eyes said more than his words. There was pride there, and something else—something I’d been trying not to see.
I felt the heat rise in my cheeks. “You always show up when I least expect it.”
He grinned. “And you always pretend you don’t want me to.”
My heart skipped a beat. “That’s not true.”
“No?” He moved a little closer, close enough for me to feel the warmth of his breath. “Because I remember what it’s like when you don’t pretend.”
I tried to look away, but his eyes held me in place. I could feel my pulse everywhere.
“Gabriel,” I whispered, “this isn’t—”
He cut me off gently. “You don’t have to explain anything to me. I just wanted to see you stand up for yourself. You were… incredible.”
The way he said it made my skin burn. I felt the same pull I did the night I told him to leave. The same fire that scared me enough to push him away.
“Stop looking at me like that,” I said, half smiling.
“Like what?”
“Like you’re remembering everything.”
“Maybe I am,” he murmured.
My breath caught. For a moment, I almost forgot where we were. The noise of the city faded. It was just him and me and the electric air between us.
He reached up and brushed a loose strand of hair from my face. The simple touch made my stomach twist. I wanted to step back, but I didn’t.
“Gabriel…”
He smiled softly. “Relax. I’m not going to do anything you don’t want.”
“That’s the problem,” I said quietly. “You always know what I want before I do.”
He laughed under his breath. “Then maybe stop fighting it.”
I looked at him, unsure whether to pull him closer or walk away. My heart was shouting one thing while my mind whispered another.
You can’t get hurt again.
But he’s not Adrian.
You don’t know that.
You want to believe you do.
He watched me, his expression unreadable. “You’re thinking too hard.”
“I always do,” I said.
He chuckled. “Come on. Let’s get out of here. You’ve had enough cameras for one day.”
We walked toward his car. The air between us buzzed with everything we didn’t say. He opened the door for me, and when his hand brushed mine, my skin tingled.
As he drove, the city lights flickered past. I stared out the window, trying to calm the storm inside me.
“You’re quiet,” he said.
“I’m thinking.”
“About me?”
“Maybe,” I said, a small smile forming.
He laughed. “Honest again. I like that.”
I turned to him. “You said the truth wins. Maybe you’re right.”
“I’m always right,” he teased.
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t hide my smile. For the first time in weeks, I felt lighter.
He pulled up in front of my apartment. “You sure you’re okay?”
“I will be,” I said. “Thanks to you.”
He leaned against the steering wheel, studying me. “You know, you’re not as strong as you think.”
I frowned. “That’s an odd compliment.”
“I mean,” he said slowly, “you act like you don’t need anyone. But everyone needs someone sometimes.”
I looked away. “Maybe.”
He reached out, his fingers brushing mine again. “I’m not going anywhere this time. Unless you tell me to.”
My chest tightened. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
He smiled. “Who said I can’t?”
Before I could reply, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen, expecting another news alert. But it wasn’t. It was a message.
My blood ran cold.
Gabriel noticed my expression. “What’s wrong?”
I couldn’t speak at first. My thumb hovered over the screen. The message was short, written in all caps.
WE HAVE DAISY.
Chapter 33: The Message
Pov: Sloane
I looked down without thinking. My heart stopped the moment I saw Daisy’s name.
The message wasn’t from her. It said, “We have Daisy. Don’t try to be a hero.”
I froze. Gabriel noticed the look on my face. “What is it?”
I turned the screen to him. “It’s Daisy. Someone took her.”
He leaned closer. “Read it again.”
I did. My voice trembled. “They have Daisy.”
Gabriel took the phone from my hand. “Do you know this number?”
I shook my head. “No. But I know who it is.”
He looked at me sharply. “Who?”
“Adrian.” The name tasted bitter. “It’s him. He warned me.”
Gabriel’s jaw clenched. “Show me the message.”
He scanned it and muttered, “He’s making a move.”
I couldn’t breathe. “We have to find her, Gabriel. We can’t wait.”
He stood up, already calling his team. “Send me the coordinates,” he ordered. “Trace the sender. I want every route tracked.”
I gripped the edge of the car .My voice came out low. “What if he hurts her before we get there?”
“He won’t,” Gabriel said firmly. “He wants you to panic, not to lose his leverage.”
“He already has my panic.”
He looked at me. “Then don’t let him win.”
Another buzz. A picture came in. Daisy, hands tied, mouth taped. My chest tightened.
Gabriel looked over my shoulder. “He’s escalating.”
I whispered, “She’s terrified.”
Gabriel took the phone again. “We’ll get her back.”
“How?” I asked.
He was already giving orders. “I’ll have the techs triangulate this number. We’ll move in once we have a location.”
I nodded, even though my hands were shaking. “He knows we’ll trace it. He wants us to.”
Gabriel met my eyes. “Then we’ll surprise him instead.”
He got another call. He listened, then said, “Warehouse on the south docks. Team’s already en route.”
I stood up. “I’m coming with you.”
He didn’t argue. “Stay close. Don’t do anything reckless.”
I followed him out. My heart was pounding hard enough to drown out every sound.
In the car, Gabriel spoke into his comm. “Team Alpha, report when in position.”
I stared at the dark road ahead. “What if it’s a trap?”
He didn’t glance away. “It is. But we’re ready for it.”
I swallowed. “He won’t stop until he destroys everything.”
“He’ll stop,” Gabriel said quietly. “Or I’ll stop him.”
The car jolted as we turned into the docks. I could see the faint light from a distance. My palms were slick with sweat.
Gabriel stopped the car. “We go on foot from here.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
He handed me a small device. “Keep this on. If we get separated, press the button.”
“Will you come if I do?”
“Always.”
We moved through the silent path together. I could hear our footsteps echo. My chest felt heavy.
“Do you think Daisy’s okay?” I whispered.
He didn’t answer right away. “She will be.”
I wanted to believe that.
When we reached the building, Gabriel’s team was already in place. One of them whispered, “Movement inside. One hostage confirmed.”
Gabriel turned to me. “Stay behind me.”
“I will,” I said, though I wasn’t sure I could.
He signaled the team. They moved fast, surrounding the side doors. I followed Gabriel quietly.
He whispered, “On my mark.”
Then he counted down. “Three, two, one—go.”
The door burst open. Voices shouted. My heart raced. I followed Gabriel in.
Daisy was there, tied to a chair in the middle of the floor. Her eyes widened when she saw me.
“Daisy!” I ran forward, but Gabriel caught my arm. “Wait.”
From the shadows, a voice said, “Too predictable, Sloane.”
It was Adrian. I knew that voice anywhere.
Gabriel aimed his weapon. “Show yourself.”
Adrian stepped out slowly. “You brought company. How sweet.”
I clenched my fists. “Let her go.”
He smiled faintly. “You care too much. That’s your problem.”
“Let her go, Adrian,” Gabriel said evenly. “Or this ends badly for you.”
Adrian tilted his head. “It already ended badly, don’t you think?”
Gabriel’s men started to move in. Adrian raised a hand. “Ah, ah. One wrong move, and she dies.”
I froze. “Please. She has nothing to do with this.”
“She has everything to do with you,” Adrian said. “And you, Sloane, owe me.”
Gabriel’s tone hardened. “You won’t walk out of here.”
Adrian’s smirk deepened. “Who said I planned to?”
Suddenly a loud bang echoed. Smoke filled the air. I coughed, reaching for Daisy’s voice. “Daisy!”
Gabriel grabbed my wrist. “Stay with me!”
I stumbled through the haze. My eyes burned. Then I felt Daisy’s hand. “I’ve got you,” I said, pulling her close.
Gabriel shouted orders. Shots fired. My head rang.
Then, silence.
When the smoke cleared, Adrian was gone.
Gabriel helped Daisy stand. “We’re clear,” he said, but his voice was tight.
I looked around. “Where is he?”
“Gone,” Gabriel replied. “He planned the exit.”
Daisy started sobbing. “He said he’d come for you next, Sloane. He said he’d ruin everything you love.”
I felt a chill run through me. “He already started.”
Gabriel put a hand on my shoulder. “We’ll get him. He won’t get another chance.”
But I could see something in his eyes—a doubt he didn’t want to admit.
We got Daisy out. The car ride back was silent. Daisy leaned on me, trembling.
Gabriel kept glancing at the mirror. “He won’t stop now. He’s testing how far you’ll go.”
“He already knows,” I said softly. “I’d go anywhere for the people I love.”
“And that’s what he’s counting on,” Gabriel replied.
When we reached the safehouse, Gabriel’s team took Daisy inside. He turned to me. “You should rest.”
“I can’t. He’s not finished.”
“He’ll strike again,” Gabriel said. “But next time, we’ll be ready.”
I looked up at him. “He hates you, Gabriel. You know that, right?”
He nodded. “I’ve given him reasons to.”
“He’s going to use that.”
“Let him,” Gabriel said quietly. “He’ll regret it.”
My phone buzzed again. A new message.
I opened it slowly. “That was fun. Round two begins at midnight.”
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