Kendra took a slow step forward, the snow crunching softly beneath her boots. “I told you that you weren’t going to get away.”
Hadley forced herself to stand her ground, even as every instinct screamed at her to keep moving, to keep fighting.
“You don’t have to do this.” Her voice sounded steadier than she felt. “Kendra, you need help. Serious help.”
“You’re the one who needs help.” She raised the gun. “I just need Max.”
The words hung in the air, cold and final.
Hadley’s breath hitched as the barrel aligned with her chest.
Kendra’s gaze locked onto hers, something dark and eager flickering beneath the surface. “I’m going to enjoy this.”
Time seemed to slow.
Hadley’s heart pounded, her thoughts racing, searching for anything—any way out—but there was nothing left.
No escape.
No distraction.
Only the woman in front of her and the weapon in her hand.
A faint sound came from somewhere behind Kendra.
Kendra’s head tilted, her attention flickering.
Then someone stepped out of the darkness.
Hadley’s breath caught.
Max. It was Max. He was here!
He moved into the open, his presence solid and steady in a way that made something inside Hadley’s chest loosen.
His gaze never left Kendra.
His voice was calm and certain as he said, “You said you need me? I’m right here.”
CHAPTER 46
Relief hit Max.
Hadley was on her feet. Hurt, yes—he could see it in the way she held herself. But she was alive.
For a split second, that was all that mattered.
Then reality snapped back into place.
Kendra pointed a gun at Hadley.
Max forced himself to slow his breathing, to steady the rush of adrenaline threatening to consume him. This wasn’t over. Not even close.
One wrong move, and everything could spiral out of control.
He lifted his hands slowly, palms open, and stepped forward just enough to make his presence undeniable but not threatening. “It’s okay, Kendra. I’m here.”
Kendra’s gaze locked onto him, something flickering there—hope and disbelief. “You came.”
