What if Finn isn't there?The question slips into my mind, but I shake it off.Let's get out of here first, Gianna.
I continue to walk when I see a shadow approach me. I freeze, my heart racing, there's nowhere to hide. I look back, that's not an option. I can't go back. I wait for the person to appear, my blood running cold.
"Ailish," I whisper in surprise. She appears before me, wearing her usual leather pants and jacket with her short hair in a low ponytail. An unbelieving scoff escapes her when she sees me. I stand my ground. If it means fighting her in this hallway, I will. I need to get to Finn.
"Well, well, well," she says, crossing her arms across her chest, tilting her head to the side. "You little rat."
"Get out of my way, Ailish," I threaten, my mind made up already. "Relax, Princess," Ailish chuckles. "I'm here to help you." I raise my brows. "What?"Here to help me?Is this a joke? She moves forward, and I stagger back, creating distance between us. What does she mean to help me? She raises her hand in surrender. "Do you want to help Finn or not?"
"Why would you help me?" I ask. Ailish hates my guts. She can't possibly be helping me out of goodwill. She waves her hand in front of me. "Trust me, I'm not helping you. I'm just following orders."
"Whose order?" I ask, swallowing.
"You're just so curious, aren't you?" She glances at her watch. "Just to let you know, while we waste time here, your pretty boyfriend is bleeding out."
My eyes widen. "You know where he is?" I ask, my heart racing.
"Let's go," Ailish says, turning on her heel, down the hallway.
I remain frozen. I can't trust her. I swallow. "You coming?" she asks, and I close my eyes, making my decision in an instant. I follow behind her.
"How did you know to find me here?" I ask.
"I saw when you and Finn entered the estate. I've been watching you ever since." We finally reach the elevator. Ailish pushes the button, and the door slides open.
I follow Ailish as she steps in. The door slides closed, and suddenly, the air in the space becomes thin. The silence is almost deafening, broken only by the soft hum of the elevator as it begins its descent. It's so uncomfortable being in the same place with her. Neither of us speaks for a long time, but then she glances sideways, a smirk tugging at her lips.
"Trust me, I still hate you too," she says, looking forward as the elevator moves.
"Then why are you helping me?" I ask, even though I'm still skeptical about her.
"I told you. I'm following orders."
I study her, confused and irritated. "I don't know if you've forgotten, but you still haven't told me who gave those orders."
Ailish clicks her tongue. "Easy there, princess," she says without looking at me. The elevator stops, and the door opens. She steps forward as the door slides open. She glances left and right of the garage before she steps out.
I hesitate but follow her quickly, my boots echoing against the floor. "Liam sent me," Ailish says, walking away from the building. I stop in my tracks, my mind racing to keep up.
"You're working for Liam?" I ask, jogging a little to catch up with her.
"I've always worked for Liam," she says, like it's the most obvious thing in the world.
She heads straight for a sleek black car parked discreetly near the side exit. Without missing a beat, she swings the back door open and turns to me, one arm resting casually on the doorframe.
"Get in," she orders. My brow furrows, my heart pounding harder. "You said we were going to save Finn." My voice comes out more uncertain than I intend.
Ailish groans, rolling her eyes. "And we will, but now, Liam wants to see you," she says, still looking around to see if anyone is following. My heart races, and I bite my bottom lip. I look back at the building, caught between finding Finn and trusting Ailish. Even if I got to Finn now, there's nothing I can do to help him, but if I have Liam's help, there's a chance to save him.
"What are you waiting for?" Ailish says, looking irritated, like she's had enough of this nonsense. I exhale and get into the back seat. As she slams the door, everything about Liam makes sense. He knows about everything because of Ailish. She starts the engine.
"Lie down on the carpet," she says. My gaze shoots towards her. "Don't tell me you don't want to get dirty, Princess," she says, looking back at me. "If you want us to get out of here alive, do as I say. Or do you prefer the cell?" I roll my eyes and do as she says.
I can't believe she's also a mole, after all the headaches she gave me. My mind returns to Finn as the car starts to move. The pain, the blood. I caused this all, and I have to fix it no matter what. I have to save him.
We reach the main gate, and my heart hammers in my chest. Maybe I should have stayed in the building. Ailish drops herwindow, and the guard leans on her window. "Open the gate," Ailish commands.
"Got it, boss," the man says, and when he pulls away from the window, Ailish rolls up the window, and I release a deep breath I didn't realize I was holding. I'll be back, Finn. I promise.
