And in them—beyond the fury, beyond the violence—
Is relief.
For a split second, the entire room goes quiet between us.
Like the world pauses.
Then my gaze shifts past him.
Through the drifting haze of smoke.
And my stomach drops.
She’s there.
The woman from earlier stands several feet behind Mike, half hidden by the smoke and the broken doorway. Her expression is calm, almost bored.
But the gun in her hand is raised.
Pointed directly at Mike’s back.
My heart slams violently against my ribs.
He doesn’t see her.
He’s focused on me.
Focused on getting to me.
“Ellie—” he starts, already moving forward.
“No!” I shout.
The ropes around my wrists are still tight, so I don’t bother breaking free. I launch myself out of the chair and run. My legs move before I even think.
Straight toward him.
Mike’s eyes widen slightly as I rush forward.
It’s my turn to save him, and in that moment, I realize I’ll put myself in harm’s way if it means keeping him safe.
Chapter 16 – Mike
I don’t hesitate.
The moment Ellie launches herself toward me, I know something’s wrong.
Her eyes aren’t on me.
They’re behind me.
Training takes over instantly.
I move.
Fast.
I grab her shoulders and yank her aside just as the gunshot cracks through the warehouse.
