Eva

31

____

The icy air bites at my skin as Dominic pulls me deeper into the shadowed labyrinth of the warehouse. His hand grips mine like a lifeline, unyielding, determined. Every sound—every creak of rusted metal, every echo of footsteps—sends a fresh jolt of adrenaline coursing through me. My heart pounds relentlessly, matching the urgency of our movements.

“This way,” Dominic commands, his voice low but cutting through the suffocating tension like a blade.

We weave through towering crates and abandoned machinery, each step swift and deliberate. The gritty floor beneath us muffles our footfalls, but it doesn’t muffle the growing dread tightening around my chest. I glance back instinctively, the faint echoes of footsteps behind us confirming what I already know—Reyes’s men are close.

“Dominic,” I whisper, the edge of panic creeping into my voice. “We can’t just keep running. We need a plan.”

His response is immediate, his tone sharp and unyielding. “We’re not running.”

The conviction in his voice steadies me, if only for a moment. But the pounding of boots grows louder, closer, each beat driving home the danger we can’t outrun.

We turn another corner, and Dominic halts abruptly, his gaze locking onto a rusted steel door. Without hesitation, he releases my hand and grabs the handle, bracing himself. The door groans in protest, refusing to give.

“Dominic…” My voice trembles as the shadows at the far end of the aisle shift, and low voices cut through the air—sharp commands in a language I can’t place.

He curses under his breath and leans into the door with his full weight. With a screeching groan, the hinges give way, and Dominic shoves it open, pulling me inside before slamming it shut behind us.

Darkness envelops us, broken only by the faint glow of moonlight filtering through a cracked window. The stale air smells of dust and rust, the silence thick and heavy. Dominic’s hand finds mine again, his touch grounding me as my pulse races.

“Stay close,” he murmurs, his voice low and steady.

I nod, though he can’t see me, and let him lead me through the space. Overturned shelves and forgotten debris cast jagged shadows on the walls. My mind races, trying to piece together the trap we’ve just stepped into.

“This was never about the data,” I whisper, the realization hitting me like a blow.

Dominic stops abruptly, turning to face me. Even in the dim light, the intensity in his eyes is undeniable.

“I know,” he says, his voice fierce. “But Reyes doesn’t realize he’s already lost.”

Before I can respond, a deafening crash reverberates through the room, followed by the sharp metallic clang of the door being forced open.

“Go!” Dominic hisses, his grip tightening on my hand as he pulls me forward.

The alley outside is cold and unforgiving, the air sharp against my lungs. Dominic presses me against the rough stone wall, shielding me with his body as headlights flood the narrow space. The beams cut through the dark like a spotlight, illuminating the black car screeching to a halt at the alley’s entrance.

The driver’s door opens, and Reyes steps out with the casual ease of someone who knows they’ve already won. His tailored suit is pristine, a stark contrast to the gritty surroundings, and the slow, deliberate smile on his face twists my stomach into knots.

“Dominic Kane,” Reyes drawls, spreading his arms in mock welcome. “You’ve been making this far too easy for me.”

Dominic doesn’t flinch, doesn’t move. He’s a fortress, his entire being coiled and ready. “If you wanted to talk, you could have skipped the theatrics.”

Reyes’s chuckle is low, mocking. “Ah, but theatrics are what make this game worth playing. And you, Kane… you’ve been such a predictable opponent.”

His gaze shifts to me, and I feel the weight of it like a physical blow. His smile sharpens, his eyes glinting with cruel amusement. “And you, Miss Cross… always so tenacious. Tell me, how does it feel to be the bait in someone else’s trap?”

My fists clench at my sides, but before I can respond, Dominic steps forward, his presence a shield between Reyes and me.

“Leave her out of this,” Dominic growls, his voice deadly.

Reyes tilts his head, smirking. “Oh, but she’s already in this. She’s been in it since the beginning. Everything you do, every move you make, revolves around her. It’s… poetic, really.”

Another door opens, and a man steps out of the car—a laptop in one hand and a gun in the other. He joins Reyes, his cold, expressionless face adding to the oppressive tension.

Reyes gestures lazily. “Let’s keep this simple. Hand over the data. Your empire. Everything. And in return…” His smile widens as he gestures to me. “She walks away.”

“No!” I protest, but Dominic’s sharp look silences me.

“Let her go first,” Dominic says, his tone icy.

Reyes chuckles again, shaking his head. “Always so noble. Fine.” He waves to his man, who steps forward, holding the laptop out to Dominic.

I watch in horror as Dominic types into the keyboard. The screen flashes to life, and lines of code begin transferring.

“Dominic, don’t!” I cry, my voice breaking.

“It’s done,” he says, his tone dark and final. “Now let her go.”

Reyes’s laughter echoes down the alley. “Oh, Dominic. Did you really think it would be that easy?”

Before I can react, one of Reyes’s men grabs me, dragging me backward toward the car. Dominic lunges forward, his roar of rage cutting through the chaos, but more men appear, blocking his path.

“Goodbye, Kane,” Reyes says with a mock bow as he climbs back into the car.

The last thing I see is Dominic’s face—bloodied, furious, unrelenting—as I’m shoved into the backseat.

The car speeds away, the city lights blurring into streaks as I’m forced deeper into the darkness. My mind races, desperation clawing at my chest. Dominic’s face flashes in my memory, his voice echoing in my ears.

“You are worth everything.”

The words fuel my resolve even as the noose tightens. Reyes thinks he’s won, but he has no idea who he’s dealing with.

This isn’t over. Not by a long shot.

The world outside the car is a blur of light and shadow as we speed through Zurich’s streets. Reyes’s men sit in stoic silence, their faces unreadable behind their darkened sunglasses. My wrists ache where the zip ties dig into my skin, but the sting barely registers. My mind is racing, desperate to find a way out of this.

Reyes sits across from me, the smug expression on his face tightening the knot of anger and fear in my chest. He’s calm, composed—like a predator who knows the prey has no chance of escape.

“You know, ,” he begins, his voice smooth as silk, “this could have been avoided. All of this.”

I don’t reply. I refuse to give him the satisfaction.

He leans forward slightly, his smile sharp. “Dominic Kane is a formidable man, but his weakness has always been his need to protect. To control. And you, my dear, have become his Achilles’ heel.”

I clench my fists, forcing myself to meet his gaze. “If you think Dominic is going to stop, you don’t know him as well as you think. He’ll find me. And when he does, you’ll regret every second of this.”

Reyes’s laugh is low and dark, sending a chill down my spine. “That’s what I’m counting on.”

The SUV jerks as it takes a sharp turn, throwing me against the window. I bite back a wince, refusing to let Reyes see any sign of weakness. Instead, I focus on the scenery outside—a maze of unfamiliar streets and dimly lit industrial buildings.

We’re heading somewhere remote. Somewhere no one will find us.

The car slows as we approach a gated complex, the iron bars creaking open to reveal a stark, sprawling facility surrounded by high walls. The building ahead is nondescript, its windows dark and uninviting. This isn’t a place of negotiation; it’s a place where secrets are buried.

The moment the car stops, Reyes’s men spring into action, yanking the door open and hauling me out. I stumble but catch myself, standing as tall as I can despite the fear clawing at my insides.

Reyes steps out behind me, gesturing toward the building with a flourish. “Welcome to my little sanctuary. It’s not as luxurious as Kane’s penthouse, but it serves its purpose.”

“Which is what?” I ask, my voice sharper than I feel. “Intimidation? Torture? You won’t get anything from me.”

Reyes’s smile doesn’t waver. “Oh, I don’t need anything from you. Not yet. Your presence here is enough to keep Dominic in check.”

He turns and strides toward the entrance, his men shoving me forward to follow. Inside, the air is cold and sterile, the walls painted a dull gray. The faint hum of electricity vibrates through the space, punctuated by the echo of our footsteps.

We descend a narrow staircase, the air growing colder with each step. My heart pounds as we reach a reinforced metal door, which one of the guards unlocks with a heavy clang.

Reyes gestures for me to enter, his smirk never faltering. “Make yourself comfortable.”

The room is small, windowless, and bare except for a metal chair bolted to the floor in the center. A single bulb dangles from the ceiling, casting harsh light over the concrete walls.

The guards push me inside, cutting the zip ties from my wrists before shoving me toward the chair. I stumble but manage to stay upright, glaring at Reyes as he lingers in the doorway.

“This won’t hold him,” I say, my voice steady despite the tremor in my hands.

Reyes tilts his head, amused. “We’ll see.”

He steps back, the door slamming shut behind him with a finality that echoes through the small space.

Dominic’s POV

The safe house feels stifling as Adrian paces the length of the room, his phone pressed to his ear. The tension in the air is unbearable, every second stretching

longer as we wait for a lead—any lead—on ’s location. I stand by the window, staring out into the dark expanse beyond, my fists clenched so tightly my knuckles ache.

“She’s out there,” I mutter, more to myself than anyone else. “Reyes isn’t hiding her. He wants me to find her.”

Adrian glances at me, his brow furrowed. “It’s bait, Dominic. He’s counting on you to be reckless.”

“I don’t care,” I snap, my voice sharp. “He’s already made this personal. And I’m not leaving her in his hands.”

Adrian ends his call, his expression grim. “We’ve narrowed down potential locations. Industrial zones outside the city—remote, easy to secure. Reyes isn’t stupid; he’ll have fortified whatever base he’s using.”

I nod, forcing myself to focus. “Then we go in fast, hit hard, and take him out before he has a chance to move her.”

Adrian hesitates, his jaw tightening. “We’re running out of time. Reyes is unpredictable, and …” He trails off, but I don’t need him to finish.

“She’s stronger than you think,” I say firmly. “And so am I.”

Adrian’s phone buzzes again, and he answers it immediately. A few tense seconds pass before he nods sharply and ends the call.

“We have something,” he says. “A convoy just left a gated facility on the outskirts of the city. Satellite imagery shows heavy activity there earlier tonight.”

“Reyes,” I say, grabbing my gear without hesitation. “That’s where he’s keeping her.”

Adrian grabs his own equipment, his movements quick and efficient. “Dominic, if we go in, there’s no guarantee we’ll get her out cleanly. Reyes will be expecting this.”

“Then we give him what he doesn’t expect,” I reply, my voice cold. “No mercy.”

’s POV

The minutes stretch into what feels like hours as I sit in the freezing, empty room. My wrists throb from the zip ties, and my body aches from the jostling in the car, but I refuse to let the pain take root. I can’t afford to be weak—not now.

I strain my ears, trying to pick up any sounds from outside the door. Reyes’s threats replay in my mind, but I push them aside, focusing instead on Dominic. He’ll come for me. I know he will.

But what if Reyes is counting on that?

A faint click echoes through the room, pulling me from my thoughts. My pulse quickens as the door creaks open, revealing one of Reyes’s guards. He steps inside, his expression impassive as he approaches me.

“Get up,” he says gruffly.

I glare at him but comply, my legs unsteady as I rise. He grabs my arm, his grip bruising as he pulls me toward the door. My mind races, searching for an opening, a way to fight back. But the hallway outside is lined with more guards, their faces cold and unreadable.

The guard leads me down another staircase, this one narrower, darker. My stomach churns with dread, but I force myself to keep my breathing steady. Panicking won’t help me now.

We enter a larger room filled with computer monitors, their screens glowing with security feeds and streams of data. Reyes stands in the center, his back to me as he speaks into a headset. His voice is calm, almost conversational—a stark contrast to the chaos he’s orchestrating.

“She’s here,” the guard announces, shoving me forward.

Reyes turns slowly, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. “Ah, . Just in time.”

“For what?” I demand, my voice sharper than I feel.

Reyes steps closer, his smile icy. “For the grand finale.”

Dominic’s POV

The warehouse looms ahead, its towering walls casting long shadows under the dim moonlight. Adrian and his team move with precision, their weapons ready as we approach the perimeter. The faint hum of machinery vibrates through the air, mingling with the distant sound of footsteps.

“Motion sensors,” Adrian mutters, gesturing toward a set of cameras mounted on the building’s corners. “We’ll need to disable those before we breach.”

“Do it quickly,” I say, my voice low. Every second feels like an eternity, each one filled with the weight of ’s absence.

Adrian nods, signaling one of his men to move ahead. I crouch behind a stack of crates, my gaze fixed on the facility’s entrance. My mind is a storm of anger and determination, but beneath it all, there’s a flicker of something else. Fear.

For her.

“We’re clear,” Adrian says, motioning for us to advance.

We move in silence, slipping through the gaps in Reyes’s defenses. The air inside is cold and sharp, the faint scent of oil and metal clinging to everything. I tighten my grip on my weapon, my senses on high alert as we navigate the narrow hallways.

“She’s here,” I whisper, my gut telling me we’re close.

Adrian nods, his eyes scanning the security feeds on his tablet. “Third floor, central room. Reyes has fortified it, but we’ve got a clear path.”

“Not for long,” I reply, already moving toward the stairs.

’s POV

Reyes circles me like a vulture, his presence oppressive and suffocating. The monitors behind him flicker with images of Dominic and Adrian’s team breaching the facility. My heart leaps at the sight of him, but Reyes’s mocking laughter drags me back to the present.

“He’s coming for you,” Reyes says, his tone almost amused. “How predictable. How… touching.”

“You underestimate him,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear coursing through me.

Reyes tilts his head, studying me like a predator sizing up its prey. “Perhaps. But Dominic Kane’s biggest flaw is his belief that he can win every battle. Some wars are lost before they even begin.”

The door bursts open before I can respond, and Dominic storms into the room, his weapon raised. His eyes lock onto mine, blazing with fury and relief.

“Let her go,” he growls, his voice low and lethal.

Reyes steps back, his smirk widening. “Ah, Dominic. Always the hero.”

The tension in the room crackles like electricity as Dominic advances, his gun trained on Reyes. But before he can take another step, a guard grabs me from behind, pressing a knife to my throat.

“Dominic!” I cry, my voice trembling.

He freezes, his entire body going rigid as he stares at the blade against my skin.

“Let her go,” he repeats, his voice colder now, deadlier.

Reyes chuckles, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Now, now, let’s not be hasty. We wouldn’t want to hurt the lady, would we?”

Dominic’s gaze doesn’t waver, his focus unrelenting. “You’ll regret this, Reyes.”

The tension snaps like a breaking wire. Dominic lunges forward, his movements a blur of precision and fury. The guard holding me stumbles as Dominic strikes, disarming him with ruthless efficiency.

Chaos erupts, but I barely register it. All I know is that Dominic is here, and for the first time, I feel the weight of Reyes’s threats start to lift.

This isn’t over. But we’re one step closer.

As Reyes retreats, a hidden countdown timer blinks to life on one of the monitors—a silent promise of the destruction yet to come. Dominic and I lock eyes, the realization hitting us simultaneously.

Reyes hasn’t lost. He’s just begun.