Chapter 52

The rain had barely let up by the time they reached Julian’s safe house on the outskirts of the city. Erica could feel the exhaustion deep in her bones as they stepped inside. Her ribs ached, and every breath was a reminder of the beating she had taken during the fight. Still, her mind was too wired to rest. They had won a crucial battle, but they were far from safe.

Julian shut the door behind them, his movements as smooth and controlled as always, despite the toll the night had taken. His eyes flicked toward her as she slipped off her wet jacket, revealing the bloodied shirt underneath. He frowned, stepping closer.

"You're hurt."

"I’ll be fine," Erica muttered, brushing off his concern as she headed toward the kitchen. She opened one of the cabinets and pulled out a first aid kit. “It’s not the worst I’ve been through.”

Julian followed her, not saying anything but watching her carefully. His presence was steady, comforting in a way she wasn’t used to. It was odd, this sense of relia