Serena’s POVThe tension is thick in the air, so dense it feels like it’s pressing down on me as Bill and I rush through the house, grabbing only what we absolutely need. We’re not taking chances anymore — Kevin’s gone too far, and the fear of him looming close, watching our every move, is unbearabl
Serena’s POVThe sound of breaking glass rips through the quiet, cutting off any last illusion of safety. My heart pounds hard against my chest as I lock eyes with Bill. There’s no time to second-guess this. Kevin is making his move. We need to be out of here, now.“Get James on the line,” I tell B
Serena’s POVWe’ve barely been in the safe house for an hour, but it already feels like we’ve been here a lifetime. The place is small, cozy, tucked far enough into the woods to give us cover.I keep looking around to find every corner and possible exit. After that, I set up a makeshift crib for Col
Bill’s POVThe smell of stale coffee lingers in the air, and Matt’s heavy boots echo through the safe house as he steps inside. I glance up, my grip tightening on the mug in my hand. Serena’s fingers brush against mine in quiet reassurance.“Kevin’s been making moves,” Matt begins, tossing his jacke
Serena’s POVBill, Matt, James, and I go over every detail of the plan again and again. I sit at the table, watching as they discuss the best routes in and out of the location, debating whether we’ll have enough cover.It’s late, and all of us are tired. But I shake it off. There’s no time for being
Bill’s POVKevin and his men approach slowly, scanning every corner. They’re trying to catch even the smallest hint of movement. They’re wary but not afraid, at least not yet. Kevin’s confidence radiates off him like a bad cologne, seeping into the minds of the men with him. Serena is crouched besi
Serena’s POVKevin steps toward me. His twisted grin grows wider with each deliberate step. He thinks he has this in the bag. He thinks I’m scared, that I’ll back down the second he closes the gap. He doesn’t realize he’s underestimating me.My feet stay planted firmly on the ground, my hands steady
Serena’s POVKevin raises the knife, and my breath catches. For a split second, time seems to slow, the glint of the blade catching the faint light like a silent threat. Before I can react, Bill charges in from the side, slamming into Kevin with the full force of his body. They hit the ground hard,
Serena’s POVCollin’s laughter echoes through the backyard, loud and full, the way only a kid’s laugh can be. It cuts through the evening air, blending with the soft rustling of trees and the occasional gurgle from one of the twins.I take a sip of tea, letting the warmth settle in my chest as I lea
Bill’s POVI throw a punch at the heavy bag, ignoring the sharp pain that shoots through my ribs. My knuckles connect with a solid thud, but it’s not satisfying. Not enough. The ache spreading through my side is a reminder that I should be resting.But I don’t care.I shift my stance and hit the bag
Stevie’s POVI spot Calvin before he sees me.He’s sitting in a booth near the back, leaning against the leather seat with one hand wrapped around a whiskey glass. His sleeves are rolled up, his tie is slightly loosened, and his phone is face-down on the table. He looks… tired, but in a way that’s d
Calvin’s POVI stand at the head of the table, both hands resting on the smooth glass, my fingers pressing into the surface just enough to keep me grounded. Across from me, a dozen board members sit in their usual seats, but the energy in the room is off.Some of them shift slightly, their eyes dart
Serena’s POVThe sound of soft giggles and the rustling of blankets pulls me from sleep. For a moment, I think I’m dreaming, but then I hear something else—Bill’s voice. Low, soothing, but laced with strain.I blink my eyes open, squinting against the early morning light seeping through the curtains
Bill’s POVI ignore the pain in my ribs as I push through the doors of Calvin’s office. Every step sends a dull, burning ache through my side, but I don’t slow down. I don’t have the patience for weakness right now.Calvin and James are already at the table, hunched over a laptop, deep in discussion
Stevie’s POVThe house is quiet, the kind of quiet that feels rare lately.I rock Elijah gently, his tiny body curled against my chest, his breath warm and steady. His little fingers twitch slightly, grasping onto the fabric of my sweater in his sleep. I close my eyes for a moment, listening to the
Calvin’s POVThe study smells like coffee, old paper, and exhaustion. The kind of exhaustion that doesn’t just sit in your bones but in your mind, making every thought feel heavier than it should. The desk lamp flickers slightly, casting uneven light over the chaos of blueprints, files, and scattere
Serena’s POVThe house is finally quiet.I stand by the twins’ crib, watching their small chests rise and fall in slow, steady breaths. Their room is dimly lit by the soft glow of the nightlight, casting gentle shadows along the walls. For the first time in what feels like forever, they’re both asle