Chapter 45 - Vulnerability

Alessandro

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I didn’t let go of her hand the entire ride. Viviane’s grip was tight, her knuckles white, fingers trembling against mine. She was hanging by a thread, and I wasn’t about to let that snap.

I kept my eyes forward, mind focused on what had to be done, but every once in a while, I glanced at her—pale, eyes wide with fear, breaths still too shallow.

She was on the edge, and seeing her like that, it… bothered me.

The streets blurred past the window as I pushed the car to its limits. Every few seconds, Viviane’s phone would buzz again, but she ignored it. Her focus was on the fire. On her niece. And I couldn’t blame her. The image of that kid, trapped inside a burning building, was enough to make even me uneasy.

I slowed the car down as we approached the scene. My jaw clenched when I saw the flashing lights. Red and blue reflected off the windows of the neighboring buildings.

Fire trucks were lined up on the street, hoses snaking out toward the burning apartment complex