thank you so much dear REBELS! If you are reading this book to this end, I hope you could send in some GEMS to show some extra love for this novel. It would be nearing it's end and so I wish you could give more love through your gems. thank you so much! AND MERRY CHRISTMAS~~~~
The ride back to the next safe house was suffocating. The flash drive in my grip felt like it could burn a hole through my palm. Thiago sat beside me, his head leaning against the window, his breath shallow from the pain of his injuries. Raven was focused on the road ahead, her shoulders stiff, her usual calm replaced with a tension I hadn’t seen before.Helena’s parting words echoed in my mind, relentless and haunting. Someone I trusted. Someone close. The seed of doubt she had planted felt like a poison, spreading with each passing second.“Helena’s bluffing,” Raven said suddenly, breaking the silence. Her voice was sharp, resolute. “She’s trying to shake you. Don’t let her.”I nodded, but I couldn’t stop my mind from racing. Was she bluffing? Or was she giving me the only warning I’d get before another betrayal? After everything we’d been through, the idea that someone in my circle might be working against us felt unbearable.Thiago groaned softly, and I turned to him, concern snap
The ground beneath us trembled again, sending a crack through the tense silence. Dust cascaded from the ceiling as the sound of engines and boots thundering against the pavement outside grew deafening. Raven grabbed the laptop, shoving it into her bag, her movements quick and precise.“Let’s go!” she barked, her sharp tone jolting us into action.Aiden motioned to a hidden door at the back of the room. “Through there. It leads to an underground passage.”Thiago stepped forward, his jaw set despite the weariness etched on his face. “I’ll bring up the rear. Go.”“No,” I said quickly, grabbing his arm. “You’re not in any condition to—”His eyes softened, a rare vulnerability shining through the usual hardness. “Bridgette, I’m not leaving you unprotected. Now move.”Raven had already disappeared through the hidden door with my father in tow, leaving only the three of us in the crumbling safe house. Aiden gave us a pointed look before following them, disappearing into the shadows.The rumb
The tension in the air was suffocating as the stranger’s gaze bore into me. His smirk widened, sending a shiver of unease through me. I clung to Thiago’s arm, my nails digging into his jacket as he stepped protectively in front of me.“Who the hell are you?” Thiago demanded, his voice low and dangerous. His body shifted slightly, placing himself between me and the newcomer.The man chuckled, a sound that was both chilling and infuriating. “So quick to forget, Bridgette. But I can’t blame you. It’s been years, after all.”Years? My heart raced as I racked my brain for any memory that could explain his familiarity. Nothing came to mind, yet his face…there was something hauntingly recognizable about him.“I don’t know you,” I said, my voice trembling despite my attempt to sound firm.The man tilted his head, his smirk fading into something colder. “Oh, you will. Soon enough. But for now…” His eyes flicked to Thiago, assessing him with a predatory glint. “Your knight in shining armor look
The letter fell from my hands, landing on the floor like a ghost from the past that refused to fade. My knees buckled, and Thiago was at my side instantly, catching me before I could hit the ground. His arms wrapped around me, steady and unyielding, as my mind raced through a million questions and no answers.“Elijah…” I whispered, the name foreign and familiar all at once. “How can this be happening? He’s supposed to be dead.”Thiago’s jaw clenched as he scooped the letter from the floor, his sharp eyes scanning it again, as if willing the paper to reveal more than it did. “This doesn’t make sense,” he said, his voice a low growl. “But one thing is clear—he wants you to come to him.”“It's a trap,” Raven’s voice cut through the heavy silence. She stood at the door, her sharp eyes fixed on us. “He knows you’ll follow. That’s why he sent this.”Thiago nodded grimly. “She’s right. This isn’t an invitation; it’s bait. He wants Bridgette vulnerable, and he’s using her past to shake her.”
The world seemed to freeze as the image on the screen sank in. My father—helpless, bound, and surrounded by danger—looked straight into the camera with a defiance that mirrored his love for me. A shiver ran through me, and I clutched Thiago’s arm tightly.“I’ll kill him,” I whispered, my voice shaking with fury. “I swear, Thiago, I will end this.”Thiago handed the phone back to Raven, his expression dark and unreadable. “We don’t move without a plan,” he said, his tone commanding. “That’s exactly what Elijah wants.”Raven’s jaw clenched. “He’s escalating. If we don’t act quickly, he’ll force our hand again.”I pulled away from Thiago, pacing in frantic circles. “There’s no time! If we wait too long, he’ll—he’ll—” My voice cracked, the thought too painful to finish.Thiago caught my wrist, stopping me mid-step. His hands framed my face, forcing me to meet his steady gaze. “Listen to me, Bridgette. We’ll get him back. But you can’t let Elijah’s chaos control you.”His touch was groundi
The fire in his words sparked something in me, a reminder of the man I had come to rely on, even when everything felt like it was falling apart. “Then let’s fight back,” I said, stepping closer to him. “Together.”His lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “You really are fearless, aren’t you?”“I’ve had a good teacher,” I said, daring to brush my hand against his arm.For a moment, the world around us faded. Thiago reached for my face, his touch tender yet commanding. His thumb brushed over my cheek, and his gaze locked onto mine with an intensity that made my breath hitch.“You don’t know how much I need you right now,” he murmured, his voice raw and honest.I leaned into his touch, my heart pounding. “Then don’t let go.”His lips claimed mine in a kiss that was both urgent and searing, a release of all the tension and fear that had been building between us. His hands slid to my waist, pulling me closer as the world dissolved around us.For a
The explosion's aftermath left a ringing in my ears. Thiago’s hand never left mine as we sprinted through the crumbling hallways of Victor’s estate. Shouts and gunfire echoed around us, but Victor’s words—He wants Bridgette—were louder than anything else.“What does he mean, Thiago?” I demanded, my voice shaking as I struggled to keep up. “Why would Elijah want me?”Thiago didn’t answer immediately. His jaw clenched, and his eyes scanned every shadow, every corner, as if Elijah himself could emerge at any moment.“It doesn’t matter,” he finally said, his tone clipped. “I’m not letting him touch you.”The determination in his voice sent a shiver down my spine, but it wasn’t enough to quench my growing fear.Raven’s voice crackled over the comms. “Thiago, we’ve got two SUVs outside, ready to extract. We need to move now.”“Copy,” he replied, his grip tightening on my hand as he pulled me toward the exit.As we burst through the estate’s main doors, the night was ablaze with chaos. Raven
Before anyone could react, one of Thiago’s men—someone I’d trusted—moved. He turned his gun on Thiago, the sharp sound of the safety clicking off echoing in the tense air.“What are you doing, Ramirez?” Thiago growled, his eyes narrowing.Ramirez hesitated, his face conflicted. “It’s not personal, boss. Elijah… he made an offer I couldn’t refuse.”Thiago’s expression darkened. “You just signed your death warrant.”Ramirez’s gun wavered slightly, but Elijah’s voice cut through the tension. “Enough of this.” He gestured toward me. “Bring her to me.”Raven moved instantly, stepping in front of me, her weapon raised. Thiago lunged at Ramirez, disarming him in one swift motion before using the man as a human shield. Chaos erupted as shots rang out, the confined space turning into a battlefield.Thiago was a blur of movement, taking down one man after another with ruthless efficiency. Raven’s aim was deadly, but the sheer number of enemies overwhelmed us.“Bridgette!” Thiago shouted, his vo
The old pier stretched before me, silent except for the rhythmic lapping of the waves against the wooden posts. A single lamplight flickered above, casting long shadows across the damp planks. My heart pounded as I scanned the area, my breath visible in the night air.I checked my phone again. Midnight. I was a few minutes early, but whoever had sent the message wasn’t here yet.Or maybe they were watching.A gust of wind sent a shiver down my spine. I crossed my arms, not just against the cold, but against the gnawing uncertainty clawing at my insides. This could be a trap. Thiago could have sent the message, luring me here to force a conversation I wasn’t ready for. Or worse—someone else, someone more dangerous, could be behind it.I turned, about to leave, when I heard footsteps. Slow. Measured.I spun back, my pulse skyrocketing as a shadow emerged from the darkness.It wasn’t Thiago.Victor.His sharp features were cast in half-light, his expression unreadable as he stepped towar
Thiago kissed me like he was trying to brand himself into my soul—like he could erase every doubt, every betrayal, with the heat of his mouth.And for a moment, I let him.For a moment, I kissed him back, gripping his shirt like it could anchor me to something real.But reality crashed in just as fast.I shoved him away, breathless, my lips still tingling from the force of him.His chest rose and fell, his dark eyes locked onto mine with a heat that burned straight through me.“No,” I said, voice hoarse.Thiago’s jaw tightened. “Bridgette—”“No,” I repeated, stepping back. “You don’t get to do that. You don’t get to lie to me, manipulate me, and then kiss me like I’m supposed to forget everything.”His hands curled into fists at his sides. “I wasn’t lying to you.”“Really?” I let out a bitter laugh. “Then why do I feel like I just walked into a trap?”Thiago exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through his hair. “I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d react like this.”I crossed my arms.
I forced myself to meet Santiago’s gaze, schooling my expression into something unreadable. If he was here, breaking into my penthouse in the middle of the night, it wasn’t just to chat.He wants something.I wasn’t going to give it to him.“You have about ten seconds to explain why you’re here before I call security,” I said, gripping the wine bottle so tightly my knuckles ached.Santiago smirked, the kind of lazy, self-assured grin that made my stomach twist. He took a slow step forward, completely unfazed by my threat. “Security?” he mused. “Mmm… You could call them. But we both know they won’t get here in time, mi amor.”His voice was smooth, practiced, laced with the kind of confidence that came from knowing he held all the cards.I refused to let him see the flicker of unease tightening in my chest.“I don’t have time for games, Santiago.”“I know,” he said, tilting his head slightly. “Which is why I’ll get to the point.”In one fluid motion, he reached inside his suit jacket. I
His lips moved against mine with a slow, deliberate hunger, as if he was savoring every second of my surrender. I should have pushed him away. I should have turned and walked out of this penthouse, out of his life, like I swore I would.But the second his hands gripped my waist, pulling me closer, every ounce of resistance melted away.Thiago knew my body too well. He knew exactly how to unravel me with a single touch, how to make me forget logic and consequences. His fingers trailed down my spine, sending a shiver through me, his kiss deepening until I was breathless.I tore away, gasping, my palms flat against his chest. “Thiago—”His forehead rested against mine, his breathing just as uneven. “Don’t tell me you don’t want this.”My fingers curled into his shirt, torn between desire and the storm raging in my mind. “It’s not about what I want.”He exhaled, a humorless chuckle escaping him. “Then what is it about, Wifey?”That nickname. The way it rolled off his tongue like a promise
The hallway felt too small, too suffocating with both men standing there—Victor rigid with frustration, Thiago exuding that quiet, commanding presence that had always been my undoing.I should tell him to leave. I should push past this moment and pretend my heart wasn’t beating too fast, that I wasn’t already losing this battle.But I didn’t.Instead, I met Thiago’s gaze head-on. “What do you want?”He tilted his head slightly, studying me, before stepping closer. Too close. The scent of him—expensive cologne, faint whiskey, something distinctly him—wrapped around me like a noose.Victor shifted beside me, his tension palpable. “You’re wasting your time, Bermudez. She’s done with whatever game you’re playing.”Thiago let out a quiet chuckle, his eyes never leaving mine. “That so?” His fingers twitched at his side, like he was resisting the urge to touch me. “Because she hasn’t told me to leave yet.”Damn him.Victor exhaled sharply. “Bridgette.” His voice was low, a warning.I swallow
The silence stretched between us, thick with words left unsaid. Victor's gaze remained steady, unwavering, as if he could will me into understanding the danger I was walking into. Maybe he could see the fracture lines forming beneath my skin, the way I was slowly unraveling under the weight of my own choices.But what choice did I have? Thiago was a shadow I couldn’t outrun. No matter how far I went, how fiercely I tried to carve out a life separate from him, he was always there. And worst of all, some part of me still wanted him to be.I exhaled sharply, shoving past Victor toward the kitchen, needing space—needing something to ground me before I lost myself completely in this never-ending push and pull. I reached for the half-empty wine bottle on the counter and poured myself a glass. My hand trembled slightly as I took a sip, the bitter liquid burning down my throat.Victor followed but didn’t say anything right away. He just leaned against the counter, arms crossed over his chest,
The silence between Victor and me stretched, taut and suffocating. He watched me like I was a puzzle he had almost solved but was too frustrated to finish.“Bridge,” he finally said, his voice softer now. “You don’t have to do this alone. You know that, right?”I swallowed against the lump in my throat. Victor had always been my safety net, the one person who saw the mess I was and still chose to stand by me. But even he couldn’t save me from myself.I turned away, rubbing my arms as though that could shake off the cold creeping into my bones. “I’m tired, Vic. Can we just—can we not do this tonight?”His eyes darkened, but he nodded once, reluctant. “Fine. But this isn’t over.”With that, he left, the door clicking shut behind him. I waited, standing frozen in place until I heard his footsteps fade down the hallway. Then, with a shaky breath, I turned and pressed my forehead against the door, letting my eyes close.Not five minutes later, my phone vibrated on the counter.I didn’t wan
The weight of Lucia’s words lingered long after she was gone, settling over me like an unwelcome shroud. The air in my apartment felt heavier, thick with the ghost of Thiago’s presence.I set the wine glass down with a soft clink, pressing my fingers against my temples. My head throbbed, not from the alcohol but from the war waging inside me. Thiago was a storm—unrelenting, consuming, and I was the fool who kept stepping into the rain without an umbrella.I forced myself to move, needing to shake off the static thrumming in my veins. One step, then another, until I was standing before my bedroom mirror. The woman staring back at me looked like a stranger. There was defiance in her eyes, yes, but beneath it, something else lurked—uncertainty.My gaze dropped to the ring, still snug on my finger. I could almost feel the phantom trace of Thiago’s touch lingering there. My hands curled into fists. I should take it off. I should have done it the second he walked out that door.With a sharp
The elevator ride to my apartment was silent except for the dull hum of the machinery. My fingers hovered over the ring on my hand, debating whether to rip it off before I stepped through the door. But I didn’t. I couldn’t. I stepped out into the hallway, my heels clicking against the polished floor, my pulse a steady drumbeat in my ears. As I neared my door, a whisper of hesitation curled in my chest, but I ignored it. My fingers trembled only slightly as I unlocked the door and stepped inside.The lights were already on.I froze.And then…“I was beginning to think you’d changed your mind.”Thiago’s voice curled through the space, rich and smooth, wrapping around me like a silk noose. He was there, lounging in my living room like he belonged. A bottle of wine sat open on the table, two glasses half-poured. Like he’d planned for this. Like he knew I’d come.My breath stuttered. “You broke into my apartment.”Thiago smirked, tilting his head. “Now, now, wifey. You gave me a key, reme