Allison's POV.As I sat on the couch with the baby girl in my arms, I couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly this innocent child had captured my heart. She was still shy and clung to me, her little hands gripping my shirt as if it was the only thing keeping her grounded. I gently rubbed her back as she lay her head on my shoulder. There was a sense of peace in this moment, something I hadn’t felt in a long time. Setting her down on the floor with a few toys I’d found, I tried to distract her with some colorful blocks. Her curiosity was instant—those wide, innocent eyes sparkled as she started stacking them in a clumsy but determined manner. For a moment, I thought she’d be content just playing. But before I could even blink, she was on her feet, wobbling toward the edge of the table.“Hey, careful there!” I called out, a bit more sharply than intended. But toddlers don’t exactly listen to warnings. Just as she lost her balance and stumbled toward the sharp edge, instinct kicked in.
Williams POV.Nights bled into days, and days into nights. I’d lost track of time. My penthouse felt like a hollow prison, the silence suffocating, hitting at me. The city lights outside shone in mocking way, as if taunting me with the life I was supposed to be enjoying. Billionaire, powerful, respected—none of it meant a damn thing when you were alone, miserable, and aching for something you couldn’t have. Or rather, someone.Allison.I rubbed the back of my neck, staring at the bottom of the empty whiskey glass in my hand. It was the same routine every night now. Drink, drown in self-pity, and wait for sleep that never really brought peace. I’d tried to fill the void—God knows I tried. Expensive liquor, women who threw themselves at me, meaningless conversations. But it was all just noise. The moment I got one of them back to my place, the haze would clear, and I’d feel nothing. No desire, no distraction—just emptiness. So I’d send them away, frustrated and confused, while I drowned
Jessica's POV.The harsh fluorescent lights of the prison cell did nothing to mask the bruises and exhaustion I felt inside. My hands were tied behind my back as I was shoved roughly into the cell, the other inmates' laughter echoing in the narrow hallway. The cell was a dingy, foul-smelling place, and every inch of it seemed designed to grind down any semblance of dignity left in me.The moment I was inside, the jeers started. "Well, look who’s here! The queen of drama herself!" one of them sneered, her voice dripping with scorn. Another woman, her eyes cold as ice, added, "Think you’re so high and mighty, huh? Look where that got you now—prison food and a lifetime of misery."They circled me like vultures, their words like nails scraping down a chalkboard. I clenched my jaw, trying not to react. They didn’t know the half of it, how I felt like an animal trapped in a cage, facing a fate worse than death.The food they served was beyond appalling. Each meal was a grayish, tasteless s
Allison's POV.I cradled the baby in my arms, the soft hum of her breathing bringing a temporary sense of calmness. But the weight of what I’d discovered earlier was pressing on my chest like a boulder. Viktor Romanov was back in town, and I knew better than anyone what that meant. Trouble was brewing, and it wouldn’t be long before the city felt the impact of his twisted plans.The living room buzzed with tension as my team gathered. Viktoh leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his sharp eyes fixed on me. Mia was sprawled on the couch, tapping her fingers on the armrest. Ryan and Alex stood near the window, both looking like they’d rather be out hunting Viktor than strategizing.“This can’t be a coincidence,” I said, my voice low but firm. “I ran into Viktor Romanov today. He’s back, and he was scouting a jewelry shop—probably planning a heist. He was in disguise, but we both knew. The way he looked at me…” I trailed off, the memory of his cold stare sending a shiver down my spine.
Williams POV.I never imagined the night would end like this—flat on my back with Allison's arm cutting into my windpipe. Her grip was ironclad, reminding me how much more powerful she’s become. And even though I was gasping for air, there was a twisted part of me that was relieved. She was right there, in front of me. The woman I’ve spent sleepless nights dreaming of, haunted by the thoughts of what we used to be.But the look in her eyes… It wasn’t love or nostalgia. It was pure suspicion. She thought I was someone out to hurt her.“I wasn’t planning any harm, Allison,” I choked out, my voice raspy as I tried to steady my breath. “I could never hurt you.”She released me, stepping back cautiously, her eyes never leaving mine. “Then what were you doing creeping around outside my house like some goddamn stalker?”I got to my feet slowly, rubbing my sore neck. “I found your place. I’ve been standing out there for hours, trying to figure out what to do. Whether I should knock or leave.
Williams POV.The room fell silent, leaving nothing but the faint sound of the child’s breathing. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Allison, and for a split second, I saw something flicker in her gaze. Was it a glimmer of what we used to have? Or was it just wishful thinking?I didn’t have time to figure it out because she quickly tore her eyes away, breaking whatever connection had formed between us. “You should leave, Williams,” she said, her voice taking on a warning tone. “It’s not safe here. I wouldn’t want you dying on me.”I blinked, taken aback by the casual way she said it. “If it’s not safe for me, then it’s not safe for you either. And the kid.” My voice wavered slightly, betraying the concern I felt.She let out a harsh breath and shook her head at me like I was a stubborn child. “Have you forgotten who I am?” she snapped. “I’m more than capable of protecting myself and this child. You, on the other hand… you’re just a distraction, a liability. So please, get out now. I’ve
Allison's POV.The door burst open with a deafening crash, splintering into pieces as armed men stormed in. My heart hammered in my chest as I fired the first shot, the muzzle flash illuminating the shadowed figures charging at us. I didn’t hesitate, my instincts sharp and lethal as I took aim, squeezing the trigger with precise, calculated focus.“Williams! Take the kid and hide!” I shouted over the chaos, the sound of gunfire thundering in the air like a relentless storm. He didn’t argue, just grabbed the little girl and dove behind the overturned sofa, clamping a hand over her mouth to stifle her cries.One of the attackers lunged at me, but I was quicker, ducking under his swing and driving my elbow into his ribs before spinning and delivering a swift kick to his chest. He stumbled back, but before he could recover, I raised my gun and fired. The bullet hit its mark, and he crumpled to the floor.But there were too many of them—more than I anticipated. They poured into the house l
Allison's POV"You want to help?" I turned to Williams, my voice low and edged with a seriousness that made him straighten his posture. His eyes were still wide with the lingering adrenaline from the chaos earlier. The beach’s cold wind whipped through the air, bringing a chill that bit through the night. But nothing could be colder than the expression on my face as I stared him down."Of course, I do," he replied, almost breathless, as if he couldn’t believe I was asking him. "I’ll do whatever it takes, Allison."I held his gaze for a long moment, searching for any flicker of hesitation. He might’ve been desperate to be by my side again, but this wasn’t some romantic reunion. It was a battlefield. And I needed to know he understood that."Then take the child," I said firmly.His eyes widened. "What? You want me to—""Take her. Keep her safe." My voice hardened with every word. "You say you want to be useful? Here’s your chance."I glanced at the little girl, still trembling and sniff