Emma POV Emma stood by the window, her gaze fixed on the city lights, though her mind was far from the serene view outside. Her heart—steady, controlled—felt the weight of the storm Ethan had ignited the moment he stepped back into her life.Behind her, Ethan leaned casually against the doorframe, his eyes locked on her like a predator watching its prey. His voice broke the silence, low and deliberate. “You’ve been avoiding me.”Emma turned, her face calm but her eyes sharp. “And yet, here you are. As relentless as ever.”He smirked, stepping into the room with the calculated ease of a man who never heard the word no. “You make it sound like persistence is a flaw.”“It is when the person you’re chasing doesn’t want to be found.” Emma folded her arms, her voice steady despite the churn of emotions within her. “What do you want, Ethan?”Ethan’s smirk faded, replaced by a seriousness that made her stomach tighten. “I want the truth. About what happened between you and Damian.”Emma blin
Cassie’s POVMy hand hovering just above the doorknob. Something was off, though I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Emma had always been the strong one between us, but lately, her strength seemed more like a mask. And Ethan? He was the kind of man who could turn a quiet day into chaos with nothing but his presence. I pushed the door open and stepped inside, the faint smell of coffee drifting from the kitchen. “Emma?” I called, setting my bag down by the couch. No answer. I walked through the house, my nerves twisting. Emma wasn’t the type to just disappear without saying something, especially not with all the tension that had been hanging in the air lately. When I reached the living room, my stomach tightened. Her phone was on the table, next to a half-empty cup of tea. The tea was cold. Whatever had pulled her away, it hadn’t been planned. I grabbed her phone, scrolling through the recent calls. The last name that appeared made my skin crawl—Damian. A chill ran down m
Cassie POVThe cold air wrapped around me like a warning as I stepped out of the event. The city buzzed with life, but my thoughts were tangled in the web of secrets that Ethan and Damian had spun around Emma. She was walking briskly ahead, her movements sharp and filled with purpose.“Emma, wait!” I called, quickening my pace to catch up with her.She didn’t stop, didn’t even turn. “Don’t, Cassie. I don’t need another person trying to protect me.”“Is that what you think I’m doing?” I asked, my voice calm as I finally caught up to her. “I’m trying to understand what’s going on. You’re my best friend, Emma. I’m not just going to stand by while you get caught in the crossfire.”Emma stopped, her shoulders stiff as she turned to face me. Her eyes were red, not from tears but from frustration. “I don’t even know what I’m caught in, Cassie. And no one is telling me the truth.”I placed a hand on her arm, trying to steady her. “Then let’s find out together. Whatever Damian and Ethan are hi
Emma’s POVThe card sat on the table in front of me, its weight far heavier than its thin paper. Damian’s message was clear: if I wanted answers, I had to meet him on his terms. But what if I didn’t like what I found out?Cassie paced the room, her frustration spilling into every sharp step. “This is a trap, Emma. You know that, right?”I sighed, rubbing my temples. “I don’t have a choice. Damian’s the only one willing to give me answers, even if they come with a price.”“You don’t trust him,” Cassie said firmly. “And you shouldn’t. Damian doesn’t just give information. He uses it to manipulate people.”I looked at her, my resolve hardening. “I need to know the truth. About Ethan, about why Damian’s so obsessed with me. I can’t keep living in the dark.”Cassie stopped pacing, her expression softening. “Then I’m coming with you.”“No,” I said, shaking my head. “I need to do this alone.”“You can’t trust him, Emma,” she argued. “What if he tries to hurt you?”“I’ll be careful,” I promis
Nathan’s POVI stepped into the black SUV waiting near the alley. Elena was already inside, her fingers flying across her tablet as she pieced together the fragmented files we had taken from Damian’s hidden room.“We don’t have time for this,” I muttered, slamming the door shut. “Damian’s not going to sit back and let us walk away with all that evidence.”Elena glanced up at me, her brow furrowed in concentration. “This isn’t just evidence, Nathan. This is his entire operation. Blackmail material, financial records, deals with his so-called allies. It’s enough to bury him.”I clenched my jaw, my mind already calculating our next move. “And it’s enough to put Emma in even more danger. We need to move fast.”Ethan climbed into the SUV moments later, followed by Emma, who looked pale but determined. She was quiet, her gaze fixed on her hands.“Drive,” Ethan said sharply.The driver didn’t need to be told twice. The car lurched forward, the city’s dim lights flashing past the windows.“Da
Emma's POVEvery passing moment felt like another thread of control unraveling from the web Ethan had spun around me. His cryptic warnings about Damian, the vague promises of truth, and the weight of his secrets—everything felt like a cage I didn’t know how to escape.I sat by the window in the guest room, staring at the garden below. The vibrant colors of the flowers seemed almost mocking in their brightness. This estate was a beautiful prison, and Ethan was the warden who refused to release me.The soft knock at the door startled me. I turned to see Cassie peeking her head in, her expression a mix of worry and determination.“Are you okay?” she asked, stepping inside without waiting for an answer.“I don’t know,” I admitted, hugging my knees to my chest.Cassie closed the door behind her and crossed the room, sitting on the edge of the bed. “This isn’t like you, Emma. You’ve always been strong, even when things fell apart. But now… you look like you’re drowning.”I sighed, resting m
Emma’s POVThe cold air of the night bit at my skin as I stood near the edge of the estate, staring into the dark woods. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it a strange feeling of unease. I had been feeling it all day—the weight of everything that had happened, the lies, the secrets, the constant feeling of being trapped in a world that didn’t seem like my own anymore.I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to block out the thoughts that kept spinning in my mind. There was so much I didn’t know. Ethan had told me about Damian, about the past they shared, but it wasn’t enough. Damian was after something, and I was at the center of it all. And I needed to understand why."Emma," I heard Ethan’s voice call out from behind me. I turned to see him standing in the doorway of the house, his figure barely visible in the dim light. "What are you doing out here?"I sighed, feeling the weight of everything pressing on me. "I needed some air," I said, my voice quiet, almost defe
Emma's POVEthan We’d crossed a line tonight, and I wasn’t sure if it was too late to turn back. Damian had finally shown his hand, and now it was clear: this wasn’t just about power or control. This was personal."Ethan, I don’t think we have much time," I said, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. "Damian’s not just playing games anymore. He’s making his move."Ethan turned to face me, his eyes burning with a mix of fury and resolve. "I know. And we’re going to stop him."I felt my heart beat faster, not in fear, but in determination. For too long, I had been pushed around, controlled by forces I didn’t understand. But no more. I was done being a pawn in someone else’s game. Tonight, I was going to take back control.Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the building. We all turned at the same time, the noise coming from the hallway. I knew instantly that this wasn’t a coincidence. Damian had set something in motion."Stay close," Ethan whispered, his voice calm but
Emma’s POVThe silence between us stretched long and tense. Lucas stood in the middle of the road, his expression unreadable. His dark clothes blended with the night, but his eyes—sharp and calculating—never wavered from mine. I hadn’t seen him in years. And now, here he was, standing in our way like a ghost from the past. Chloe kept her grip on the wheel, her fingers twitching. “Who is he?” I swallowed. “My brother.” Ethan’s grip on the gun tightened. “You never mentioned a brother.” Because I never thought I’d see him again. Lucas tilted his head. “Are you going to introduce me properly, Emma?” I opened my mouth, but no words came. Chloe exhaled sharply. “We don’t have time for reunions. Move.” Lucas didn’t flinch. “I can’t let you pass.” Ethan lifted his gun. “Then you’re a problem.” Lucas remained still, his gaze locked onto mine. “Emma, tell them to lower their weapons.” I hesitated. Lucas had been gone for so long. Why was he here now? And more import
Emma’s POVThe cold night air hit me like a slap as we burst out of Damian’s estate. Shadows stretched across the vast grounds, and the moon barely offered enough light to guide our way. Our breaths came in sharp gasps, but stopping wasn’t an option. “We need a car,” Ethan said, his voice raw from exhaustion. Chloe scanned the area. “There.” She pointed toward a sleek black SUV parked near the garage. Footsteps thundered behind us. More guards. Emma grabbed Ethan’s arm. “Run.” We sprinted. Chloe reached the SUV first, yanking the driver’s side door open. She slid in, fingers flying over the dashboard in a desperate attempt to hotwire it. “Come on, come on,” she muttered. The guards were closing in. “Chloe!” I urged. A spark. The engine roared to life. “Get in!” she shouted. Ethan and I barely had time to throw ourselves into the car before she slammed her foot on the gas. The tires screeched against the pavement as we sped toward the gates. Gunfire erupted behi
Emma’s POVDamian’s smirk lingered as if he had already won. He expected me to obey without question, to betray Chloe without hesitation. He didn’t know me at all. “I need you to prove your loyalty,” Damian continued, pacing leisurely in front of me. “Bring me Chloe.” I forced myself to hold his gaze. “Why her?” “She has something I want.” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “And if I refuse?” Damian’s eyes darkened, amusement vanishing. “Then Ethan suffers.” He gestured toward Ethan, still shackled, his lip split from the last hit. “You see, Emma, I’m a reasonable man. Do as I ask, and he lives.” Ethan groaned, shifting against his restraints. “Don’t listen to him. You know this is a trap.” I did. Damian was testing me. But I couldn’t let Ethan pay the price for my defiance. I needed a way out—fast. “I’ll do it,” I said, my voice steady. “But I need time.” Damian arched a brow. “Time?” “She won’t come willingly. I have to convince her.” He studied me for a moment
Emma’s POVThe forest was eerily silent, save for the heavy breathing of those around me. Marcus, Damian’s enforcer, stood tense and poised for violence, while Alexander’s unexpected arrival threw everything into uncertainty. Chloe shifted beside me, her hands subtly moving toward the small blade she carried at her waist. I could feel Ethan’s protective stance near me, his body coiled like a spring, ready to react. Alexander’s cold gaze flicked between Marcus and us. “Damian doesn’t want them dead,” he said sharply. “Not yet.” Marcus let out a low chuckle, his amusement sending chills through me. “That’s funny, because he didn’t give me any orders to keep them alive.” He rolled his shoulders, as if he was itching for a fight. “Besides, they’re already too much trouble. It’d be easier to end it now.” Ethan stepped forward slightly, positioning himself in front of me. “You should listen to Alexander, Marcus. If Damian wants us alive, you don’t want to be the one who disobeys.”
Emma’s POVThe crisp morning air stung my cheeks as I stood at the cabin’s doorstep, my thoughts drifting between Ethan’s warmth and the danger lurking beyond the trees. The snow was fresh, untouched, save for our own footprints from the night before. I couldn’t help but feel a shiver crawl down my spine despite the sunlight cutting through the forest canopy.Ethan stepped up behind me, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder. “We’ll have to move soon,” he said, his voice steady.I nodded, forcing myself to focus. After everything Chloe revealed, it felt like the entire world was shifting under my feet. A powerful member of the council was helping Damian. The implications were terrifying. If the council itself was compromised, then nowhere was safe.Ethan pulled me close, his lips brushing against my temple. “We’ll figure it out.”Chloe joined us on the porch, her expression as tense as mine. “I’ve been thinking,” she began, crossing her arms. “We need more than just a plan to confron
Emma’s POVThe morning was calm, but my mind wasn’t. Bright sunlight streamed through the window, highlighting every corner of the room. I sat at the edge of the bed, staring out into the woods beyond the cabin. Snow glistened under the sun, making the entire landscape look peaceful. It was the kind of scene you’d expect in a painting, but peace was the last thing I felt. Behind me, Ethan stirred. The bed creaked as he shifted, his warm hand brushing my back. “Why are you up so early?” he asked, his voice low and husky from sleep. “I couldn’t sleep,” I admitted, my voice soft. He sat up, leaning against the headboard. “What’s on your mind?” “Damian,” I said honestly. “And whoever’s helping him.” Ethan sighed heavily. “We’ll handle it.” “How can you be so sure?” I turned to face him, needing answers. “He’s out there, plotting, and we don’t even know who else is involved. Chloe said someone in the council might be behind this. That’s big, Ethan.” “I know,” he said calmly,
Emma's POV My breath formed small clouds in the chilly air, but I barely noticed. My thoughts were tangled, racing between Damian’s threats and Ethan’s secrets. Everything felt like it was slipping out of control, and I didn’t know how to hold on. I hugged myself tightly, not sure if I was trying to warm my body or calm my nerves. The woods were silent, with only the soft rustling of leaves breaking the stillness. I took a shaky breath and turned toward the cabin door. Inside, Ethan was pacing near the fireplace. The light from the flames flickered across his tense face. He hadn’t spoken much since we got back, but I could feel the weight of everything unspoken hanging between us. "Ethan," I said quietly, breaking the heavy silence, "we need to talk." He stopped pacing and looked at me, his eyes sharp. "You're right." I walked toward the fire, letting its warmth chase away some of the cold. "Why didn’t you tell me everything from the beginning?" Ethan ran a hand through
**Ethan’s POV**Damian’s body was limp beneath me, but I didn’t trust that he was out for the count. I tightened my grip around his wrists, pinning him against the snow-covered ground. Every part of me was on high alert, anticipating the next move from the man who had been pulling the strings behind so much of this chaos. Emma was still out there, somewhere in the dark, and I couldn’t afford to lose track of her now. My thoughts were scattered, torn between ensuring Damian stayed down and finding Emma before she did something reckless.I looked over at Damian, still breathing but not moving. "Stay down," I growled, my voice low. But I knew that wouldn’t stop him for long. He had a way of worming out of situations, always a step ahead.“Let me go, Ethan,” Damian said, his voice a dark chuckle, strained but filled with menace. "You can't protect her forever."I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm. "This is over," I said. "You won’t hurt her again."Damian laughed again, a bitt
**Emma’s POV**The room felt heavy with silence. I stood near the window, staring out at the dark trees. The cold wind blew outside, but I barely noticed. My thoughts were racing. Serene had shown up today, and I still couldn’t make sense of everything. There were so many questions. Why had she come? What did she want from Ethan? What was really going on?Ethan had gone out to deal with something. He’d left in a hurry, but his words stayed in my mind. *Let me protect you.* I didn’t know if I wanted his protection anymore. I didn’t even know if I could trust him fully. He had so many secrets. And those secrets were getting harder to ignore.I turned away from the window and walked to the fireplace. The logs crackled, giving off a soft glow that lit up the room. I thought back to the things Ethan had said about Damian, the man who seemed to be behind everything. Damian wasn’t just a threat; he was someone who had power, someone who could destroy everything I cared about.And then there