Chapter 50

(WE MADE IT TO 50 CHAPTERS WOOO)

The silence returned, wrapping me in its unsettling embrace. Daniel was terrifying, a rogue wave of chaos in this dark ocean I found myself adrift in. Ricardo, though, had a different energy—there was an odd kindness in his approach, despite the brutal circumstances. But could I trust either of them?

Laying back on the bed, I tried to relax, but sleep eluded me. My mind whirled, painting vivid images of Haiden and Christian, their voices echoing in my head. "Where are you?" I whispered into the silence. "Please find me."

As night crept deeper, I heard hushed voices outside the door. I strained to listen, dread pooling in my stomach as I recognized Daniel's voice, harsh and cold. "This is all a waste of time. I don't care what the boss wants, she's useless—"

Another voice interjected, gruff yet tempered. Ricardo's voice had shifted, now more serious. "We have our orders. We need to find out what she knows. You don't want to upset the boss."

At the mention of their leader, my fear escalated. Who were they working for? I pulled myself into a ball, wishing I could disappear into the shadows. I was just a girl, running an art studio and café, not someone deserving of this madness.

But just then, a door creaked, and footsteps approached. My breath hitched as the door swung open again, revealing an unexpected face—Ricardo, alone this time.

"Look, I know this is confusing and frightening for you. But you have to understand, we are not your enemies," he said earnestly, his eyes searching mine for a glimmer of understanding.

"Then why am I here?" I countered, my voice shaking, trying to hold onto any fading thread of hope.

He shrugged, a flicker of guilt passing over his features. "The boss wants answers regarding your boyfriends. Information we believe will help us control a situation that's getting out of hand."

In that moment, a jarring realization pierced through the haze of fear. "What do you mean?..."

Ricardo paused, as if weighing his response. "Let's just say they're not just your average guys. They're powerful and dangerous. They're in too deep, and now you're caught in the middle."

I gasped, panic spilling over. "What do you mean 'caught'? Are they in trouble? I need to see them—"

Ricardo raised a hand, silencing my frantic pleas. "And that's why we need to keep you safe. Trust me; if Daniel gets his way, it won't just be your boyfriends we have to worry about."

My heart raced at the implication. Trust was a risky game, one that could lead to my doom if I chose poorly. And yet, despite my instincts screaming at me to run, something about Ricardo drew me in.

"Why should I trust you?" I whispered, almost a challenge.

"Because unlike Daniel, I have no intention of hurting you," he replied, his tone almost sincere. "In fact, I want to help you."

"Help me?" My mind reeled.