Chapter Seventeen

Sarah's breath hitched, her body freezing in place at the sound of the gun cocking. The air in the narrow corridor felt suffocating, each second dragging out as if time itself had slowed in anticipation of what was to come. She dared not move, her hands gripping the cold window ledge as if it were the only thing anchoring her to reality.

Antonio, half-conscious on the floor, barely stirred. The shadowy figure at the doorway stepped forward, the faint light from the flickering bulb above casting a long, ominous shadow over the scene. Sarah could feel the weight of the man's gaze, the cold, calculated intent in it. He wasn't just there to catch them-he was there to end them.

"Well, well, well," the man's voice slithered through the air, a cruel smirk evident in his tone. "You really thought you could escape? Adrian doesn't like disobedience, and neither do I."

The man stepped into the light, and Sarah recognized him instantly- Luca, one of Adrian's most ruthless enforcers. The scar across his

cheek was like a signature, a testament to the violence he had endured and inflicted in equal measure. His finger hovered dangerously near the trigger of the gun, his eyes flicking between Sarah and Antonio with a kind of cold amusement.

Desperation clawed at Sarah's throat. She could feel the sweat dampening her palms, the dread pooling in her stomach. But she couldn't let it show-couldn't give Luca the satisfaction of seeing her fear. She had to stay calm, had to think.

"What's the matter, Luca?" she said, her voice steadier than she felt, a hint of defiance slipping through.

"Adrian can't handle his own problems? He sends his lapdog to do it instead?"

The taunt worked. For a fleeting second, a flicker of irritation crossed Luca's face, his grip on the gun tightening. But then, just as quickly, he smirked, tilting his head slightly.

"Brave words for someone who's about to die," he replied, taking another step forward. The barrel of the gun glinted under the weak light, aimed squarely at Sarah.

Sarah's mind raced, searching for any possible escape. The window behind her was her only option, but the odds seemed impossible with Luca so close and Antonio in his weakened state. Still, she couldn't let herself freeze or let fear paralyze her now.

Her eyes darted to Antonio, slumped on the floor, his chest barely rising and falling with shallow breaths. There was no way he could run-not like this. Her heart clenched at the sight of him so broken, so

vulnerable. She had to protect him. Had to find a way out.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Sarah said, her voice sharper now. "You shoot me, and Adrian loses whatever leverage he has. You know he's not finished with me."

Luca chuckled darkly, shaking his head. "You think Adrian cares about leverage now? You're nothing but a liability to him. He won't shed a tear if I bring him your corpse."

Sarah's blood ran cold, but she didn't falter. She held Luca's gaze, her eyes narrowing. "You think Adrian would reward you for that? Do you think he trusts you enough to clean up this mess without question? He sent you because you're disposable. You're just as much a pawn as I am."

The words hung in the air, a tense silence following. Luca's smirk faltered, the shadows deepening the lines on his face as uncertainty flickered in his eyes. Sarah knew she was taking a dangerous gamble, playing on the fragile trust between Adrian and his men. But it was the only card she had left. For a moment, Luca hesitated. His eyes flicked to Antonio, then back to Sarah, calculating his next move. She could see the doubt creeping in, the subtle crack in his confidence.

It was now or never.

With a sudden burst of adrenaline, Sarah threw herself toward Luca, knocking the gun from his hand. The weapon clattered to the floor, and before he could react, she kicked it away, sending it skidding across the corridor. Luca snarled, lunging at her, but Sarah was faster, using her momentum to shove him against the wall.

"Antonio!" she screamed, her voice echoing through the narrow space. "Get up!"

Antonio groaned, barely able to move, but Sarah didn't have time to help him. Luca was already recovering, his fury palpable as he swung at her. She dodged, but not fast enough, the fist connected with her ribs, the impact knocking the wind out of her. Pain exploded through her side, but she gritted her teeth, refusing to go down.

Luca grabbed her by the arm, his grip like iron. "You're dead, Parker," he growled, his face inches from hers.

Before Sarah could respond, the sound of footsteps thundered down the hallway, followed by a familiar, commanding voice.

"Luca, stand down."

Sarah's heart skipped a beat. Adrian busted in.

Luca froze, his grip loosening just enough for Sarah to break free. She stumbled back, clutching her aching ribs as Adrian's towering figure emerged from the shadows, his expression unreadable.

"Seems I got here just in time," Adrian said, his voice deceptively calm. His gaze flicked from Sarah to Luca, his displeasure evident. "I warned you, Sarah. You keep running, and things only get worse."

Then, without warning, Adrian drew his own gun, the cold barrel aimed directly at Antonio.

The silence that followed was deafening.