Chapter 11: Don't Be A Coward, Moretti

The silence in the safe house was palpable. The moonlight spilled through the half-drawn blinds, casting long, sharp shadows across the room. Logan sat sprawled on a worn-out couch, his sharp jawline illuminated by the dim glow of the single desk lamp. Aura stood at the window, her silhouette stiff as she peered into the darkness outside.

Logan broke the silence first. "You know, I don't usually get dragged into the kind of mess where people are throwing grenades and plotting murders."

Aura's lips twitched, the faintest hint of amusement crossing her face before it disappeared. "Consider this your lucky day."

Logan leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "You're avoiding something."

She didn't turn to face him. "I don't avoid anything."

"You do when it's about me." His voice dropped to a low, teasing drawl.

Aura finally turned, her cold gaze locking with his. "You're just collateral damage in a much bigger game, Mason."

Logan smirked. "Collateral damage, huh? Then why save me? Seems like a lot of trouble for someone who doesn't matter."

Aura stepped closer, her boots clicking softly against the hardwood floor. Her every movement exuded precision and control. "If I left you there, Moretti would've used you against me. That's not an option."

"Sounds like an excuse," Logan said, leaning back casually. I think you like having me around."

Aura scoffed. "Don't flatter yourself. You're a liability."

But Logan noticed the subtle tension in her jaw, the slight hesitation before she spoke. She was hiding something, and it only made him more intrigued.

*****

Miles away, Carlos Moretti sat in the grand study of his sprawling estate, a cigar clenched tightly between his teeth. His sister Samantha lounged nearby, her manicured nails tapping impatiently against the armrest of a velvet chair.

"You're telling me she escaped again?" Samantha's voice was sharp with disbelief.

Carlos expression was a thundercloud. "Not just escaped. She left a body count and took the model with her."

Samantha scoffed. "Why do you even care about that pompous idiot? He should have learned a little lesson. Just let him go. He's not worth the trouble."

Carlos turned his steely gaze on her. "He's worth it if she thinks he's worth it. Aura doesn't care about anyone, if she's protecting him, it means he's leverage."

Samantha rolled her eyes. "Or maybe she's just trying to ruin your life for fun. You should have killed her when you had the chance."

Carlos slammed his fist on the desk, making Samantha jump. "I know what I should have done!"

The room fell into an uneasy silence. Then Carlos's lips curled into a sinister smile. "But she's made it personal now. And I always win when it's personal."

*****

Back at the safe house, the air between Aura and Logan was growing increasingly charged. Logan couldn't resist pushing her buttons, and Aura, for all her control, was starting to fray at the edges.

"So, what's the plan, boss?" Logan asked, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Aura sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "The plan is for you to stay out of my way while I deal with Moretti."

"Right, because that's been working so well so far," Logan shot back.

Aura's patience snapped. She crossed the room in e few quick strides, her hand slamming down on the table in front of him.

"You think this is a joke? You think you can just waltz into my world and act like your arrogance will save you?"

Logan didn't flinch. He seemed amused by her outburst. "I think I can handle myself just fine. You're the one who keeps dragging me along."

Aura's glare could've frozen fire. "You have no idea what you're dealing with."

Logan stood, his height putting his eye to eye with her. "Then enlighten me."

For a moment, neither of them moved. The tension crackled like static electricity, thick and suffocating. Finally, Aura stepped back, breaking the moment.

"You're impossible," she muttered, turning away.

"And you're fascinating," Logan countered, his voice softer but no less determined.

Just as the conversation seemed to reach an impasse, Aura's phone buzzed with an encrypted alert. She snatched it up, her expression darkening as she read the message.

"What is it?" Logan asked, his curiosity piqued despite himself.

Aura didn't answer immediately. Instead, she grabbed her weapons and began strapping them to her belt.

"Stay here," she ordered.

Logan arched an eyebrow. "Like hell, I will."

Aura's eyes flashed dangerously. "This isn't a debate."

"Good," Logan said, grabbing his almost tattered coat. "Because I'm coming with you."

Aura stared at him, torn between exasperation and grudging respect. "Fine. But if you get yourself killed, don't expect me to feel bad."

Logan grinned. "Wouldn't dream of it."

*****

The two of them moved through the city's underbelly, heading toward the coordinates Aura had received. She didn't share the details with Logan, but he didn't need them to know it was dangerous.

When they arrived at the location, a decrepit factory on the edge of town, it was clear they had walked into a trap.

"Well, this is welcoming," Logan quipped as they surveyed the darkened interior.

Aura shot him a look. "Stay close and stay quiet."

They crept inside, the sound of their footsteps muffled by the dust-covered floor. Aura's every sense was on high alert, her eyes scanning for any sign of movement.

Then, without warning, the doors slammed shut behind them.

Carlos's voice echoed through the factory, amplified by a hidden speaker system.

"Aura. I was hoping you'd come."

Aura scoffed. "Show yourself, Moretti."

"Oh, I will," Carlos's voice promised. "But first, let's play a little game."

The factory lights flicked on, revealing a group of armed men surrounding them. Aura immediately drew her weapons, her movements fluid.

"Stay behind me," she hissed at Logan.

Logan, of course, didn't listen. "I can handle myself," he said, stepping forward.

Aura rolled her eyes. "You're going to get us both killed."

But Logan surprised her by grabbing a discarded metal pipe and swinging it at one of the approaching men. His form was sloppy, but his determination was undeniable.

"Not bad for a pretty boy," Aura muttered as she took down two more guards.

Logan grinned. "And here I thought you weren't impressed by me."

Aura didn't have time to reply. The fight was getting intensifying, and Carlos's men didn't show signs of letting up.